《Beast Tamer Ascension》 Chapter 1: There is no absolute path for the people under heaven Chapter 1: There is no absolute path for the people under heaven Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Lin Jing gradually regained consciousness. He opened his eyes and was met by a damp, cold air. Where is this? The air was thick with an indescribable musty smell, mixed with the scent of damp earth. The surrounding walls were covered in moss and dark mold, and the sound of dripping water echoed from somewhere, making the place feel even more cold and eerie. A prison cell? After observing the dim environment, Lin Jing reached a judgment that felt absurd in his heart. He had just passed the immortal examination, preparing to follow the immortals to cultivate and pursue eternal life. How could he end up in a place like this? "Awake?" A sharp pain surged in his head, and before he could make further assessments, a weak voice came from nearby. Lin Jing then realized he seemed to have a neighbor. He wanted to struggle, but found he couldn''t move; his body was incredibly stiff. "Don''t waste your energy," the voice said again. "We¡¯ve both been bound by a binding spell." "Who are you?" Lin Jing asked. "Like you, I''ve been abducted by an immortal trafficker," the person replied. "¡­" Immortal trafficker? What is that? Hearing this, Lin Jing quickly recalled. He was a traveler from a blue planet. After arriving here, he discovered that immortals indeed existed. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that he was here, Lin Jing quickly found new motivation. He wanted to cultivate! His memory flashed back to when he desperately sought an immortal, eventually passing the entrance examination of a cultivation sect called "Qing Niu Dao Guan" due to his astonishing talent and extraordinary physique. Then everything went dark, and he couldn¡¯t remember anything after that. He ended up locked up in this place. "Immortal trafficker?" Lin Jing had no words. Don''t tell him that the cultivation sect he worked so hard to find turned out to be a human trafficking den... Damn it! The weak voice came again. "By the way¡­ brother, what is your physique?" "The fact that the Yin Corpse Sect has set their sights on you means you are definitely a genius in cultivation like me." "Me? A genius?" Lin Jing didn''t know whether to feel happy or distressed. Hearing what the other said, it was indeed the case; perhaps he truly possessed some talent for cultivation, otherwise, he might not even be worth being sold. But now, the only advantage he had after crossing over seemed to have become a death warrant. "Brother, don¡¯t panic. Just because we¡¯ve been abducted here doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re doomed." "I''m not panicking. What will happen to us next?" Lin Jing took a deep breath. He was an optimistic person. During his illness, with encouragement from family and friends, he developed a positive outlook on life. With a good attitude, luck wouldn¡¯t be bad. Look, he didn¡¯t die after all; he had crossed over, right? He had unwittingly gained a new life. "...The Yin Corpse Sect is one of the three major demonic sects in the cultivation world, specializing in the illegal trade of human trafficking." "They capture low-level cultivators or mortals with rare physiques and sell them to higher-level cultivators for possession or as resources for cultivating demonic techniques." "Normally, our outcome is obvious; we either become the vessels for some cultivator to possess and restart their cultivation or be refined into great medicinal pills." "However, brother¡­" the person said, "we¡¯re not without a way out. The reason I¡¯m asking about your situation is that some special physiques might not meet a grim end." The weak voice continued, "For instance, I am a Yuan Yang physique, which is the best dual cultivation furnace. Even if I die, it would only be from expending all my essence, dying in pleasure. If I¡¯m lucky, and the buyer is a kind female cultivator, I might not die at all... This is the glimmer of hope I mentioned." Lin Jing fell silent. No wonder you¡¯re not panicking. How does it feel like you¡¯re a bit eager? "So, what about you, brother? Let me analyze your situation." "Me..." What is my cultivation physique? From what he understood, in this world, more than ninety-nine percent of cultivators start out as ordinary bodies, but there are a few lucky ones who are born with various attribute spiritual bodies or special physiques, allowing them to go further on the path of cultivation. When he joined "Qing Niu Dao Guan," that Daoist Qing Niu seemed to say he had an extraordinary cultivation physique, a Longevity Body! A short-lived person matched with a Longevity Body; he himself found it surprising. The other person claimed that after stepping onto the immortal path, his lifespan would be at least ten times that of other cultivators of the same realm! The benefits of his physique seemed simple, but it was better than an ordinary body. Lin Jing had already decided to survive for a few thousand years in the Daoist temple and then emerge after becoming invincible. But who knew, he hadn¡¯t been happy for long when... So, is my Longevity Body really true? "If I am a Longevity Body, what will the outcome be?" Lin Jing asked. "Mm? Longevity Body?!" The Yuan Yang physique was stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, his tone became strong and no longer weak. "You are actually a Longevity Body!" "Then you are finished." Lin Jing: ? "According to legend, although cultivators with a Longevity Body have long lifespans, their flesh and blood are said to be ''immortal'' when consumed. I¡¯ve heard that the flesh and blood of a Longevity Body is a great supplement for demon creatures, and it has unimaginable allure for demonic beasts." "You might¡­ be sold to some demon king by the Yin Corpse Sect, becoming a meal!" The Yuan Yang physique lamented and expressed regret. Lin Jing: ? Is it like Tang Seng''s meat?! "Well, that''s acceptable." However, in the next moment, Lin Jing let out a sigh of relief. "I still have a glimmer of hope." "Why do you say that?" The Yuan Yang physique was taken aback. "Although I don¡¯t know much about Longevity Bodies, I speculate that the higher the cultivation realm of a Longevity Body cultivator, the better the effect of consumption." Lin Jing also began to analyze. "In other words, after being sold, I might not be eaten immediately." "It''s possible that the demon king will forcibly increase my realm before consuming me." "Moreover, it would be too extravagant to eat me all at once. If I were the demon king, I would slowly improve my quality, taking blood and cutting flesh every day for cyclical consumption, maximizing value. I could suggest to the demon king that maybe we could collaborate long-term." "That¡¯s better than being possessed immediately..." "Ah?" The Yuan Yang physique exclaimed, greatly shocked. He wanted to ask, "Are you a normal mortal? What have you been through!" But ultimately, he didn''t ask out loud... The two fell silent. Lin Jing looked up at the sky again in silence. ... After an unknown amount of time. With a loud bang, the prison cell shook. Lin Jing and the Yuan Yang physique, who had their eyes closed and were lost in thought, opened their eyes at the same time. Outside, there was a great commotion, as if someone was engaged in battle. Hearing the noise, Lin Jing suddenly thought of some keywords and said, "Brother Lu, didn¡¯t you say before that the Yin Corpse Sect engages in illegal activities and is a demonic sect?" "This means there¡¯s a ''righteous law enforcement organization'' in the cultivation world, right?" "If that¡¯s the case, do we still have another path to survival, which is to be rescued by righteous people before being sold?" The Yuan Yang physique leaned out, surprised that this mortal was quick to react, and most importantly, his emotions were incredibly stable. However, he didn¡¯t have the surname Lu. "Is it?!" Lin Jing remained calm, knowing that there¡¯s no absolute path for the people under heaven. This commotion¡­ it might be righteous immortals coming to rescue them! As soon as he finished speaking, the stone wall shattered, and the large prison cell was smashed to pieces. Amid the flying debris, a massive black bear creature, towering two people high, appeared in front of Lin Jing. This black bear monster had muscles bulging, and its red eyes were fixed on Lin Jing, drooling from its mouth filled with sharp teeth as it spoke in human language: "I caught a whiff of a delicious scent from far away..." "What luck! To find a ''Longevity Body'' in this little place, and there are only a few weak foundation-building cultivators guarding it." "It seems I can have a great feast¡­" As the bear spoke, Lin Jing¡¯s smile faded. Wait, where did this monster come from? Chapter 2: The Black Bear Monster Chapter 2: The Black Bear Monster Hey... is it really necessary?! Looking at the monster that came in, Lin Jing was speechless. It wasn¡¯t the righteous immortal who had come to attack the Yin Corpse Sect stronghold, but rather... a monster attracted by his physique? A black bear that was a foundational cultivator of the demonic sect... To be honest, if given the choice, he didn¡¯t really want to engage in a long-term partnership with a demon beast. Even if the other party was reasonable and consented, it would still hurt him. Just escaping from a wolf¡¯s den to fall into a bear¡¯s mouth, Lin Jing felt very tired. Sensing the foul smell coming from the black bear''s mouth, Lin Jing sorted out his thoughts and was about to introduce the proper way to eat him. During this time, thump, thump... Lin Jing''s heartbeat accelerated, and his stiff body seemed to regain some movement, but even if he could move, he didn¡¯t think he could escape. "Great King, please hear me out..." Lin Jing spoke, needing to appeal to emotion and reason. But the next second, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts, leaving him in a somewhat complicated mood. "Elder Black Bear." The previously encountered Yuan Yang physique had somehow walked out of the collapsed prison cell, brushing off the dust from his body, and respectfully clasped his fists towards the black bear monster. "He¡¯s just a mortal; please don¡¯t scare him. What if he dies?" "Ah?" The black bear monster stretched out its palm to wipe its drool, its eyes turning to the Yuan Yang physique. "You¡¯ve done a great job this time." "I¡¯ve already dealt with the demonic sect cultivators in this Yin Corpse Sect stronghold..." "Next, we¡¯ll leave it to the Demon Extermination Division to handle. However, this guy..." The black bear monster licked its lips, looking at Lin Jing. "I know." The Yuan Yang physique laughed heartily. Saying this, he looked kindly at Lin Jing. At this moment, Lin Jing could only remain silent. This is... The Yuan Yang physique smiled at Lin Jing. "Brother, I know you have many questions in your heart, and I¡¯m here to answer them for you." "I am Ouyang Hao, an inner disciple of the Beast Master Sect. For the sake of the sect¡¯s mission, I deliberately disguised myself as prey to infiltrate the Yin Corpse Sect stronghold and provide intelligence for the sect." "It was originally a long-term mission to catch bigger fish, but I couldn¡¯t bear to see you fall into the jaws of a monster, so I contacted the sect early to set up a net." "Now, this Yin Corpse Sect stronghold has been destroyed, so you don¡¯t have to worry about your safety anymore." Lin Jing looked up. He looked at the other person. Then he glanced at the black bear monster, which had somehow pulled out a Daoist robe and draped it over itself. On the back of the robe, there were three large characters that appeared to read "Beast Master Sect." An undercover agent? "Of course, our meeting is fated. You must have entered the Yin Corpse Sect in search of immortality, so I wonder if you would be interested in returning with me to the Beast Master Sect and become a disciple of the Beast Master Sect, cultivating beasts and seeking immortality?" Ouyang Hao invited. "Beast Master Sect?" Lin Jing knew... His life was not meant to end here! "Yes, the Beast Master Sect!" Ouyang Hao seemed to see through Lin Jing¡¯s caution and said solemnly, "You can rest assured that the Beast Master Sect is a legitimate sect, recognized as a righteous path in the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom." Lin Jing nodded, but he still felt that the black bear monster¡¯s drool didn¡¯t seem to be fake. Moreover, "Beast Master Sect" sounded like a place that raised many demon beasts. Since his Longevity Body was a great supplement to demon beasts, then entering such a sect would surely bring trouble. Lin Jing expressed his skepticism. At this time, the Daoist robe-clad black bear monster turned its head and said, "Kid, do you still want to cultivate? If so, joining the Beast Master Sect is your best option." "Although the Longevity Body has a long lifespan, its cultivation speed is extraordinarily slow, and there are no divine abilities to enhance it, making its combat power quite ordinary. According to normal cultivation methods, even with abundant resources, it would take a long time to successfully establish a foundation." "This physique gradually becomes extinct; in addition to being hunted by the demon clan, the difficulty of cultivation is also a factor." "Therefore, even if a Longevity Body is discovered, most sects can¡¯t afford to nurture it due to its overly harsh cultivation conditions!" "However, the Beast Master Sect is different. The methods practiced there involve cultivators forming contracts with spiritual beasts and demon beasts, primarily assisted by pet beasts in combat. While cultivating the pet beasts, the cultivation results of the pets will also partially reflect back on the cultivators." "So, for cultivators whose cultivation speed is too slow due to innate talent and physique, choosing the path of beast cultivation in the Beast Master Sect is the best option." "The Beast Path is more suitable for your Longevity Body than any other cultivation methods, such as law cultivators, sword cultivators, or body cultivators!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What do you think?" Elder Black Bear stared at Lin Jing, laying out the pros and cons. "I see." Lin Jing understood. No wonder Brother Lu gave up his task to save him first. Hearing this, the Longevity Body cultivation physique indeed matched well with the cultivation methods of the Beast Master Sect. Relying on his long lifespan... he could cultivate one pet after another, quietly increasing his cultivation in the background; that didn¡¯t sound too bad. "Predecessors... I am willing to join the Beast Master Sect." Lin Jing immediately said. For now, he didn¡¯t care if the Beast Master Sect was reliable; he had no other options. He certainly couldn''t continue being an ordinary person. After experiencing being sold to the Yin Corpse Sect, Lin Jing didn¡¯t want to wander around outside anymore. The hearts of people are treacherous. The hearts of beasts are treacherous. Having a Longevity Body was like being a walking Tang Seng meat; it was too dangerous. Moreover... his current life was saved by them. A drop of water of kindness should be rewarded with a fountain of grace; how could he forget a life-saving grace? He wanted to enter the sect... to seek an opportunity for repayment! "Good, good, good." Upon receiving Lin Jing¡¯s answer, Ouyang Hao smiled again. "Then from now on, you can call me Brother Ouyang. Let¡¯s return to the sect!" Finding a special physique for the sect was worth far more than the rewards of this mission. Ouyang Hao looked at Lin Jing as if he were a brilliant spirit stone, incredibly pleasing to the eye. "Okay, Brother Ouyang... Oh! By the way!" Lin Jing suddenly remembered something and said, "What about the Daoist temple that tricked me here?" Recalling that old Daoist riding a cow, Lin Jing felt particularly resentful. The grudge of being trafficked was one that couldn''t be shared; if it weren''t for meeting the undercover agent, he would have almost met his end! He remembered this grudge, as well as the Yin Corpse Sect... he wouldn''t forget! Gratitude should be remembered, and so should grudges. Once he became a powerful cultivator, he would ensure that this trafficking organization was wiped out. "You don¡¯t need to worry about that. The Demon Extermination Division will take care of it." The black bear monster spoke while observing the surroundings. "This place isn¡¯t safe for long. We don¡¯t know if the demon cultivators in this stronghold have passed on your Longevity Body information to higher-level Yin Corpse Sect cultivators. For safety¡¯s sake, let¡¯s return to the sect first." "My master, Elder Mo Wuyah of the Beast Master Sect, has been waiting for you. He is responsible for identifying special disciples, and it was he who discovered Ouyang Hao and brought him into the sect. Both of you are talented with special physiques, and once you enter the sect, your treatment will be better than that of ordinary disciples!" Lin Jing nodded, but with his Longevity Body, he felt that danger would not be scarce after stepping into the world of cultivation. Based on his character, should he raise a monkey to protect himself...? Chapter 3: The Great Wilderness Region, South Chapter 3 : The Great Wilderness Region, South Towering mountains, enshrouded in clouds and mist, reached toward the heavens. This was the domain of the Beast Master Sect. High among the peaks, nestled within the sea of clouds, Elder Black Bear swept Lin Jing and Ouyang into the sect¡¯s grounds. One of the main peaks, Lotus Peak, shaped like a blooming lotus flower, appeared as if it had been carefully sculpted by nature itself. The black wind carried them to the peak, where clouds churned around them. As Lin Jing¡¯s vision cleared, he found himself standing in a stone courtyard. The stone courtyard appeared simple and unadorned, yet breathing here felt like being in a celestial realm, refreshing the spirit and dispelling worldly cares. "Back, are we?" In the courtyard stood an elder in black Daoist robes, his sparse silver hair combed back, revealing a forehead etched with the marks of time. He seemed to have been waiting for a while, only showing signs of vitality in his eyes¡ªusually as still as a stagnant spring¡ªwhen someone arrived. "Master," the Black Bear spoke. "Elder Mo," Ouyang respectfully greeted. Lin Jing followed their example and saluted. "I shall take my leave, then." Without waiting for Elder Mo¡¯s response, Ouyang withdrew voluntarily. The Black Bear yawned and transformed into a cloud of black smoke, vanishing into the distance. Soon, only Lin Jing and Elder Mo remained in the courtyard. "Child, what¡¯s your name?" Elder Mo looked at Lin Jing and asked. "Elder, my name is Lin Jing." "Why do you pursue immortality?" His gaze deepened as he looked at Lin Jing. Lin Jing sighed, "Initially, I sought immortality for a longer life, but then I discovered I possessed an Eternal Life Constitution¡­" Elder Mo was at a loss for words. "And now?" "I dislike fighting and killing. I initially hoped to cultivate in peace and pursue the path to eternal life." "But I¡¯ve realized the Eternal Life Constitution can¡¯t remain hidden; it will inevitably attract the attention of demonic beasts." Lin Jing shook his head. "So, I wish to cultivate formidable strength!" "Indeed, only with power can one control their fate," Elder Mo said. "However, with power, one must also use it for righteous purposes." Lin Jing looked solemn. "I have already decided. To repay the sect¡¯s life-saving grace, once I am strong enough, I¡¯ll use myself as bait to lure various demonic beasts to the Beast Master Sect. This way, every disciple can have several beasts to subdue." "???" Elder Mo responded, "There¡¯s no need for that; the sect doesn¡¯t lack demonic beasts." "Moreover, enslaving beasts is an outdated path for our sect." "I meant that, given the sect saved you from the Yin Corpse Sect, you should help others in need once you gain strength. Seek virtue and avoid falling into darkness in your pursuit of power." "Enough." "Let¡¯s move on to official matters," he continued, though he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this Eternal Life Constitution seemed unusual, hoping it wouldn¡¯t cause trouble in the future. "In the Beast Master Sect, disciple ranks are divided into servant, outer, inner, and true disciples." "You are now an outer disciple of the sect, but since you possess a special constitution, you¡¯ll receive enhanced training privileges." "The sect will grant you resources one level higher than your current status. As an outer disciple, you¡¯ll receive resources at the level of an inner disciple. When you reach the inner disciple status, you¡¯ll receive the resources of a true disciple!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, while your constitution is unique, advancement still depends on your efforts. You¡¯ll need to complete sect missions and contribute to the sect." The sect did not easily bestow knowledge, and while the Eternal Life Constitution was rare with great potential, it would take time to assess Lin Jing¡¯s character and resolve. After Elder Mo finished, Lin Jing nodded. "Understood, Elder. Thank you." "Good." "May you strive in your cultivation and not disappoint the sect''s support." He continued, "Do you know the types of beasts?" "Types of beasts?" Lin Jing shook his head. "I don¡¯t know¡­" "There are four kinds," Elder Mo said, looking up at the sky. "Spiritual, Demonic, Rare, and Celestial!" "Those that absorb the essence of the sun and moon, or are nurtured by spiritual fruits and plants, developing wisdom and cultivation, are called Spiritual Beasts." "Those that feed on flesh, or devour souls, are called Demonic Beasts." "In the Beast Master Sect, we keep both Spiritual and Demonic Beasts." "Usually, new disciples are provided with a low-level Spiritual Beast as their pet." "Ouyang should have explained this to you, correct?" "No, Elder Black Bear¡¯s speed made us dizzy on the way¡­," Lin Jing hesitated before replying, "Elder Mo, what about the Rare and Celestial types?" "Have you seen the night sky?" "In addition to the sun and moon, countless strange stars are scattered across the sky." "There is a legend that these stars are fallen immortals transformed." "They sometimes shine brightly, and when their light touches the Tianyuan Continent, it may cause various wild animals and plants to mutate!" "Whether a Spiritual or Demonic Beast, those altered by the light gain a mysterious ability, a supernatural power that gives them a unique racial talent distinct from ordinary beasts." "For example, they might master spatial or temporal powers in the Qi Refining stage." "Or they might regenerate from a single drop of blood, achieving near immortality." "Some may even enter the Netherworld or escape the Five Elements." "However, such beings are rare, and these mutated beasts are called Rare Beasts." "As for Celestial Beasts, with the severed immortal path, it¡¯s unknown if any exist on the Tianyuan Continent today." "Spiritual¡­ Demonic¡­ Rare¡­ Celestial¡­" Since joining the Beast Master Sect, Lin Jing naturally felt it was essential to understand these classifications. Herbivorous Spiritual Beasts seemed relatively less dangerous. Carnivorous Demonic Beasts¡­ as someone with the Eternal Life Constitution, he¡¯d best avoid those while he was still weak. As for Rare Beasts, with their rarity, he figured they wouldn¡¯t concern him either. "Now, let¡¯s choose your pet beast." "The sect recently recruited a large batch of outer disciples, so the number of available pet beasts is limited." "But since you¡¯re new to cultivation, you don¡¯t need to contract a particularly powerful pet beast just yet." "You have ample time to build a foundation. When your cultivation is stronger, you can then contract a more powerful pet beast with a strong bloodline." "I will follow your guidance," Lin Jing said without complaint. "Good." Elder Mo continued, "Currently, we have basic Spiritual Beasts of four attributes remaining¡ªWater, Fire, Earth, and Wood." "These are the Water-attribute Rain Frog, of which there are seven left." "The Fire-attribute Fire Spirit Finch, with two left." "The Earth-attribute Horned Ox, with three available." "And the Wood-attribute Pine Leaf Mouse, with only one remaining." "I¡¯ll introduce them," Elder Mo explained. "The Beast Master Sect cultivates five kinds of basic pet beasts suitable for Qi Refining cultivators, one for each attribute: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth." "These five pet beasts are not only friendly but also have potential to reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Additionally, they can quickly help disciples gather cultivation resources." "The Metal-attribute Battle Ape is efficient in mining. Those who choose it can take mining missions in the spirit mine area, earning daily resources and strengthening the Battle Ape. But this batch has already been chosen." "Of course, the other four types are equally good." "The Water-attribute Rain Frog is adept at water techniques, and, when nurtured, can summon rain to irrigate the spirit fields." "The Fire-attribute Fire Spirit Finch is skilled in fire techniques and can assist in the fire kitchens and fire refining rooms." "The Earth-attribute Horned Ox, with its boundless stamina, helps transport supplies between peaks." "Lastly, the Wood-attribute Pine Leaf Mouse excels in wood techniques, with a spirit power that accelerates the growth of spiritual plants." "Among the five, the Battle Ape, Horned Ox, and Fire Spirit Finch are better in combat, while the Rain Frog and Pine Leaf Mouse are more peaceful and offer higher rewards in daily sect missions." "However, the most crucial factor in choosing a pet is compatibility with yourself." "For your constitution, which is like a normal one and without any elemental affinity, any of the Spiritual Beasts would suit you without causing conflicts." As he spoke, two shadows appeared in the clouds¡­ shortly, two beautiful celestial cranes landed before them. "Greetings, Elder Mo. Where to next?" one of the cranes inquired in a pleasant, feminine voice. Elder Mo looked to Lin Jing, signaling him to choose his pet type. These cranes would carry them to the mountain where the selected Spiritual Beast resided. Chapter 4: Choosing a Pet Beast Chapter 4: Choosing a Pet Beast Lin Jing understood that his constitution, like that of an ordinary person, was without any elemental attributes. Looking at Elder Mo, he said, "Then Elder Mo, I¡¯ll choose the Pine Leaf Mouse." "Oh?" Elder Mo asked, "Are you certain?" Lin Jing nodded. "I am certain." His reasoning was simple; as an Eternal Life Constitution, he was not suited for fighting and killing in the early stages. Raising a Wood-attribute pet beast that could assist in farming and nurturing spiritual plants seemed a better option for gradually increasing his strength while staying within the sect. Moreover, even though his constitution had no elemental affinity, Wood techniques were generally related to vitality and life force, making a Wood-attribute spiritual beast evidently more suitable for him. As for combat-oriented beasts, he could look for those later, once his cultivation improved and he became an inner disciple. "Elder Mo, is there a problem with this Pine Leaf Mouse?" Lin Jing asked, a bit concerned. "Well¡­" Elder Mo began, "The sect raises many spiritual beasts, and from the moment they are born, we instill a sense of purpose in them and help them develop their intelligence. Each month, we provide them with spiritual stones to aid in their cultivation." "Those available for disciples to choose from are generally under a year old, nurtured by the sect''s resources to reach the third layer of Qi Refining and possess enough intelligence to understand human speech." "After all, if a beast can¡¯t reach the third layer with this level of training and can¡¯t understand human speech, it simply isn¡¯t suited for cultivation. Let alone assisting human disciples, it would be a burden." "This one, however¡­ during the last selection, only reached the second layer of Qi Refining and does not meet the standard." "Normally, it would be released to roam the Pine Forest and would not be given to disciples." "However, the elder responsible for basic spiritual beast training discovered that this Pine Leaf Mouse only reached the second layer due to some special circumstances." "What kind of circumstances?" Lin Jing asked, startled. Elder Mo hesitated before explaining, "This Pine Leaf Mouse has some peculiarities; it treats the resources provided by the sect like treasures, hoarding them away without using a single piece, relying solely on its talent to recently reach the third layer of Qi Refining." "I don¡¯t understand its reasoning; can hoarding spiritual stones increase their amount?" "¡­Perhaps it¡¯s about a sense of security," Lin Jing speculated. "Given its talent isn¡¯t bad¡ªindeed, it could be considered exceptionally rare¡ªthe elder decided not to revoke its eligibility and granted it a second chance to enter the outer sect." "Anyway, let¡¯s go take a look first. If it doesn¡¯t suit you, we can look for other pet beasts. If you can subdue it, its talent will greatly benefit your cultivation," Elder Mo said. "Understood, Elder¡­" Lin Jing responded, intending to see it first. ¡­¡­¡­¡­ **Pine Forest Peak.** The two celestial cranes landed. Soon, Elder Mo and Lin Jing arrived at the edge of a pine forest. "This is Pine Leaf Mouse territory," Elder Mo stated. Within the forest, Lin Jing spotted many mice. The Pine Leaf Mice resembled ordinary squirrels but were enchanting, possessing soft, shiny fur adorned with delicate yellow stripes¡ªvery adorable. What set them apart from ordinary squirrels were their vibrant green eyes, which seemed to reflect the dreamlike colors of leaves dancing in the morning light. "Chirp¡­" The Pine Leaf Mice leaped around, but those who had just awakened their intelligence or hadn¡¯t at all clearly couldn¡¯t speak like Elder Black Bear or the celestial cranes they had just met. "Most of the Pine Leaf Mice living in this forest are those whose potential doesn¡¯t meet the contract standards." As they reached their destination, Elder Mo walked ahead with Lin Jing following closely. "Except for the one I mentioned that¡¯s a bit special." Under Elder Mo''s guidance, Lin Jing quickly spotted the specific Pine Leaf Mouse. It sat atop a pine tree, eyes closed in meditation. Upon noticing someone approaching, it opened its eyes. "Chirp?" The two locked eyes. At that moment, several rebellious strands of Elder Mo''s hair danced in the wind, giving him an air of carefree wisdom. "I¡¯ve spoken with Elder Jiang; this is a new disciple of the sect who wishes to select you as his first pet. What do you think?" he asked the Pine Leaf Mouse, hands clasped behind his back. "Chirp¡­" The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated before turning to Lin Jing, its voice soft. With its emerald green eyes, it scrutinized Lin Jing. Beside them, Elder Mo added, "You need to introduce yourself. Generally, spiritual beasts will decide whether to follow a disciple based on their situation." "Choosing a pet beast in the Beast Master Sect is always a mutual decision; to take a beast, the disciple must earn its acknowledgment." "This process is also a test for the disciple; whether they can win the beast¡¯s recognition based on their capabilities is very important for disciples of the Beast Master Sect." "Only when both the cultivator and the pet acknowledge each other can they achieve double the results with half the effort in their cultivation." "Understood," Lin Jing nodded. He wasn¡¯t one to boast. "My name is Lin Jing. Due to my special constitution, my cultivation speed is somewhat slow. If you become my pet beast, you may need to put in extra effort." Lin Jing looked at the Pine Leaf Mouse, giving it a heads-up; since he wanted its assistance in his cultivation, he didn¡¯t hide his constitutional flaw. After all, the Eternal Life Constitution was known for being extremely slow in cultivation. He believed that sincerity would be enough to win its favor. However¡­ "Chirp!!" The Pine Leaf Mouse was startled. If its cultivation speed was slow, wouldn¡¯t that mean using up the spiritual stones it had hoarded for so long? It took a small step back. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing this, Lin Jing fell silent. As expected, true feelings were hard to keep. Elder Mo, watching from the side, couldn¡¯t suppress a hint of amusement. Such a peculiar pet often had a quirky personality and unique perspective; capturing it wouldn¡¯t be easy. Yet Lin Jing wasn¡¯t just any person. Faced with a mouse that could hold onto spiritual stones, resolute like an addict, he pondered and said: "Storage bag." Since sincerity didn¡¯t seem effective, Lin Jing decided to appeal to its interests. He spoke, "Once you become my pet beast, I¡¯ll save up spiritual stones to gift you a storage bag that can hold countless items in a separate space." "When we reach a higher cultivation level, I can even give you ten larger storage rings." "Don¡¯t you enjoy hoarding resources? Once you have a lot of items, where will you put them?" For a mouse that loved to hoard, the worst thing would be running out of backpack space. Lin Jing was certain of this. Pine Leaf Mouse: !!?? "Chirp!?" In the next moment, the Pine Leaf Mouse''s eyes lit up, instantly captivated by Lin Jing¡¯s offer. "This Eternal Life body is quite clever," Elder Mo remarked, taken aback. "It has a peculiar habit of hoarding items, and a storage bag¡­" Given his prior experience as a seasoned hoarder in his past life, Lin Jing knew exactly what this mouse needed. "It¡¯s just that this Pine Leaf Mouse doesn¡¯t seem very smart." "But it has only just awakened its intelligence." Elder Mo shook his head, seeing how the situation unfolded. A storage bag could be quite costly. Regardless, it appeared that the Pine Leaf Mouse was hooked. Soon enough. One piece, two pieces, three pieces¡­ dozens of low-grade spiritual stones were tossed out of a tree hole by the Pine Leaf Mouse while the two of them watched in silence. Eventually, the Pine Leaf Mouse emerged again. "Chirp chirp chirp!" Looking at Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse seemed excited, as if it had recognized him and planned to bring all its belongings along, embarking on a new cultivation journey together. Lin Jing smiled in return. "In order for us to buy that storage bag soon, I¡¯ll help you keep these spiritual stones for now so we can plan and use them wisely." The Pine Leaf Mouse stared at Lin Jing¡¯s earnest gaze, confused but nodded slightly. It was filled with anticipation for the future. Chapter 5: First Level of Qi Training! Chapter 5: First Level of Qi Training! Within the Beast Tamer Sect, the outer disciples and miscellaneous disciples were active at the foot of the mountain. After Lin Jing chose the Pine Leaf Mouse, Elder Mo somehow summoned the two cranes again. Riding on the cranes, they quickly arrived at the external courtyard at the foot of the mountain, landing in a beautifully scenic courtyard. In the courtyard, there was a pond and green trees. Lin Jing, carrying a bag of spirit stones, never expected that his first pet would come with funding, while the Pine Leaf Mouse stood on his shoulder, waving its paw to greet the elder crane. ¡°From now on, you will cultivate here for a while,¡± Elder Mo said. ¡°Even the outer disciples of the Beast Tamer Sect have their own separate courtyards.¡± ¡°However, the facilities in the outer sect are certainly not as good as those in the inner peaks. Therefore, you will need to work hard in your cultivation to meet the assessment standards for inner disciples, which is to reach the seventh level of Qi Training.¡± ¡°As long as either the disciple or the spirit beast reaches the seventh level of Qi Training, they can participate in the inner sect assessment.¡± ¡°I have already informed the elders of the outer sect; from now on, you just need to wait. Someone will come to deliver the resources you need.¡± ¡°Thank you, Elder.¡± Lin Jing cupped his fists in gratitude. ¡°Chirp, chirp, chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse also cupped its fists in thanks, feeling that this old man was rather nice, even giving them a cloth bag for spirit stones. ¡°Um¡­¡± Elder Mo hesitated to speak. Looking at Lin Jing with the bag of spirit stones, he felt that the little squirrel might be in for a tough time. The longevity body¡¯s cultivation speed was extremely slow, and to progress faster, a large amount of resources was required. This bag of spirit stones might not last long¡­ But that wasn¡¯t something he needed to worry about. ¡°Take this talisman; wear it on you. Ordinary monsters and cultivators won¡¯t be able to discern your physique without specific means,¡± Elder Mo said, handing Lin Jing a jade talisman before leaving. Lin Jing received the square jade talisman with great appreciation. He felt that the Beast Tamer Sect had a very humane quality. Such a sect was worth fighting for as a disciple. ¡°Alright, do you have any questions?¡± Elder Mo asked. ¡°Elder Mo, I¡¯d like to inquire about Senior Brother Ouyang.¡± Lin Jing asked, as he was unfamiliar with the Beast Tamer Sect and, besides Elder Mo, only Ouyang Hao, who knew about his background, seemed suitable for him to befriend. ¡°Ouyang Hao?¡± Elder Mo sighed. ¡°He is one of the best among the inner disciples.¡± ¡°He is at the ninth level of Qi Training, just one step away from foundation establishment, ready to challenge the ranks of true disciples.¡± Elder Mo continued, ¡°Although I brought him back to the sect, he is highly favored by the Sect Master. After foundation establishment, he may even become the Sect Master¡¯s disciple.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Lin Jing cautiously asked, ¡°Is our Sect Master a male or a female?¡± Elder Mo: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The Sect Master is a man, not what you might be thinking. You¡¯ll understand in due time.¡± Elder Mo did not wish to elaborate further. Lin Jing, upon hearing this, felt a mix of emotions. It seemed that Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s talent was higher than he had imagined. He actually had the chance to become the Sect Master¡¯s disciple. Unfortunately, inner disciples typically operated on the peaks, and under normal circumstances, outer disciples were not allowed up the mountain. It seemed he wouldn¡¯t be able to visit often. Before long, Elder Mo rode off on the crane. After Elder Mo left, the Pine Leaf Mouse jumped onto the stone table. Seeing this, Lin Jing smiled slightly, ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll cultivate together. How should I address you?¡± ¡°Chirp,¡± said the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°¡­¡± Lin Jing fell silent for a moment before saying, ¡°When will you be able to speak like Elder Black Bear and the cranes?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse shook its head, indicating it didn¡¯t know. ¡°It seems you still don¡¯t have a name. Let me give you one.¡± Lin Jing decided to make a grand gesture. Before he could think further, a crane''s cry interrupted his thoughts. Another crane arrived. It came from the clouds, holding a burlap sack, and placed the sack on the stone table. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse looked at the ¡°crane.¡± The crane looked back at them. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± the crane said in a rough male voice. ¡°The items have been delivered; I¡¯m leaving.¡± Then, it flew back into the clouds. ¡°It seems that the Beast Tamer Sect¡¯s transportation and delivery services are all done by cranes,¡± Lin Jing speculated. ¡°Ox demons handle land transport, while cranes handle air transport.¡± Lin Jing stepped forward and opened the burlap sack, with the Pine Leaf Mouse peering in as well. Inside the sack, there was a jade slip, a manual, a set of outer disciple clothing, a token, ten spirit stones, and a bag of spirit rice. The manual was the ¡°Sect Handbook,¡± introducing some important matters that disciples of the Beast Tamer Sect should pay attention to. The jade slip contained the cultivation method ¡°Beast Taming Technique.¡± As for the spirit stones, the official disciples of the Beast Tamer Sect were divided into three levels: outer sect, inner sect, and true transmission. Among them, outer disciples received a fixed monthly cultivation resource of one low-grade spirit stone, while inner disciples received ten low-grade spirit stones. If they wanted more cultivation resources, they could only go out and perform tasks to earn them. For instance, mining, farming, or cooking¡­ Lin Jing received special treatment as a disciple, so the number of spirit stones he got was on par with inner disciples, plus an extra bag of spirit rice. ¡°The Sect Handbook!¡± He first picked up the handbook and began to read, while the Pine Leaf Mouse climbed back onto his shoulder to join him. After a while, the most valuable information was related to the ¡°Beast Taming Technique.¡± ¡°By activating the jade slip, the cultivation methods of the ¡®Beast Taming Technique¡¯ will emerge in your mind.¡± ¡°At that point, you can absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through a specific breathing method, integrate it into your body, and transform it into true Qi for nurturing yourself!¡± ¡°After reaching the first level of Qi Training, the cultivator¡¯s body will give birth to a drop of special blood that can be mobilized by true Qi, thanks to the nurturing of true Qi.¡± ¡°Using blood as a medium and pressing it onto the spirit beast¡¯s forehead, a blood contract can be completed, linking the spirits of both parties.¡± ¡°On the path of cultivation, the stages are Qi Training, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, Void Profound, Seeking the Way, and Ascension. This ¡®Beast Taming Technique¡¯ can be cultivated up to the Foundation Establishment stage.¡± ¡°Disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage, after passing the true transmission assessment, can learn many true transmission secret techniques in the sect, crafting life-space magical tools to store their pets within¡­¡± Lin Jing thought, ¡°It seems I need to improve my cultivation as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t learn any more advanced techniques right now.¡± ¡°Chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded, already at the third level of Qi Training, while Lin Jing still looked like a mortal. For Lin Jing, the urgent matter was indeed to elevate his cultivation. ¡°The spirit stones contain pure spiritual energy. With so many spirit stones, I should be able to reach the first level of Qi Training soon,¡± Lin Jing said. The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded again in agreement. It lifted a spirit stone given to Lin Jing by the sect and held it up, signaling Lin Jing to hurry up and cultivate. It was also waiting for their mutual contract so that they could work together to earn more spirit stones to buy a storage bag. The sect had taught that disciples cultivating the Beast Taming Technique, in conjunction with various beast-taming methods, could significantly enhance the capabilities of their spirit beasts. Lin Jing stopped hesitating and picked up the jade slip. He closed his eyes and recited the corresponding incantation. Soon, the jade slip flickered, and the cultivation information surged directly into his mind. Beast Taming Technique, Qi Training Chapter! There are a total of nine levels. At the first level, one can contract with a pet. Some of the pet¡¯s cultivation achievements will feedback to the cultivator. In addition, the cultivator can also communicate spiritually with the pet. Once they reach the seventh level, they will be able to master the beast-taming methods to transfer their true Qi to the pet, or allow the pet to transfer its spiritual or demonic power back to themselves, quickly recovering their own true Qi. The basic techniques recorded in the Qi Training chapter of the Beast Taming Technique include how to use spirit stones and the fundamental skills for enhancing Qi Training cultivation. To cultivate other beast-taming methods, one must reach specific standards and apply to the sect for learning. For Lin Jing, having this basic Beast Taming Technique was enough at the moment. The specific breathing methods that came with the jade slip, along with the techniques for using spirit stones for cultivation, were sufficient for him to step into the door of cultivation. Taking a deep breath, he grasped the spirit stone. The spirit stone in his hand shimmered slightly, and mysterious whirlwinds surrounded him. However. While Lin Jing was cultivating, and the Pine Leaf Mouse was waiting for him to begin, neither seemed to realize that the longevity body¡¯s cultivation was indeed very slow. The Pine Leaf Mouse quietly waited for Lin Jing, and after a while, it began to cultivate as well. Until¡­ A few days later. The spirit stones given to Lin Jing by the sect had all been used up. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m almost there,¡± he said as he looked at the confused Pine Leaf Mouse. After a moment of overload, the Pine Leaf Mouse tentatively took its remaining spirit stones and asked Lin Jing if he wanted to use them. Lin Jing gratefully accepted. Half a month after entering the sect, Lin Jing became increasingly proficient at transforming spiritual energy. However, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s accumulated resources were nearly depleted. There were only about three or four spirit stones left. Yet Lin Jing still showed no signs of success in Qi Training. Seeing this, the little squirrel¡¯s eyes turned red as it was pushed to its limits, its paws waving frantically. This was no longer just a matter of being slow. It had hoarded spirit stones for so long¡­ and most of the spirit rice had been consumed by Lin Jing. It regretted ever suggesting to give spirit stones. If it had thrown them in the pond outside, at least it could have seen the splashes. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse was on the verge of tears, but just then, Lin Jing suddenly opened his eyes, exhaling a breath of turbid air. A surge of life force circulated from within, and a drop of golden blood condensed in his body. He had successfully reached the first level of Qi Training! After half a month, he finally succeeded! Lin Jing took a deep breath, feeling this sensation¡­ he looked at the Pine Leaf Mouse and couldn¡¯t help but share his joy with it. But all he saw was the Pine Leaf Mouse looking at him with a face full of despair. Lin Jing silently gazed at the pile of spirit stone dust on the ground, saying, ¡°It won¡¯t be long before I¡¯ll repay you double!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t know whether it heard that or not, tremblingly holding a handful of spirit stone dust. ¡°Chirp¡­¡± Really? Chapter 6: Mutation Chapter 6: Mutation Lotus Flower Peak! Elder Mo sat at a stone table, sipping spirit tea. A large black bear monster wearing a white robe ran towards him. ¡°Master, the longevity body that I brought back with that kid Ouyang Hao seems to have successfully reached Qi Training!¡± Upon hearing this, Elder Mo nodded. ¡°Faster than I expected.¡± ¡°This longevity body is indeed difficult to cultivate.¡± ¡°However, it¡¯s worth it; Qi Training cultivators can easily live past a hundred years, and if he continues like this, living to a thousand years is not surprising.¡± ¡°Even if his cultivation speed is slow, with such a long lifespan, after a thousand or ten thousand years, as long as he doesn¡¯t perish, he will certainly become a prominent ancestor.¡± Elder Mo sighed. Unlike those with cultivation physiques that display their power during Qi Training or Foundation Establishment... The longevity body¡¯s effects can only be observed over a long period. ¡°I just don¡¯t know if he can successfully mutate that squirrel¡­¡± The black bear monster scratched its head. ¡°Yes, if successful, he could soar to great heights without waiting for thousands of years¡­¡± Elder Mo¡¯s serious expression softened as he nervously said, ¡°I have already explained to him the differences between spirit beasts, demon beasts, rare beasts, and immortal beasts.¡± ¡°However, I didn¡¯t tell him that any special cultivation physique that contracts a pet beast has a certain probability of activating the hidden powers in their bloodline, allowing the pet to undergo ¡®racial mutation¡¯ and evolve into a rare beast, awakening a unique divine ability.¡± ¡°Forming a blood contract with a cultivator of special physique is the second chance for ordinary spirit beasts and demon beasts to mutate into rare beasts.¡± ¡°Unfortunately, the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. Since I learned this information, up to Ouyang Hao, no one has succeeded with so many special spirit bodies brought back.¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t know how this longevity body will turn out.¡± Elder Mo¡¯s expression grew impatient as he said, ¡°This time¡­ let¡¯s hope for success!¡± Saying this, Elder Mo hurried off to worship his ancestors, lighting incense and praying. ¡°O Ancestors of the Sect above!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve already failed six pairs; it¡¯s time for a success.¡± The black bear monster sighed. ¡°Master, I feel like you¡¯ve definitely been tricked by the people at the Heavenly Machine Tower¡­ The information might be false; don¡¯t gamble on it.¡± ¡­¡­¡­¡­ In the Outer Courtyard! Inside a room, Lin Jing was holding the Pine Leaf Mouse''s pitiful little face. ¡°Chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse wriggled out of Lin Jing¡¯s hand, bravely wiping its tears. It had chosen its Beast Tamer¡­ So what if the cultivation was slow? After eating so many spirit stones, even a pig could fly. It chose to believe in Lin Jing. With a solid foundation, the master¡¯s physique must be extraordinary. These spirit stones would definitely earn back double. The Pine Leaf Mouse closed its eyes, giving itself a mental pep talk as it waited for the contract. Meanwhile, Lin Jing felt the vast life force within him; he completely ignored the slow cultivation. There are gains and losses. Moreover, he believed that this terrifying life force brought more than just the benefit of longevity. Since his flesh and blood were a great supplement for demon beasts, Then, from another perspective, as long as he was willing, he could also be a great supplement for his pet beast. Of course, directly bleeding or cutting his flesh for his pet was too cruel; he was a normal person and couldn¡¯t accept that. Thus, he had previously considered whether it was possible to use his blood to refine pills to enhance his pet. By refining pills, he could weaken the connection between the pills and himself while preserving the nourishing effect, so his pet wouldn¡¯t develop negative feelings towards him¡­ However, this still sounded like a technique of a demonic cultivator, and he wasn¡¯t familiar with alchemy yet, so it was better to wait until he understood more before researching it. Lin Jing¡¯s gaze flickered; he was still just a small Qi Training cultivator, and such tactics weren¡¯t suitable for him at the moment. ¡°Let¡¯s form the contract.¡± Lin Jing smiled. Thanks to this little gathering mouse, otherwise, even with the treatment of an inner disciple, it would have taken him much longer to succeed in Qi Training¡­ He would compensate it later. Lin Jing began to mobilize the special blood according to the methods recorded in the Beast Taming Technique. He made a cut on the tip of his finger. Using true Qi, he forced the special blood out of his body. Soon, a drop of golden blood became faintly visible at the tip of his finger. As Lin Jing started to bleed, the Pine Leaf Mouse, who had closed its eyes in anticipation of the contract, suddenly opened its eyes. Its nose twitched slightly. Its big eyes looked at Lin Jing. Master, you smell so good. Before it could savor the scent, Lin Jing¡¯s finger had already tapped its forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t struggle.¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want me to suffer a backlash and have my cultivation decline, right?¡± Startled, the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t struggle, fearing Lin Jing¡¯s realm would drop. After all, this was all cultivation earned from its spirit stones! Buzz! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The golden blood merged into the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body. The two began to form a blood contract. Just as the Pine Leaf Mouse sensed the connection between it and Lin Jing growing closer¡­ Suddenly. It felt as if it had plunged into a dream, its thoughts drifting back to the time when it was still in the pine forest, meditating on a tree while bathing in starlight¡­ In that moment, the starlight fell from the night sky onto the earth, and some faint light landed on it. Time flew by, and as dawn broke, the starlight did not completely vanish; it seemed to have hidden within the bloodline of the Pine Leaf Mouse, waiting for a chance to be awakened. Boom! With the contract completed, the Pine Leaf Mouse opened its eyes, its spiritual energy surged, and its pupils grew even greener. ¡°Chirp?¡± However, it was still in a daze, not knowing what had happened. The teachings from the sect didn¡¯t mention such abnormalities during the contract process. ¡°Hm?¡± Besides the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing also saw that scene. What was that? As the contract completed, Lin Jing was stunned. ¡°Is there such an anomaly during the contract process?¡± He was puzzled. In the knowledge Lin Jing had learned, the process of contracting an ordinary spirit beast should be quite calm. Starlight¡­ Wait, the starry sky? Suddenly, Lin Jing recalled something. Only Elder Mo had mentioned something related to the starry sky¡­ the rare beasts! Rare beasts are born from the light of foreign stars, and compared to ordinary spirit beasts and demon beasts, they awaken an additional divine ability! But right now, the Pine Leaf Mouse hadn¡¯t bathed in starlight; could it have the potential to mutate even after having bathed before? So right now¡­ Could the Pine Leaf Mouse be mutating from an ordinary spirit beast to a rare beast? Lin Jing looked at the Pine Leaf Mouse. If that were true, what he wanted to know even more was what new divine ability the Pine Leaf Mouse would awaken. The Pine Leaf Mouse clan has a natural affinity for wood attribute energy, allowing it to accelerate the growth of plants. However, this wasn¡¯t a particularly unique talent, as most wood attribute spirit beasts would possess it. Moreover, the Pine Leaf Mouse was quite weak in terms of offensive abilities; it could only use its spiritual energy to enhance leaves, using them as projectiles, which had limited power, known as the Flying Leaf Technique. In this situation, the Pine Leaf Mouse clan¡¯s inherent ability to grow stronger was very slim; they could only learn powerful spells later. However, now, if it awakened a divine ability without learning spells, it might be a chance to change its fate for this ordinary clan. ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± ¡°Could it be¡­ a racial mutation? Did you awaken a new divine ability?¡± Lin Jing asked. The Pine Leaf Mouse spun around in confusion, then shook its head, appearing very ¡°clear-headed.¡± ¡°Chirp¡­¡± This meant that if the cultivation was slow, one must work harder and not daydream about good things; it didn¡¯t feel anything unusual at all. Chapter 7: The Essence of Spellcraft Chapter 7: The Essence of Spellcraft ¡°Didn¡¯t feel anything?¡± ¡°How could I not feel anything?¡± Lin Jing didn¡¯t believe it. An anomaly had appeared, yet you claim to feel nothing? ¡°Chirp¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse retorted, its tone confident. It truly felt nothing. Lin Jing was taken aback, and suddenly understood. ¡°Maybe the awakening of your supernatural powers is too strong for you to grasp at your current cultivation level.¡± ¡°You need to work hard on your training.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse: ??? It slightly opened its mouth; it knew its talent was decent, but it didn¡¯t have Lin Jing''s optimism. Having successfully reached the first layer of Qi training, Lin Jing was in a good mood. However, he wasn¡¯t sure if it was because the Pine Leaf Mouse''s realm was too low that he temporarily hadn¡¯t felt the so-called beast taming feedback. ¡°By the way.¡± Lin Jing didn¡¯t dwell on the matter any longer. He suddenly remembered that according to the introduction in the ¡°Sect Manual,¡± after an outer sect disciple successfully completes Qi training, they have the opportunity to select a basic spell to study from the Outer Sect Scripture Pavilion. He was curious about what spells were available in the Scripture Pavilion of the Beast Taming Sect. Since entering the Beast Taming Sect, it was Lin Jing''s first time stepping out of the courtyard, accompanied by the Pine Leaf Mouse he had dragged along. The Pine Leaf Mouse also needed to clear its mind and ease its complicated emotions. On the way, they encountered several other outer sect disciples dressed in blue robes, but there was no interaction among them. According to the map on the back of the sect manual, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse soon arrived at their destination. In front of the pavilion, a cluster of ancient trees surrounded them, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, intertwined with the occasional long cry of a crane from the clouds, creating a serene atmosphere that seemed to cleanse the soul. Nearby, a pavilion had three or five disciples discussing their cultivation, quite peacefully. ¡°This is the place¡­¡± Just as Lin Jing was about to enter the pavilion, someone walked out first. ¡°Junior Brother Lin!¡± A familiar weak voice called out, and Lin Jing looked at the person in surprise. Dressed in a white robe, the figure seemed somewhat frail, and the eyes revealed deep exhaustion and helplessness¡­ it was none other than Senior Brother Ouyang! ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang? What are you doing here?¡± Lin Jing asked, astonished. ¡°I¡¯m on a sect mission, stationed at the Outer Sect Scripture Pavilion, responsible for organizing spells and assisting the outer sect disciples in selecting spells,¡± Ouyang Hao smiled. ¡°What a coincidence! It seems you¡¯ve succeeded in Qi training faster than I expected. Are you planning to select a spell? Do you need my help analyzing it?¡± ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang, you¡¯re still so fond of analyzing things; this task suits you well,¡± Lin Jing remarked. ¡°No way, I¡¯m low on spirit stones, and buying supplements every day is too costly, so I have to take on more tasks,¡± Ouyang Hao replied, shaking his head awkwardly. ¡°Let me take you in.¡± As he spoke, he invited Lin Jing into the pavilion. Once they entered the Scripture Pavilion together, the surrounding outer sect disciples suddenly began to whisper among themselves. ¡°Who is this outer sect disciple? He seems to be quite familiar with Senior Brother Ouyang! What¡¯s their connection?¡± ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang is friendly with everyone, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°It¡¯s different; Senior Brother Ouyang even went out to greet that person. He¡¯s a standout in the inner sect, a genius rumored to be capable of breaking through to the position of true inheritance! He usually wouldn¡¯t treat just anyone this way, so their relationship must be significant.¡± ¡°Is this Senior Brother Ouyang really that impressive?¡± a newly joined disciple asked curiously. ¡°Of course! Senior Brother Ouyang has a contract with a fox demon. Fox demons are beasts that absorb human yang energy. Did you see his demeanor? Now you understand, the fox demon must be trained very well¡­¡± ¡­ Inside the Scripture Pavilion. First floor. Ouyang Hao introduced, ¡°This floor contains books that can be borrowed directly, such as the history of the continent, the history of ancient countries, and the history of the sect. You can find all of that here. Let¡¯s go to the second floor to select spells.¡± He eagerly led Lin Jing forward. ¡°Those at the first layer of Qi training can choose one basic spell¡­¡± ¡°Actually, the outer sect''s Scripture Pavilion doesn¡¯t have any particularly good beast taming spells. Generally, outer sect disciples choose to learn minor spells that can also nourish their pets¡¯ roots, bloodlines, and spiritual power to assist their growth.¡± ¡°This is the mainstream choice, most suitable for disciples of the Beast Taming Sect.¡± Arriving on the second floor, Senior Brother Ouyang pointed to the most prominent shelf filled with jade slips. Titles like ¡°Nourishing Spirit Technique¡± and ¡°Qi Nourishing Technique¡± were essentially spells that disciples use their true qi to nurture their pets¡¯ spirit and blood, though some can also be used by themselves. Lin Jing looked at another shelf. The spells there, like ¡°Fireball Technique,¡± ¡°Object Control Technique,¡± ¡°Binding Technique,¡± ¡°Water Arrow Technique,¡± and ¡°Quicksand Technique,¡± seemed much more normal. ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang, what about these?¡± Lin Jing asked. Hearing this, Ouyang Hao followed Lin Jing''s gaze and smiled. ¡°Well, they¡¯re not unselectable, but these spells can only be cultivated by the cultivator themselves, and are of no use to pets. Generally, spiritual beasts won¡¯t be able to learn them.¡± ¡°Your Pine Leaf Mouse would find it very difficult to learn the Wood Binding Technique. Even if you learn it, it wouldn¡¯t help it much.¡± ¡°Most of the time, they still have to rely on their racial abilities.¡± ¡°Valuable spells that spiritual beasts can learn are mostly stored in the inner sect.¡± Ouyang Hao glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse, which puffed up its cheeks in discontent. ¡°Overall, these ¡®normal spells¡¯ are only suitable for human cultivators to learn. However, for us disciples of the Beast Taming Sect, normalcy is actually a huge trap.¡± ¡°Most disciples of the Beast Taming Sect are not suitable for cultivating mainstream techniques, so practicing these spells often yields little return for a lot of effort.¡± ¡°Since one¡¯s energy is limited, it¡¯s better to invest all that limited energy into nurturing their pets, enhancing their strength, and then waiting for feedback from their pets. This approach is often more efficient than cultivating oneself.¡± ¡°If your pet is a fighting ape or horned bull, you can choose auxiliary spells to nourish their physique. If it¡¯s a Pine Leaf Mouse, you can choose auxiliary spells to nourish its spirit.¡± ¡°Of course, if Junior Brother Lin is really curious, selecting a ¡®normal offensive or defensive spell¡¯ is fine too.¡± After all, you live long, and the cost of trial and error is low¡­ Ouyang Hao mumbled in his heart. ¡°Is that so¡­¡± Before Lin Jing could make a choice, the Pine Leaf Mouse waved its paws frantically: ¡°Chirp!!!¡± It suddenly remembered that with Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation speed, normal cultivation methods would be agonizingly slow. Diverting attention to learn offensive spells¡­ wouldn¡¯t that be life-threatening? ¡°Right!¡± At that moment, Ouyang Hao seemed to think of something and clapped his hands: ¡°Junior Brother Lin, when you select spells, pay attention to ¡®spell potential.¡¯¡± ¡°Spell potential?¡± ¡°Yes, when choosing spells, try to pick ones that can accompany you throughout your life. For instance, the Object Control Technique, although basic, might still be used even by cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage. In contrast, some basic spells can easily be replaced once your realm is higher.¡± ¡°Junior Brother, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard of ¡®Essence of Spellcraft¡¯?¡± Essence of Spellcraft? Lin Jing looked at him, shaking his head. Ouyang Hao explained, ¡°When a spell is cultivated to its peak, it can give birth to an essence that possesses consciousness.¡± ¡°Our Beast Taming Sect is located in the Great Wilderness of the Tianyuan Continent''s Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom. While we are considered a first-rate sect within the Great Wilderness, we are only a third-rate sect in the entire Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom.¡± ¡°The leading sect of the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom, the Spirit Path Sect, primarily cultivates path techniques. It¡¯s said that many cultivators within that sect have comprehended the true essence of spells, reaching the pinnacle of spellcraft, and have been able to let their cultivated spells give birth to true essences.¡± ¡°The essence of spellcraft can communicate with the energy of heaven and earth, can attack automatically without relying on a cultivator¡¯s magic power, can even be passed down to future generations to assist them in cultivating the corresponding spells, and can even protect them.¡± ¡°It can be said to be a ¡®unique pet beast¡¯ born from spells,¡± Ouyang Hao lamented: ¡°Like the Xuanwu True Spirit cultivated by the Xuanwu Real Person of the Spirit Path Sect, relying on the Xuanwu Shield spell, it can rival ordinary precious beasts!¡± ¡°Perhaps in the future, you might also cultivate an essence of spellcraft and become the first in our sect!¡± Senior Brother Ouyang chuckled: ¡°As long as you are dedicated enough! Focus on one spell, and comprehend it for half a lifetime.¡± Lin Jing understood; Senior Brother Ouyang was suggesting that since he would live long, he could rely on time to refine it. With a lifespan at least ten times longer than that of ordinary cultivators, it would indeed be easier to thoroughly comprehend a single spell. ¡°You can try it.¡± The more Ouyang Hao thought about it, the more plausible it seemed: ¡°If your cultivation efficiency is too slow, you can always switch later.¡± ¡°Is it really possible for any spell to give birth to an essence?¡± Lin Jing was skeptical. ¡°Theoretically, yes,¡± Ouyang Hao replied earnestly. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing pointed to a spell. ¡°Contraception Technique.¡± ¡°What about this one?¡± Ouyang Hao glanced at it and was momentarily stunned. The Contraception Technique is a spell that disciples of the Beast Taming Sect need to cultivate to prevent their pets from misbehaving when they go out. After all, pregnant pets would deplete their vitality and hinder their cultivation. ¡°If cultivated to the extreme, can it give birth to a contraception essence?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ouyang Hao said, ¡°Uhm, probably?¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound reliable,¡± Lin Jing shook his head. His gaze swept across the various shelves, wondering about the essence of spellcraft¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on nurturing our pets for now!¡± With that, Lin Jing walked to one shelf and picked up a basic recovery spell titled ¡°Nourishing Spirit Technique,¡± which nourishes the spirit with true qi to alleviate fatigue. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s racial talent allows it to hasten the growth of spiritual plants, a process that consumes a lot of spiritual power and can be exhausting. This spell could help share some of the burden, speeding up the growth of spiritual plants. This was crucial for Lin Jing''s farming plans; he needed to be self-sufficient in resources since he consumed too many! Additionally, he planned to learn more about cultivation while training. He had just seen many books related to alchemy on the first floor, and this small spell to alleviate fatigue would also help him in his studies. In summary, this spell could not only assist his pet but would also be suitable for him to accelerate his absorption of alchemical knowledge. He needed to establish a solid foundation for alchemy through blood refinement; he certainly couldn¡¯t be unaware of the uses of some materials. ¡°What¡­ why are you suddenly so rational?¡± Senior Brother Ouyang was puzzled. From his impression of this Junior Brother Lin, he didn¡¯t seem like someone who would choose a normal spell. He nearly thought Lin Jing was going to select the Contraception Technique! Chapter 8: Farming Chapter 8: Farming ¡°It seems Senior Brother is quite disappointed with our choice of ¡®Nourishing Spirit Technique.¡¯¡± ¡°It must be because he left with some wrong impression before.¡± Leaving the Scripture Pavilion, Lin Jing not only took away the jade slip for the Nourishing Spirit Technique but also several history books, and most importantly, the basic alchemy technique (Plant and Herb Edition)! Mastering the effects of various spiritual plants is one of the basic skills in alchemy. ¡°Outer sect disciples who succeed in Qi training can select one basic spell, but to learn a second spell, they must reach the fourth layer of Qi training.¡± ¡°However, since I have the privileges of an inner sect disciple, I shouldn¡¯t have to adhere to this rule¡­¡± ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s put aside the spells for now. There is a reason why the sect limits the number of spells disciples can learn; one can¡¯t be greedy and expect to master everything.¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse both rubbed their stomachs. ¡°Chirp!¡± After half a month of hard training. Not only were their spirit stones nearly gone, But they had also consumed almost all the spiritual rice from their bag, leaving very little. Although the outer sect has a canteen that provides various spiritual delicacies infused with spirit energy, it all costs money. Ordinary food is not provided by the Beast Taming Sect, and disciples need to go to the towns around the mountain gate to buy ingredients or hunt beasts in the nearby mountains themselves. To speed up their training, cultivators ideally choose food containing spirit energy for their meals. However, the canteen''s prices were steep, and what Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse consumed for training was not enough to afford. From what Lin Jing understood, there was one advantage to being a disciple who chose the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°We should buy some spiritual rice seeds and plant them in the courtyard. With your talents, we should be able to achieve self-sufficiency in spiritual rice, right?¡± ¡°Chirp!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded. Its kind had done this in the pine forest, finding edible plants and speeding up their growth. They could harvest food quickly without waiting around like other races. ¡°However, although spiritual rice is delicious and filling, eating it for half a month might be a bit monotonous.¡± ¡°After we buy the seeds, let¡¯s head down the mountain to see if there¡¯s cheap beast meat for sale, or we can hunt some wild game in the mountains.¡± Lin Jing sighed. Even some free pickled vegetables would be nice. ¡­¡­ Outer sect, Harvest Pavilion. Like the Scripture Pavilion, it is also one of the Beast Taming Sect''s basic facilities. It mainly sells agricultural products. The entire sect operates through a chain. When Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse entered the store, a weak-looking outer sect sister came out to greet them. ¡°What do you need, Junior Brother?¡± she asked slowly. It seemed she was another worker here. Before coming to the Harvest Pavilion, Lin Jing had taken the Pine Leaf Mouse to the Task Hall and made a round. He discovered that there were various sect tasks covering all aspects. In addition to mining, farming, and cooking¡­ there were even matchmaking tasks, prompting disciples to find partners for their pets. Then they could cultivate high-quality second-generation spiritual beasts, achieving a cycle of pets within the sect. However, from what Lin Jing saw, not many people seemed to take on these types of tasks. There were also tasks like Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s, which allowed him to work at a certain facility within the sect. These types of tasks are easy and well-paid, but they are limited in number and set with certain requirements. Without sufficient strength, one couldn¡¯t even hope to compete for them. Most disciples could only go to the mines to earn meager spirit stones. As for the sister in front of him, being able to serve as a greeter at the Harvest Pavilion and snag such an easy task indicated that she likely had some skills. But why did they all look so weak? Lin Jing pondered. ¡°Hello, Sister.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to buy some spiritual rice seeds,¡± Lin Jing said. The sister glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse and nodded, ¡°Planning to grow them yourself, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Would you like to buy some fertilizer produced by foundational spiritual beasts? Paired with the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s spiritual energy to hasten the growth, it could yield a higher harvest of spiritual rice,¡± she suggested. It seems that as long as one¡¯s cultivation level is high, everything on them is precious. But he patted his pocket filled with a few spirit stones and shook his head. Moments later, he and the Pine Leaf Mouse spent all their spirit stones and returned with a bag of ¡°spiritual rice seeds¡± and ¡°spiritual bean seeds.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The former would produce spiritual rice¡­ While the latter was a spiritual plant similar to peanuts and was one of the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s favorite foods. ¡°Now we¡¯re completely out of money¡­¡± Before long, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse returned to the courtyard. Hearing Lin Jing¡¯s self-talk, the Pine Leaf Mouse wanted to cry in pain, realizing that those spirit stones were hoarded since it was born not long ago! ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Once we successfully start our farming venture, not only can we be self-sufficient, but any surplus spiritual rice and beans can also be sold, and we¡¯ll quickly earn back the spent spirit stones¡­¡± Lin Jing wasn¡¯t sure how quickly that would be, but he comforted himself saying that. ¡°Chirp?¡± Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse quickly wiped its tears and regained hope for the future. Seeing this, Lin Jing felt deeply moved. ¡°This child is so optimistic, just like me!¡± ¡­¡­ Lin Jing was not familiar with farming, but the Pine Leaf Mouse was an expert. He handed all the seeds to the Pine Leaf Mouse, which then began to search for open ground. As the Pine Leaf Mouse buried the seeds and used its large tail to press down on the soil, infusing green spiritual energy to hasten the growth of the seeds, Lin Jing had already picked up three history books he brought from the first floor of the Scripture Pavilion. **¡°A Brief History of the Tianyuan Continent¡±** **¡°History of Ancient Countries¡±** **¡°History of the Beast Taming Sect¡±** He opened ¡°A Brief History of the Tianyuan Continent.¡± ¡°In ancient times, the Tianyuan Continent was one of the lower realms ruled by the celestial force ¡®Celestial Palace.¡¯¡± ¡°Hundred thousand years ago, due to an unknown turmoil in the celestial realm, the Celestial Palace was drawn into the war, and the ascension passage of the Tianyuan Continent vanished. Since then, the Tianyuan Continent has been unable to connect with the celestial realm, and no cultivator could ascend.¡± ¡°At that time, the Celestial Palace¡¯s force on the Tianyuan Continent, ¡®Tianyuan Celestial Palace,¡¯ dominated the continent, and all clans were subservient to its rule.¡± ¡°Fifty thousand years ago, as the celestial realm could not be contacted for a long time, the Celestial Palace on the Tianyuan Continent gradually weakened with the flow of time. To maintain its ruling position, the Celestial Palace attempted to forcefully breach the realm, overexhausting the resources of the Tianyuan Continent, leading to immense suffering among the beings.¡± ¡°At that time, four major sects united to overthrow the absolute rule of the Celestial Palace over the Tianyuan Continent, thus ending the era of the Celestial Palace.¡± ¡°Later, the four major sects formed the ¡®Celestial Alliance,¡¯ taking over the rule of the Celestial Palace, becoming the new overlord of the Tianyuan Continent, ushering the continent into the era of the Celestial Alliance.¡± ¡°History is cyclical. Although the Tianyuan Continent¡¯s cultivation world flourished under the rule of the Celestial Alliance, it ultimately could not escape the fate of the Celestial Palace.¡± ¡°Towards the end of the era of the Celestial Alliance, another exceptionally talented cultivator appeared. He not only successfully destroyed the Celestial Alliance but also established the ¡®Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom¡¯ and developed the ¡®True Dragon Secret Technique,¡¯ binding his cultivation and infinite territory together, allowing the people to prosper and the land to be rich, while he himself became even stronger.¡± ¡°He called himself the Ancient Emperor, and with the True Dragon Secret Technique, he nurtured the True Dragon of Fate, becoming the strongest on the Tianyuan Continent.¡± ¡°The Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom now occupies the most central, largest, and richest area of the Tianyuan Continent.¡± ¡°Apart from the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom, surrounding regions such as Qingzhou, Wudi City, Shuiyue Xian Island, and the Snow Plains are not under the ancient kingdom¡¯s jurisdiction, yet they have powerful cultivators stationed.¡± ¡°And the place I am in now is one of the nine domains of the ancient kingdom, the Great Wilderness Domain¡­ where the spiritual energy is relatively thin, and the highest activity is from Nascent Soul cultivators.¡± After reading through, Lin Jing found it truly to be a brief history. They didn¡¯t even record which four sects made up the Celestial Alliance! Chapter 9: Glazed Immortal Eyes Chapter 9: Glazed Immortal Eyes In the following days, after Lin Jing learned the Spirit Nurturing Technique, he stopped his cultivation and devoted himself to reading various books to understand the world of immortality. The main reason was that his cultivation efficiency was too low. Compared to cultivating by himself, he was waiting for the Spirit Power feedback from the Pine Leaf Mouse after its breakthrough to enhance his own cultivation! This was the normal way for disciples of the Beast Control Sect to become stronger. Currently, although the Pine Leaf Mouse was not absorbing Spirit Qi normally, its frequent use of Spirit Power to accelerate the growth of spiritual rice was also a form of training for its Spirit Power. After several days, the spiritual rice had grown tall and was close to maturing. One had to admit that the talent of his Pine Leaf Mouse was indeed impressive. From various books, Lin Jing learned that an ordinary Pine Leaf Mouse at the third level of Qi Refinement, without external assistance, would take about half a month to mature a stalk of spiritual rice. However, his Pine Leaf Mouse had completed the task in less than half that time. Although he occasionally used a bit of true qi to relieve the Pine Leaf Mouse''s mental fatigue through the Spirit Nurturing Technique, as a mere first level Qi Refinement practitioner, his help was minimal. Fortunately, the Pine Leaf Mouse had cultivated extremely pure Spirit Power and was patient, never slacking off. ¡°You''re simply a natural-born farming saint.¡± Lin Jing closed the book and generously praised the Pine Leaf Mouse, which was busy accelerating the growth of the spiritual rice. ¡°Zhi!¡± Although the Pine Leaf Mouse did not understand what a natural-born farming saint was, it knew it was praise and became even more motivated. With its emerald green eyes, it eagerly looked at a stalk of spiritual rice before it. Buzz! Not long after, the spiritual rice finally changed from a milky white to a golden color, emitting a rich rice aroma, which was a sign that it had matured!! ¡°Did it succeed?¡± With the spiritual rice fully matured, Lin Jing immediately rushed to the side of the Pine Leaf Mouse and together they peeled back the rice husk, revealing translucent and plump white spiritual rice inside, looking incredibly tempting! ¡°In terms of quality, it¡¯s not much different from the bag we received.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally relaxed. It was stable! S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Zhi Zhi Zhi!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded happily. As expected of it. Next, Lin Jing and the others immediately separated the remaining rice husks, and in the end, thousands of grains of spiritual rice appeared on the ground, gleaming brightly. Looking at the pile of spiritual rice, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were in an exceptionally good mood. Although this wouldn¡¯t last long, it was a very good start. The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at the pile of spiritual rice. Then it looked at Lin Jing. Its intention was clear. ¡°Storing food is a good habit.¡± ¡°However, we still need to eat these.¡± ¡°How about this, you can take 100 grains.¡± As if seeing through the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s thoughts, Lin Jing said with a smile. After all, these were the results of the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s hard work. Taking out 100 grains wasn¡¯t a big deal and could satisfy the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s hoarding habit. They wouldn¡¯t starve to death just because they took 100 grains away. Who knows, if they were ever poor enough to eat dirt, those 100 grains might come in handy. Let it hoard! ¡°Zhi¡­¡­¡± As Lin Jing finished speaking, the Pine Leaf Mouse was overjoyed and immediately ran over to take 100 grains, setting them aside in a separate pile. Although 100 grains of spiritual rice was not much, Looking at this pile of rice that belonged to it, the Pine Leaf Mouse felt completely at ease, as if its energy pores had been opened, and its strength and Spirit Power surged. However, just then, an unexpected change occurred. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s emerald green eyes suddenly radiated a light, making its pupils shine like emeralds. Then, in the panic of the Pine Leaf Mouse and the surprise of Lin Jing, Two beams of emerald light shot from the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes. They landed on the 100 grains of spiritual rice. Immediately, something astonishing happened; wrapped in the green light, the 100 grains of spiritual rice vanished in an instant. As the green light dissipated, what lay on the ground was a single new golden spiritual rice grain¡­ ¡­¡­¡­¡­ At the same time. In the mind of the Pine Leaf Mouse, A mysterious inheritance message appeared. It was as if a divine ability hidden in its bloodline had awakened. Allowing it to understand without a teacher. **"Glazed Immortal Eyes"** Even a pile of worthless stones, when seen through the Glazed Immortal Eyes, would be transformed into precious glazed gems. The Glazed Immortal Eyes could merge a certain quantity of the same type of resources into another precious resource. Like a celestial technique, turning stone into gold. ¡­¡­¡­¡­ ¡°Zhi?¡± In the eyes of the Pine Leaf Mouse and Lin Jing, the 100 grains of white spiritual rice transformed into a single golden, mysterious spiritual rice grain. Such a change shocked both Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°I knew there was something special about the changes on the day of the contract.¡± ¡°You have indeed transformed from an ordinary spirit beast into a rare beast.¡± ¡°The divine ability of the rare beast is right here!¡± Turning the rotten into the miraculous, like turning stone into gold; a method that turns quantitative changes into qualitative changes! This golden spiritual rice grain looked obviously more valuable than the white spiritual rice! Lin Jing couldn¡¯t help but exclaim. But the next moment, he couldn¡¯t hold back. He saw the Pine Leaf Mouse directly kneeling on the ground, picking up the golden spiritual rice grain, tears streaming down its face. ¡°Zhi!!!¡± It didn¡¯t want one golden spiritual rice grain; it wanted 100 grains of white spiritual rice!!! Lin Jing twitched his mouth. This little mouse seemed to have fallen into a deep obsession. This golden spiritual rice looked much more precious! Did it really care that much for its 100 grains of white spiritual rice? ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°I''ll give you another 200 grains of white spiritual rice in exchange¡­¡± Lin Jing was about to say that he would use 200 grains of ordinary spiritual rice to exchange for that golden spiritual rice grain for research. Unexpectedly, the Pine Leaf Mouse, filled with sorrow, glared fiercely at the golden spiritual rice grain. Then it bit down hard, crushing it and swallowing it! As if to take revenge. ¡°Whoa, you just ate it like that.¡± Lin Jing was shocked again. He didn¡¯t even know its effects. ¡°A grain of golden spiritual rice formed from 100 grains of ordinary spiritual rice should, in theory, have effects more than 100 times that of ordinary spiritual rice, right?¡± ¡°Otherwise, this divine ability would be meaningless, and the so-called rare beast would be a misnomer.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not as if it was 100 bowls of rice; it shouldn¡¯t burst its stomach.¡± Thinking of this, Lin Jing relaxed a bit. ¡°If its effects can rival that of a spirit stone, that would be great.¡± Lin Jing had initially thought that this golden spiritual rice grain would be like a spirit stone, providing substantial benefits for cultivation. Unfortunately, the reality was not so. After consuming a grain of spirit-rich golden spiritual rice, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes actually flashed with a hint of scarlet, and instead of feeling full, a strong sense of hunger spread throughout its heart. Then, under Lin Jing¡¯s silent gaze, it seemed like a starving ghost, with its stomach growling thunderously, rushing toward the pile of spiritual rice, madly stuffing the freshly produced spiritual rice into its mouth. Due to the bloodline contract with the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing could sense its current state. Hungry. Very hungry. The effect of that golden spiritual rice was not to satiate hunger, but to induce a feeling of hunger in the consumer! Driven by this hunger, the Pine Leaf Mouse went into a feeding frenzy, rapidly shoving spiritual rice into its mouth. In the past, it would have immediately been stuffed and unable to quickly digest the nutrition and Spirit Power within. But this time, its digestive ability seemed to have undergone a terrifying enhancement. The entire pile of spiritual rice was swept away, and not only did it appear completely unaffected, but its own aura also continued to rise, as if¡­ it had instantaneously digested all the nutrition of the spiritual rice and converted it into its own power! Only after consuming everything did the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gluttonous frenzy gradually come to a halt, returning to a state of clarity¡­ ¡°Enhanced digestive ability, rapid absorption of nutrients? The effect of the golden spiritual rice¡­ is actually this powerful.¡± Lin Jing took a deep breath. This was much stronger than merely enhancing the quality of spiritual rice. What exactly was this rare beast¡¯s divine ability¡­ Was it an inheritance of an immortal, transformed by an alien race due to starlight? Could this be considered a form of immortal inheritance? ¡°Regardless, as Elder Mo said, rare beasts are indeed incredibly powerful. We won¡¯t be short on money in the future.¡± He sighed. However¡­ Lin Jing was happy, but when the Pine Leaf Mouse regained consciousness and saw that all its hard-earned spiritual rice had vanished, it widened its eyes in confusion, including the 200 grains Lin Jing had just given it¡­ all of it was gone. The plan to hoard food was shattered once again! ¡°Zhi!!!!¡± In the courtyard, the Pine Leaf Mouse let out a heart-wrenching cry. What a useless divine ability, it can¡¯t hoard anything at all! Why couldn¡¯t it awaken a spatial divine ability!!! Chapter 10: Flying Leaves! Chapter 10: Flying Leaves! A squirrel that loved to hoard food had awakened a divine ability to synthesize resources, and Lin Jing didn¡¯t know what to say. Wasn''t this bullying a child, forcing it to be unable to hoard anything? Seeing the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s heart-wrenching appearance, Lin Jing couldn''t help but smile slightly. The Pine Leaf Mouse immediately stopped crying, its gaze fixed on Lin Jing. Lin Jing laughed, ¡°I¡¯m happy for you. From today on, you¡¯re no longer an ordinary spirit beast but a rare beast!¡± ¡°Zhi!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse was still thinking about the spiritual rice. ¡°Think positively; your spiritual rice has just changed forms and has been stored away, turning into Spirit Power that will be with you forever. Do you feel your Spirit Power has increased significantly?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s words startled the Pine Leaf Mouse awake; it finally noticed that it was close to the fourth level of Qi Refinement, filled with abundant physical and spiritual power. The Pine Leaf Mouse stood there, unsure how to express its current feelings. Lin Jing continued to enlighten it; otherwise, with such a divine ability and its current temperament, the Pine Leaf Mouse''s mentality might continue to collapse in the future. It needed to change its bad habit of only valuing ¡°quantity¡± over ¡°quality.¡± At least it should consider both. ¡°This divine ability is great; you should practice it more.¡± ¡°Just think, spiritual rice may be scarce for us now, but once we reach the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages, we can have as much as we want.¡± ¡°Even with storage bags or storage rings, hoarding spiritual rice would be too wasteful.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Not every resource should be hoarded.¡± ¡°Now that you have this eye technique, since it can combine a certain number of low-level resources into a higher-level resource, we should only hoard high-level resources in the future.¡± ¡°You saw the effects of the golden spiritual rice.¡± ¡°If we ever acquire high-level spiritual fruits or high-level pills that are hard to digest, this golden spiritual rice could very well be the key for us to consume high-level resources!¡± ¡°Zhi!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse found some reason in that. ¡°Moreover, now that you¡¯ve mutated into a rare beast, you¡¯ll definitely attract the attention of many bad people.¡± ¡°This golden spiritual rice¡­ can also be used as a weapon!¡± ¡°In that state of hunger earlier, you nearly lost your sanity. If we feed a few grains of golden spiritual rice to an enemy, along with a few hundred doses of laxatives, we might win without a fight!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse stepped back, looking up. Feeding laxative rice to the enemy? That made sense! Once the storage bag arrived, it would have to stockpile a few hundred doses of laxatives! But getting the spiritual rice into the enemy''s mouth seemed a bit difficult? ¡°Zhi!?¡± ¡°Uh.¡± Lin Jing was momentarily taken aback; he had said it casually, but the little squirrel seemed to be pondering the feasibility. ¡°It¡¯s feasible.¡± Lin Jing added, ¡°Don¡¯t forget your Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s specialty, Flying Leaves!¡± ¡°As long as you throw the leaves accurately, you can surely throw the spiritual rice accurately too.¡± Upon hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse contemplated. That made sense! It immediately picked up a fallen leaf from the ground, its gaze sharp as it looked to the side, and waved its little hand! In the next instant, the leaf flew out, transforming into a green light that cut down a branch from the tree in the courtyard! Smack! The branch fell to the ground. In Lin Jing¡¯s past life, various martial arts stories featured techniques like ¡°flying leaves can hurt people,¡± which were quite impressive. However, in this immortal cultivation world, that technique was merely the basic attack method of the Pine Leaf Mouse. Seeing that its skill hadn¡¯t dulled, the Pine Leaf Mouse nodded in satisfaction. Watching this, Lin Jing stroked his chin and said, ¡°I wonder if a pile of ordinary leaves can be combined with your eye technique.¡± With an idea in mind, Lin Jing took action immediately. Using his true qi, he kicked the leaves from a few green trees in the courtyard, causing all the leaves to fall. A ground covered in fallen leaves left the trees looking bare. The Pine Leaf Mouse fell silent upon seeing this. ¡°Zhi Zhi Zhi!¡± Leaves like these had been in abundance in the place it once lived, holding little value. Even as weapons for its attacks, it had never hoarded them. It turned out the Pine Leaf Mouse really didn¡¯t hoard everything! But now¡­ following Lin Jing¡¯s idea, it swept its Glazed Immortal Eyes over the ground full of fallen leaves. It was curious whether ordinary leaves could be synthesized. In the next moment, two beams of emerald light shot from the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes. They landed on thousands of ordinary leaves. Then, a similar scene unfolded; under the coverage of the emerald light, these thousands of ordinary green leaves disappeared just like the spiritual rice had! What appeared instead was a single red leaf, reminiscent of a maple leaf. Although this red leaf emanated a Spirit Qi fluctuation weaker than an ordinary grain of spiritual rice, Lin Jing was pleasantly surprised to see that it had indeed succeeded and immediately called to the Pine Leaf Mouse, ¡°Throw it and see!¡± ¡°Zhi Zhi¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse scampered to pick up the red leaf, but as soon as it grasped it, its eyes felt a bit sore, possibly due to excessive use of its eye power, making it quite uncomfortable. Seeing this, Lin Jing quickly stepped forward and placed his hand on the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s head, activating the ¡°Spirit Nurturing Technique.¡± A glow covered the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s head, alleviating its mental fatigue. ¡°Are your eyes okay? I overlooked that you¡¯re only at the third level of Qi Refinement, and using this divine ability continuously must take a toll.¡± He grew worried. After nearly a month of companionship, he certainly didn¡¯t want anything to happen to this little squirrel. ¡°Zhi!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse rubbed its eyes and then pushed Lin Jing¡¯s hand away. Although it felt unwell, it was even more eager to understand the power of this red leaf! With the red leaf in hand, it vaguely sensed a very close connection with it, as if it was being refined by itself! Whoosh! The Pine Leaf Mouse aimed at the bare tree and threw the leaf. In the next moment, a flash of red light occurred, and this time, the flying leaf¡¯s speed far surpassed that of the previous green leaves. In the blink of an eye, a thick branch fell, smooth to the touch. And this was not the end. The previous green flying leaves lost power and fell shortly after cutting off a branch, but this time, the red flying leaves not only continued flying further but the Pine Leaf Mouse also widened its eyes, discovering something incredible. The Flying Leaves Technique was used by the Pine Leaf Mouse to launch leaves with its Spirit Power, which would then attack in a straight line. But this time, with the red flying leaves, the Pine Leaf Mouse realized it could actually control the trajectory of the leaf¡¯s flight at will, even calling it back! With a thought, the red flying leaf instantly turned and flew back toward them, cutting through a stone block beneath a tree in the process. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Under the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s focused control, the red flying leaf skimmed the ground, spinning in the air as it went. ¡°Zhi!!!¡± This scene made the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes sparkle! Lin Jing was also taken aback. Elder Mo had mentioned that the Pine Leaf Mouse tribe, compared to the strong Fighting Apes, Horned Cattle, and Fire Spirit Sparrows that could use fire techniques, were not particularly strong. The Flying Leaves Technique had limited effectiveness in battle. But now, the Flying Leaves Technique in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s hands seemed to be something entirely different. This was simply a manipulation technique! A Leaf Manipulation Technique! It was as if it had gained a life-bound magical treasure, the Red Leaf¡­ The more the Pine Leaf Mouse used it, the more enthralled it became. Pointing skyward, the red flying leaf shot into the sky as if it wanted to pierce the heavens, cutting down immortals! ¡°Who dares throw things carelessly in the sky?!¡± An angry voice echoed from the clouds, and a crane revealed its head. Chapter 11: The Three Great Demon Sects Chapter 11: The Three Great Demon Sects The crane stood tall, with long legs and its body covered in feathers as white as snow. On its head was a red patch, resembling the sun rising in the dawn, giving it an air of nobility. It swooped down angrily, clutching the red flying leaves. This crane¡­ judging by the accent, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were very familiar with it. It seemed to be the celestial crane that had delivered resources to them when they first arrived at the outer sect, rather than the crane sister that had brought them down from the inner peak. Referring to it as a celestial crane was somewhat inaccurate; through reading books, Lin Jing had already learned its species name. Heavenly Feather Crane, a wind-type spirit beast, holds an extraordinary status in the Beast Taming Sect. Because the sect master¡­ had contracted one Heavenly Feather Crane! ¡°Zhi¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse was extremely nervous upon seeing the leaves it had carelessly thrown hit the crane. ¡°Senior¡­¡± Lin Jing also showed an apologetic expression and said, ¡°I¡¯m very sorry; we were practicing spells.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so annoyed. The sect is not safe now; be more careful next time!¡± The Heavenly Feather Crane tossed away the leaves, looking around, and said, ¡°It seems this is the place. Outer sect disciple Lin Jing, you have a message from Elder Mo Wuy¨¡ from Lotus Peak!¡± After saying that, it dropped a letter and flew back into the clouds, seemingly in a hurry, as if it were afraid of exceeding the time for its next delivery. Seeing this, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse breathed a sigh of relief, and Lin Jing curiously opened the letter. ¡°Zhi?¡± After reading the letter, Lin Jing pondered, ¡°Elder Mo said that the small base of the Yin Corpse Sect that kidnapped me has already reported my Longevity Body information but didn¡¯t manage to transfer me. He advised me not to leave the Beast Taming Sect and not to accept sect missions that require leaving.¡± ¡°As long as we stay within the sect, we can remain safe.¡± ¡°As for him, he is no longer in the sect¡­ but has gone to the Demon Extermination Division to understand the specific situation and see if he can uproot that higher-level demon sect base as well!¡± ¡°Zhi!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at Lin Jing with sympathy. Lin Jing shook his head and said, ¡°I really have bad luck. I¡¯ve only just started my cultivation and am already targeted by the demon sect.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with those eyes. Rare beasts are even scarcer than special cultivation physiques!¡± ¡°If we get caught, we might end up at the same dinner table.¡± Now, Lin Jing was no longer a novice in the cultivation world and had a deeper understanding of the demon sects. The three great demon sects in the cultivation world¡ªYin Corpse Sect, Gu God Sect, and Youming Hall¡ªwere all terrifying names. Among them, the Yin Corpse Sect, which refines corpses and sells seedlings, seizes geniuses, and extracts their foundations, is a thorn in the side of every major sect and cultivation family. Which family doesn¡¯t have a genius with a special physique? Where there¡¯s trade, there¡¯s persecution. Although the failure rate of seizing and rebuilding the body is very high, many seriously injured high-level cultivators still refuse to resign to their fate, and the Yin Corpse Sect plays the role of a middleman. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Gu God Sect raises gu worms, placing them in numerous mortals, ordinary cultivators, and even those with special physiques to nourish the gu with human bodies and enhance their powers, allowing them to evolve! As for Youming Hall, it focuses on ghost cultivation, raising spirits and dispatching souls. Fortunately, under the crackdown of the Demon Extermination Division of the Ti¨¡nyu¨¢n Ancient Country and various regional sects, the three great demon sects were like rats crossing the street, unable to see the light of day. Lin Jing sighed. It was a relief that his Longevity Body, while rare, wasn¡¯t particularly precious. Even if it attracted attention, it shouldn¡¯t be the top priority. ¡°When Elder Mo returns, we¡¯ll tell him about your mutated rare beast. Since I, as a special physique, can obtain inner sect-level resources, then you should also count as a ¡®special physique¡¯ now. Perhaps our resource treatment can be upgraded.¡± As a new disciple entering the sect, Lin Jing could enjoy such good treatment. The Pine Leaf Mouse, born in the Beast Taming Sect and raised under its training, had parents who were also within the sect. Its connection to the sect was deeper than Lin Jing¡¯s, so he believed the sect wouldn¡¯t skimp on resources for its training. ¡°Zhi zhi zhi!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded and then looked at the spirit bean seedlings nearby. It was curious about what would be synthesized from these after planting 100 seeds and then converting them with the Glazed Immortal Eyes. ¡°You should stop¡­¡± Lin Jing interrupted, ¡°We don¡¯t have any rations left. The little bit of spirit rice we managed to plant has already been eaten by you.¡± ¡°We should go find something to eat. Otherwise¡­ let alone the consumption for synthesizing new resources, you might starve during the spirit bean ripening process.¡± ¡°Ugh, let¡¯s go hunt some game in the mountains and dig up some wild vegetables to fill our stomachs.¡± Lin Jing sighed. Among the dozens of peaks in the Beast Taming Sect, a few were specially designated for raising some ferocious beasts¡ªman-eating monsters kept for outer and inner sect disciples to train. Lin Jing planned to take the Pine Leaf Mouse to one of those mountains that outer sect disciples could enter, to catch a few wild rabbits and fish. If it had been before, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to take the risk. But now, the Pine Leaf Mouse had mastered the red flying leaves, which could cut through steel like mud, and ordinary mountain beasts and low-level monsters posed no threat to them anymore. ¡­ After a break, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, armed with the red flying leaves, left the courtyard and began their journey toward ¡°Tiger Peak¡± according to the map. This peak had man-eating tigers prowling about, but only a few had the demonic energy equivalent to ¡°first layer of Qi training.¡± The Beast Taming Sect only allowed disciples at the ¡°first layer of Qi training¡± to bring pets into the area to cultivate their courage. These disciples were often just beginning their cultivation journey, still transitioning from a mortal mindset. Facing a monster would be daunting; they might even falter at the roar of a common mountain tiger. However, with at least a third-layer pet beast protecting them, such disciples entering this peak typically wouldn¡¯t encounter any accidents, making it a suitable place for mental training. The most important part was that all the hunted resources belonged to the disciple. Before long, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse arrived at the foot of Tiger Peak. At the entrance, an old man in a coarse robe stood there. Upon seeing Lin Jing, he waved his hand. ¡°Outer sect disciple? Want to enter Tiger Peak?¡± Lin Jing approached, and the old man examined Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Elder, yes.¡± Lin Jing didn¡¯t recognize the old man but guessed he was the peak guardian, as peaks like Tiger Peak had dedicated personnel. ¡°You cannot enter now; a spirit plant unexpectedly sprouted inside the mountain and was eaten by a tiger. Now that tiger has gained intelligence and possesses strong demonic power. It¡¯s risky for you to enter.¡± The old man waved his hand and said, ¡°Come back another day.¡± ¡°Elder, what level is that tiger?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Perhaps we can¡­¡± ¡°First layer of Qi training.¡± ¡°Elder, sorry to trouble you.¡± Lin Jing cupped his fists and turned to leave with the Pine Leaf Mouse. What a world it was; after all the hard work in cultivation, he had only just reached the first layer of Qi training. Yet a tiger that ate a spirit plant could reach the ninth layer? Fortune¡­ truly more important than effort. Not only was Lin Jing distressed, but the Pine Leaf Mouse on his shoulder was also indignant. Just as Lin Jing was leaving, a familiar figure approached. ¡°Junior Lin?¡± the young man in white called out in surprise. ¡°Senior Ouyang, what are you doing here?¡± ¡°I accepted a sect mission to subdue the ¡®tiger demon of Tiger Peak,¡¯¡± Ouyang Hao said. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were left speechless. Undercover, scripture pavilion manager, and subduing tiger demons¡ªOuyang really was a busy person. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse cupped their fists in admiration, deeply impressed by him. It¡¯s good to have you in the sect; the next sect master will surely be you, and no one would compete with you. Chapter 12: The Legend of the Red Fox Chapter 12: The Legend of the Red Fox ¡°Junior Brother, are you planning to enter Tiger Mountain for training?¡± Ouyang asked. ¡°I have this idea, but now that the tiger demon is present, we¡¯ll have to switch to another peak,¡± Lin Jing replied helplessly. Walking also consumes a lot of energy. He needed to ask what identity one needed to ride a celestial crane. At that moment, Lin Jing realized the benefits of choosing an ox as a pet beast; along the way, he had seen many disciples riding their oxen. As for him, it was the pet beast that was riding him¡ªhow excessive! Hearing this, Ouyang looked at the peak guardian. ¡°Elder, I¡¯ve come to subdue the tiger demon.¡± The peak guardian glanced at Ouyang Hao and said, ¡°I see. You may enter.¡± Ouyang smiled and looked back at Lin Jing, saying, ¡°Junior Brother, would you like to come with me? Once I subdue the tiger demon, you¡¯ll be able to train normally.¡± ¡°Is that allowed?¡± Lin Jing was surprised. ¡°Of course! With me here, there won¡¯t be any accidents.¡± Ouyang turned to the peak guardian again and asked, ¡°Elder, may I bring this junior brother along?¡± ¡°Go ahead,¡± the elder replied, seemingly unfazed by Ouyang¡¯s strength. ¡°You two go; I¡¯ll continue writing my self-reflection.¡± He looked quite annoyed. ¡­¡­ ¡°Ouyang, what¡¯s the elder¡¯s self-reflection about?¡± Lin Jing asked after they entered Tiger Mountain. ¡°The tiger demon¡¯s presence was caused by the unexpected birth of a spirit plant, which the elder failed to notice in time, allowing a wild monster to eat it. He definitely has to write a self-reflection letter to repent and face punishment.¡± ¡°He must hate that tiger demon now. Unfortunately, he can¡¯t handle it directly. When a monster hasn¡¯t harmed anyone yet, the sect¡¯s first consideration is to subdue it rather than kill it.¡± ¡°Subduing a monster is also a technical job. As long as the situation isn¡¯t too severe, it¡¯s given to promising disciples in the sect to try and train themselves.¡± ¡°After all, subduing wild monsters is a fundamental skill that our Beast Taming Sect disciples must master.¡± ¡°As disciples, we could perhaps choose from the spirit beasts and monsters cultivated in the sect to contract. However, to go further, we need to venture into the vast cultivation world to find and subdue those powerful beings!¡± ¡°The reason I wanted to bring you along is to show you how I subdue a wild monster and make it willingly submit,¡± Ouyang said with concern. ¡°Now I understand,¡± Lin Jing said, surprised. ¡°I thought you were here for the tiger whip.¡± Ouyang Hao: ¡°If this tiger demon doesn¡¯t submit to my teachings, I can only accept it with a smile.¡± Lin Jing and Ouyang chose to walk through the forest, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and insects¡ªa peaceful ambiance, though they still had a distance to cover before reaching the tiger demon. At that moment, Lin Jing suddenly remembered a question he hadn¡¯t yet resolved! Elder Mo mentioned that when Ouyang becomes a true disciple, he might take the sect master as his teacher! The reason was not mentioned, which piqued Lin Jing¡¯s curiosity. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had forgotten to ask about it during their last visit to the scripture pavilion, so this time he intended to seize the opportunity to inquire directly. ¡°Brother, I heard that the sect master intends to take you as a disciple?¡± ¡°You know about this? Has it spread to the outer sect?¡± Ouyang looked back in surprise. ¡°Well, not exactly; Elder Mo told me,¡± Lin Jing replied, clearing his throat. ¡°Brother, please teach me! How did you achieve that?¡± Only true disciples could learn the sect¡¯s genuine secret techniques, which meant becoming a core member of the Beast Taming Sect. To become a true disciple, one condition was to take a master with Golden Core cultivation or above. Taking on a master was akin to a second birth, and having a good master would make the path of cultivation smoother. It was impressive that Ouyang could connect with the sect master. ¡°This¡­¡± Ouyang looked at Lin Jing strangely, then suddenly shook his head. ¡°Junior Brother, my situation may not be suitable for you.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse pressed for details. Ouyang sighed, stopped walking, and after pondering for a moment, said with a hint of regret, ¡°Forget it; it¡¯s not a secret. I¡¯ll tell you, but remember not to spread it.¡± ¡°I recall that you took books about the history of the Beast Taming Sect from the scripture pavilion, right?¡± ¡°The first sect master of our Beast Taming Sect was a mortal. This type of body had no fate with the path of immortality, but he had a fortunate encounter and obtained the Beast Taming techniques from the Immortal Palace.¡± ¡°The techniques from the Immortal Palace focus on enslaving beasts; a cultivator¡¯s intent could determine the life or death of their contracted beast. With these techniques, he enslaved countless powerful monsters and reached the Transformation God stage, causing the Beast Taming Sect to flourish.¡± ¡°However, forcibly enslaving pets ultimately has its drawbacks, and he eventually perished due to a backlash from the very beasts he had enslaved.¡± ¡°Learning from this lesson, the second sect master began to consider how the relationship between beast tamers and their beasts should truly be. He concluded that the relationship should not only be master and servant but also companions and kin.¡± ¡°Thus, he initiated reforms within the sect, encouraging disciples to cultivate alongside young beasts from the Qi training period, strengthening their bond instead of forcibly enslaving wild monsters. Even if they were to subdue wild beasts, it should be through genuine acknowledgment and followership, not coercion.¡± ¡°The second sect master laid a solid foundation for the Beast Taming Sect, and this tradition has been passed down to this day. Originally, this was already perfect, but up until now¡­the fifth-generation sect master, who is the current sect master, has further deepened the emotional bond with their beasts.¡± ¡°He has become true kin with his contracted beasts.¡± Lin Jing was speechless. This was information not recorded in the books. ¡°Which beast is it?¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were both shocked. ¡°It¡¯s the one from the Heavenly Feather Crane clan¡­though it hasn¡¯t been publicly acknowledged among disciples, it could be referred to as the sect master¡¯s wife,¡± Ouyang said respectfully. At this moment, Lin Jing¡¯s mind was still a bit confused. Wait, wait! ¡°So, brother, you¡¯re favored by the sect master. Does that mean¡­¡± Lin Jing suddenly fell silent. ¡°Yeah,¡± Ouyang sighed. ¡°Hong¡¯er was a small fox I rescued during my mortal days. After that, she became very attached to me, and I kept her by my side.¡± ¡°Until Elder Mo brought me back to the Beast Taming Sect, and I performed a blood contract with Hong¡¯er, that¡¯s when I realized she had developed that kind of affection for me.¡± ¡°Even though she¡¯s a beast, her feelings are genuine. Such sincerity shouldn¡¯t be betrayed, right, Junior Brother?¡± Lin Jing looked up at the sky. Everything had been unraveled. However, considering this was a world of cultivation, Lin Jing no longer struggled with the differences in species. It was just that the ¡°Legend of the White Snake¡± had transformed into ¡°The Legend of the Celestial Crane¡± and ¡°The Legend of the Red Fox.¡± ¡°Best wishes to you both,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Zhi, zhi¡­¡± Chapter 13: Subduing the Tiger Demon Chapter 13: Subduing the Tiger Demon ¡°Thank you for your blessings,¡± Ouyang sighed deeply. ¡°As long as you understand, I was worried you couldn¡¯t accept it.¡± ¡°But this path is bound to be difficult.¡± ¡°Even Sect Master Xu cannot see the future.¡± Lin Jing asked, ¡°Why do you say that?¡± ¡°Humans and beasts are destined to never have a result.¡± Ouyang shook his head. ¡°You still want a result?¡± ¡°Unless the other party is from the demon clan, not a demon beast!¡± Ouyang said seriously. ¡°Demon clan?¡± ¡°Yes, the demon clan.¡± ¡°During the era of the Immortal Palace, the Ti¨¡nyu¨¢n continent was home to numerous clans, and both humans and demons were part of it.¡± ¡°Any beast that cultivates to a certain level can transform into a human. Over time, humanoid demon beasts became increasingly common, leading to the emergence of the demon clan. They take on a human form while retaining some beast-like traits, thus forming a new race.¡± ¡°The most important point is that the demon clan can reproduce with the human clan, giving rise to half-demons.¡± ¡°Toward the end of the Immortal Palace era, countless clans joined forces with the four major sects to resist the tyranny of the Immortal Palace. During this period, the sacrifices made by the various clans were immense.¡± ¡°The demon clan was hit the hardest, as the Immortal Palace used their spells to rewrite the rules of the Ti¨¡nyu¨¢n continent, and demon beasts could no longer transform into humans, causing the demon clan to become extinct.¡± ¡°If the demon clan still existed, perhaps Hong¡¯er could cultivate to become a member of that clan. What a pity, what a pity.¡± Ouyang truly felt it was a loss. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing was speechless. This information was also not recorded in the ¡°Brief History.¡± ¡°Sect Master Xu has been searching for ways to resurrect the demon clan. If I were to become his disciple, I would likely spend my life seeking a way for demon beasts to evolve into the demon clan.¡± Hearing the emotional story of the current sect master and Ouyang, Lin Jing was quite moved. ¡°You will definitely succeed.¡± ¡°Zhi.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded as well; it didn¡¯t understand but was eager to cheer them on. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s hurry up.¡± Ouyang said, suddenly remembering their main objective. ¡­¡­ The journey was silent. After hastening their pace, Ouyang quickly used his ¡°Spirit Eyes¡± to locate the traces of the tiger demon¡¯s aura. Spirit Eyes is a technique that inner sect disciples can cultivate, allowing them to observe various special energies with their naked eyes. It works excellently against foes that don¡¯t conceal their tracks. At this moment, the lucky tiger demon that had consumed the spirit plant was dozing beneath a tree, its body overwhelmed with spiritual energy, needing sleep to digest it. It was precisely because its current state was relatively stable and it hadn¡¯t descended the mountain that the Beast Taming Sect had time to send disciples for training instead of directly executing it. ¡°Hong¡¯er.¡± Ouyang called out, and as they approached the sleeping tiger demon, the red jade pendant he wore flashed with red light, and a red mist enveloped them, revealing a crimson fox spirit beside them. ¡°A spirit beast spatial artifact?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Zhi?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. ¡°Yes.¡± Ouyang smiled and said, ¡°Because I have the sect master¡¯s favor and am a special disciple, I obtained this life-bound spatial artifact ahead of time¡­¡± ¡°This item is easy to refine and can be done during the Qi training stage, but the materials needed are extremely expensive, far surpassing storage bags and rings that can¡¯t hold living beings. Most Foundation Establishment cultivators find it hard to afford without the support of elders¡¯ spirit stones.¡± ¡°Woo~~~¡± When the fox spirit named Hong¡¯er emerged, it immediately snuggled up to Ouyang without acknowledging Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, causing Ouyang to shiver slightly. ¡°So, Brother, how do you plan to subdue this tiger demon?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Listen closely; I¡¯ll only teach this once!¡± Ouyang stroked the fox spirit¡¯s head and then said, ¡°To subdue a wild demon beast, you must first possess strength that exceeds that of the beast!¡± ¡°You need to be stronger than the beast before considering anything else. Never attempt to persuade a demon beast stronger than yourself; otherwise, the only outcome is to become its excrement!¡± ¡°Secondly, to gain its acknowledgment, it¡¯s not enough just to be stronger. That¡¯s merely the foundation.¡± ¡°You must defeat it in the area where it excels and demonstrate commonality with it. Only then will it willingly recognize you as its leader!¡± ¡°For example, if you want to subdue a bird demon that excels at flying, you should surpass it in your flying skills.¡± ¡°Thus, those lower-intelligence demon beasts will instinctively regard you as ¡®one of their kind¡¯ rather than a ¡®powerful outsider.¡¯¡± ¡°This is important; it¡¯s like you¡¯d be willing to marry a Foundation Establishment fairy, but you wouldn¡¯t want to marry a Foundation Establishment female monkey.¡± ¡°If you achieve all this, whether you then threaten or entice, it will be much more effective and will reduce the other party¡¯s hostility.¡± Saying this, he began walking toward the tiger demon. The fox spirit, Hong¡¯er, followed closely behind. Though it was a fox, it showed no fear toward the tiger demon ahead. ¡°I¡¯ve learned a lot.¡± Lin Jing nodded as he watched Ouyang¡¯s back. Essentially, it was about seeing oneself as a demon beast, defeating the opponent in its area of expertise to gain the highest degree of acknowledgment and submission, rather than using a human¡¯s perspective. This was the crystallization of wisdom from the predecessors of the Beast Taming Sect? In an instant, Ouyang had already moved ahead. As they drew closer, the tiger demon, at the ninth layer of Qi training, suddenly opened its eyes. It slowly rose, its tall and robust body stretching, its huge mouth opening wide, eyes like lanterns gleaming with amber light, and it let out a thunderous roar, shaking the mountains and forests, causing leaves to flutter. The flying creatures and beasts within several kilometers were terrified and trembled incessantly. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were equally shocked but still forced themselves to remain calm, observing how Ouyang planned to subdue the tiger demon. Next, Ouyang took a tiger skin coat from his storage bag and draped it over himself. Then he crouched down, mimicking a beast''s stance, and showed a fiercer expression to the tiger demon: ¡°They say that tigers are the beasts of utmost Yang, radiating overwhelming Yang energy, making them the nemesis of ghosts and spirits. I¡¯ll let you see who has the stronger Yang energy!¡± As he spoke, his Yang energy leaked out, mixed with the genuine Qi fluctuations of the ninth layer of Qi training, and he performed the Beast Taming technique: the Subjugation Technique. ¡°Roar!!!!!!¡± Ouyang roared fiercely, his voice deep and resonant. In an instant, the Yang energy and sound waves overwhelmed the true tiger roar, and it was as if a hurricane swept past the tiger demon, causing leaves to fly backward. The tiger demon¡¯s gaze instantly became clear, resembling that of a large cat. Lin Jing: ??? ¡°Zhi?¡± Wait, is this all about wearing a tiger skin coat and roaring at it with your Yang energy? After this, the tiger demon seemed to have lost its intention to attack, while the fox spirit looked at its ¡°Beast Tamer¡± with admiration. This made Lin Jing even more confused about what this fox spirit saw in Ouyang, but from a non-human perspective, perhaps he understood something¡ªafter all, they were indeed a well-matched pair. Chapter 14: Elder Yu Chapter 14: Elder Yu sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Ouyang senior brother''s set of ¡°inappropriate actions,¡± the tiger demon was initially intimidated by him. As for what came next, it was nothing more than coercion and temptation; he easily subdued this tiger demon at the ninth layer of the Qi Refining stage. Although it was said to be at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, its cultivation was actually acquired through a fortuitous encounter, and its intelligence and combat power were still immature. ¡°With the danger removed, you can now confidently venture into training, junior brother.¡± After accomplishing all this, Ouyang senior brother earnestly patted Lin Jing''s shoulder, holding great hopes for Lin Jing''s future. After all, Lin Jing was someone determined to collaborate long-term with demon kings; he felt that with a bit of guidance, Lin Jing would definitely not be inferior to him, a genius in beast taming. ¡°Thank you for your guidance, senior brother.¡± Lin Jing nodded. Then, Ouyang senior brother laughed heartily, riding away on the tiger demon. ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be off to submit my mission.¡± Watching Ouyang senior brother''s departing figure, Lin Jing hesitated, saying, ¡°I might not be able to subdue demon beasts like him.¡± ¡°Eek¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse slightly nodded, agreeing that it was probably best not to learn that, as it seemed unreliable. Lin Jing looked around, ¡°Now that senior brother Ouyang has taken away the biggest trouble, next¡­ it¡¯s our hunting time. Tonight, I want to eat fish, let¡¯s go catch one first.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse was curious, ¡°What kind of fish?¡± ¡°Squirrel fish.¡± ¡°???¡± ¡­ On the Miao Tiger Peak, where the highest demon beast was only at the first layer of Qi Refining, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were the invincible presence. Unlike those outer sect disciples with less experience, Lin Jing had gone through being sold by an immortal trafficker and had faced threats from Elder Black Bear; his mentality was already very strong and didn¡¯t need to train here. He was here purely for procurement. As the sun set, the old man guarding Miao Tiger Peak saw Lin Jing leisurely carrying aÂéÉþ strung with wild rabbits, wild boars, and wild chickens, leaving with the Pine Leaf Mouse. The old man didn¡¯t pay attention; many outer sect disciples would choose to hunt when they couldn¡¯t cook. Before long, they returned to the courtyard, and the Pine Leaf Mouse began to hint to Lin Jing. The contract was established; As for food, whether or not it was nutritious, they had hunted some; Next, shouldn¡¯t they figure out how to get a storage bag? The Pine Leaf Mouse hadn¡¯t forgotten about its storage bag; it had come down the mountain for this thing. Earlier, it had utilized red flying leaves, showcasing its skills on Miao Tiger Mountain, effortlessly defeating numerous ferocious beasts. Compared to ordinary leaves, it felt that the red flying leaves were much more to its liking. It decided that in the future, it would use the Glazed Immortal Eyes to synthesize several hundred million red flying leaves. Just the thought of having several hundred million red flying leaves without a place to carry them made the Pine Leaf Mouse feel a sense of melancholy and insecurity. ¡°I remember.¡± Lin Jing also realized that with the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s current capabilities, it seemed they could start making money; the storage bag was not out of reach. ¡°The fastest way to make money is to sell golden spirit rice and profit from the price difference.¡± ¡°However, considering that using your eye techniques incurs great consumption, plus the fact that your racial mutation hasn¡¯t been reported to Elder Mo, let¡¯s not reveal the Glazed Immortal Eyes for now.¡± ¡°Besides, if we want to quickly earn spirit stones, we can only rely on sect missions.¡± Although when Elder Mo returned, the Pine Leaf Mouse could apply to him for better treatment as a rare beast, Lin Jing was unwilling to be a slacker like Ouyang senior brother, who was still diligently doing sect missions to earn rewards. The main point was, if he wanted to advance to an inner sect disciple, there were not only requirements for strength but also requirements for sect contribution points, and to gain contribution points, one had to undertake sect missions; this was unavoidable and would have to be done sooner or later. He yearned for the inner sect. Since senior brother Ouyang could obtain a space treasure for his contracted beast at the inner sect disciple stage, he wanted one too. Lin Jing felt envious; this was a better thing than a storage bag. With this, he wouldn¡¯t have to carry the Pine Leaf Mouse every day. For some reason, the Pine Leaf Mouse liked to stand on his shoulder; Lin Jing felt this habit was not good. Although the time was still short, he could already foresee that if this continued, one of his shoulders would be high and the other low. ¡°Eek!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse indicated that it would follow Lin Jing¡¯s lead, and then it¡­ dragged a cloth bag, leaving the courtyard to climb a tree by the roadside to pick leaves. The leaves in their own courtyard had already been stripped bare, and it could only go outside to pick more if it wanted to continue synthesizing red flying leaves. As for using spiritual energy to hasten the ripening¡­ wasting spiritual energy in this way was too extravagant, since leaves were everywhere in the mountains. It was better to save the spiritual energy for ripening spiritual rice and spiritual beans. That night, outer sect disciples passing by saw a squirrel carrying a large bag of leaves, jumping back and forth. ¡°How pitiful¡­¡± Two female disciples saw the Pine Leaf Mouse collecting broken leaves and said, ¡°Whose beast master is it? They can¡¯t even feed their pet and have to let it find leaves to eat¡­¡± Until the next morning, the Pine Leaf Mouse was still busy collecting leaves, and their courtyard was already piled high with them. When Lin Jing woke up and planned to check if there were any suitable tasks in the task hall, the Pine Leaf Mouse dragged in another huge burlap sack. In addition, it had a delicate pink cloth bag in its hands. Seeing this, Lin Jing rubbed his eyes and said, ¡°Where did you pick that up? I don¡¯t remember us having such a bag.¡± ¡°Eek! Eek!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse opened the cloth bag, and inside were several pine cones! It indicated that this was given to it by a beautiful and kind-hearted senior sister passing by, urging it to eat more nutritious food and not to eat leaves anymore. ¡°It must be that your leaf collecting made the other senior sisters misunderstand something; don¡¯t take other people¡¯s things in the future.¡± Lin Jing said helplessly. The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded, then used the Glazed Immortal Eyes to scan the several pine cones. Nothing happened. ¡­ Outer sect, task hall. Since it was still very early, there were not many people inside; apart from one supervising senior brother, only four outer sect disciples were searching for tasks. They seemed to know each other and were discussing whether to deal with snake demons or pig demons. The supervising senior brother was reading a book, engrossed, and was not as friendly as Ouyang senior brother. Lin Jing browsed the task wall by himself. After a round of scanning, he found that aside from tasks that required going out of the sect, there were very few tasks suitable for him and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Going out of the sect was not an option unless he could find a high-level bodyguard to accompany him, preferably above the Golden Core stage. As for internal sect tasks, like going to the sect¡¯s spiritual fields to help¡­ the cost-performance ratio was too low; relying on such tasks to accumulate enough money to buy a storage bag and earn contribution points for promotion to the inner sect would take ages. Although he truly did not lack time. Just as Lin Jing was feeling troubled, the task hall suddenly fell silent as an elder in blue robes entered. ¡°Greetings, Elder Yu.¡± The four outer sect disciples noticed first and respectfully spoke, while the supervising senior brother, who was reading a miscellaneous book, suddenly stood up, putting down the book titled ¡°My Sword Spirit Wife.¡± Chapter 15: Dragon Ascension Festival, Mechanized Bamboo Dragon Chapter 15: Dragon Ascension Festival, Mechanized Bamboo Dragon ¡°Elder Yu, what brings you here?¡± The supervising senior brother immediately put down the miscellaneous book titled ¡°My Sword Spirit Wife¡± with a nervous expression, looking at the elder. Lin Jing also looked over; if he remembered correctly, Elder Yu was the elder in charge of outer sect affairs, and he was the authority in the outer sect. ¡°Ziran, what are you reading again?¡± Elder Yu frowned, extending his hand, and the supervising senior brother''s book flew directly into Elder Yu¡¯s hand. ¡°Elder! This book was created by Daoist Jian Qingfeng from the Heavenly Sword Sect; it contains profound principles of swordsmanship and is definitely not a useless book¡­¡± Before the supervising senior brother could finish, Elder Yu coldly snorted and put the book away. ¡°Reading miscellaneous books during work hours, I¡¯ll fine you half a month¡¯s worth of spirit stones.¡± The supervising senior brother wore an expression as if his pet beast had died. ¡°Eek eek eek¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse covered its mouth, stifling a laugh. At this moment, Elder Yu''s gaze turned toward the Pine Leaf Mouse¡­ then to Lin Jing. The Pine Leaf Mouse immediately restrained its smile, fearing it might get punished with half a bag of leaves. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°You are Lin Jing?¡± After a glance, Elder Yu suddenly spoke. ¡°Reporting to Elder Yu, I am indeed Lin Jing.¡± Lin Jing was not surprised that an outer sect elder recognized him; Elder Mo had brought him back and surely had informed Elder Yu. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Are you here to accept a mission?¡± Elder Yu asked. Lin Jing nodded. Elder Yu pondered for a moment and said, ¡°It seems you haven¡¯t found a suitable task yet. Do you want to accept a task that rewards spirit stones or a task that rewards sect contribution points?¡± Lin Jing was taken aback; what did the outer sect elder mean¡­ Tailored to him? ¡°Reporting to the elder, I would like to take both.¡± Elder Yu choked slightly and said, ¡°I am here this time to issue a task.¡± ¡°With the Dragon Ascension Festival approaching, we need a large quantity of spirit bamboo to create mechanized beasts. Outer sect disciples who have wood-type contracted beasts can take on this task to go to Jin Zhu Yuan to harvest spirit bamboo in exchange for spirit stones and sect contribution points. Only one person can accept this task.¡± ¡°I see you have a Pine Leaf Mouse contracted; do you wish to accept this task?¡± Huh? The supervising senior brother and the other four outer sect disciples were dumbfounded, looking at the unfamiliar Lin Jing, speculating about his background. Elder Yu''s actions screamed favoritism and abuse of power! Who on earth is this person! ¡°I am willing!¡± Although Lin Jing still didn¡¯t fully understand what was happening, as an honest person, he couldn¡¯t refuse the elder¡¯s request. ¡°Ziran, note down the task. For every ten bamboo stalks harvested, there is a reward of one spirit stone, plus one point of sect contribution.¡± Elder Yu said, ¡°Let this disciple take care of it.¡± After saying that, he waved his sleeve and left the task hall. Once Elder Yu departed, Ziran senior brother immediately looked at Lin Jing with admiration, saying, ¡°Junior brother, congratulations! To be noticed by Elder Yu means your future is limitless.¡± Lin Jing returned the gesture, ¡°It¡¯s just luck. But I don¡¯t know, senior brother, what is this task about? Can you explain it to me?¡± With no book to read, Ziran senior brother had free time to explain, ¡°You should know about the Dragon Ascension Festival.¡± This was one of the traditional festivals of the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom. It is said that the founder of the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom, the first ancient emperor, used true dragon secret techniques to transform the central mountain range of the Tianyuan continent. The mountains soared upward, transforming into a divine dragon that took on the responsibility of protecting the Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom. This giant dragon was also a symbol of the kingdom¡¯s fortune. It fell into a deep slumber in the earth, transforming into the dragon vein of fortune, protecting the ancient kingdom for generations. Whenever disasters that were hard to withstand occurred within the kingdom, it would awaken to suppress the calamities. Over time, to commemorate the giant dragon formed from the mountains, the day of the dragon''s birth became a traditional festival celebrated not only in the cultivation world but also by ordinary people. Lin Jing didn¡¯t expect that the Beast Taming Sect would also specifically celebrate this festival. ¡°The Beast Taming Sect celebrates the Dragon Ascension Festival every year, though it¡¯s not a grand affair; we simply hold some small activities.¡± ¡°On the festival day, it¡¯s also a great opportunity for disciples from the inner and outer sects to showcase themselves.¡± ¡°And in our Beast Taming Sect, during the Dragon Ascension Festival, there is a special event called ¡®Dragon Struggles, Beast Fights.¡¯¡± ¡°Disciples can send out their contracted beasts to challenge the ¡®dragon¡¯!¡± ¡°Of course, this dragon is not a true dragon; our Beast Taming Sect does not have a true dragon yet. This dragon refers to a mechanized dragon created using ¡®mechanical arts.¡¯¡± ¡°When Elder Yu was younger, he traveled the continent and learned the art of creating mechanized beasts from the myriad arts of cultivation!¡± ¡°This skill is still quite rare in our Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°Because of this talent, Elder Yu is responsible for the festival every year, and the task of harvesting spirit bamboo he issued is likely for the creation of the ¡®mechanized bamboo dragon.¡¯¡± After Ziran senior brother finished speaking, one of the outer sect disciples present in the task hall said excitedly, ¡°A mechanized bamboo dragon! It seems this year¡¯s mechanized dragon will be wood attribute; my contracted beast is a Fire Spirit Sparrow, which has an attribute advantage.¡± ¡°This is valuable news; I can start researching how to deal with wood-type beasts now.¡± Another outer sect disciple said. ¡°Over the years, defeating the mechanized dragon has garnered substantial rewards¡ªspirit stones, pills, magical treasures, and spells are all included. Thus, both inner and outer sect disciples are eager to try.¡± Ziran senior brother smiled and said, ¡°However, the mechanized dragon¡­ although it corresponds to the Qi Refining stage, its combat power won¡¯t be overly exaggerated, but since it is crafted by a Golden Core elder, defeating it won¡¯t be that easy.¡± ¡°Now I see.¡± Lin Jing understood and continued to ask, ¡°May I ask, senior brother, is there anything particular about harvesting spirit bamboo?¡± Although he had been working hard to learn various knowledge related to spiritual plants, his learning time was still short. ¡°Jin Zhu Yuan is a gorge located between two peaks on the northern slope of the Beast Taming Sect, where there is a sea of bamboo that produces spirit bamboo. If I¡¯m not mistaken, this spirit bamboo must be harvested with an axe containing wood properties, or it will lose its characteristics.¡± ¡°Oh, using wood-type methods should yield the same effect. For instance, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s flying leaves technique; Elder Yu just mentioned that he assigned you this task because you have a Pine Leaf Mouse.¡± Ziran senior brother revealed an envious expression again. ¡°This task¡¯s rewards are quite generous; even among tasks available to inner sect disciples, there are probably none as generous as this.¡± ¡°However¡­¡± He observed Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Your Pine Leaf Mouse is still at the third layer of Qi Refining, isn¡¯t it? As far as I know, spirit bamboo is incredibly tough, and even if a mid-Qi Refining Pine Leaf Mouse uses the flying leaves technique, it may require several attempts to cut down a single stalk of spirit bamboo, making it quite laborious!¡± ¡°It might not be easy for it to use the flying leaves technique to cut the spirit bamboo.¡± The supervising senior brother suddenly realized; that¡¯s why Elder Yu was so generous. He had been wondering if the rewards were too generous. It turned out Elder Yu believed that this junior brother¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t sufficient to harvest too many spirit bamboos, and if the main intent was to help him train his flying leaves technique, that made sense. Chapter 16: The Spirit Bamboo Slayer Chapter 16: The Spirit Bamboo Slayer Shortly after, L¨ªn J¨¬ng left the Mission Hall with a freshly issued mission scroll in hand. With this scroll, he could enter the Golden Pearl Grove and freely harvest Spirit Bamboo. Without it, he would be arrested for ¡°damaging sect resources.¡± ¡°That senior brother mentioned that using the usual Flying Leaf Technique to cut Spirit Bamboo is laborious. But I wonder how effective the red flying leaf would be.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse dismissed the senior brother¡¯s comment. He was referring to regular spirit beasts, not their precious Pine Leaf Mouse. Since Elder Jade had entrusted them with this important task, they were determined to cut enough Spirit Bamboo, even if it meant going without food or drink. L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse hurried to the Golden Pearl Grove, conscious not to waste any time. After all, every ten stalks less would mean one less Spirit Stone earned. They showed the mission scroll to the senior brother guarding the grove and entered the sea of bamboo. Inside, they gazed up at the canopy of leaves, the towering Spirit Bamboo exuding a deep, vibrant green that radiated life. The sight made the Pine Leaf Mouse''s mouth water. ¡°Squeak¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re a mouse, not a bamboo rat,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng corrected, patting the pouch at his waist. With a sigh, the Pine Leaf Mouse took out the precious red flying leaf and clutched it. Before it used the red leaf, L¨ªn J¨¬ng bent down and picked up an ordinary bamboo leaf, handing it to the mouse. ¡°Let¡¯s do a comparison and see the difference in damage to the Spirit Bamboo when using a regular leaf versus your red flying leaf.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded, accepting the green bamboo leaf. With one leaf in each paw, it narrowed its eyes and focused on the nearest bamboo stalk. ¡°Squeak!¡± Its spiritual energy surged, and with a flick of its small hand, the green leaf shot forward. The leaf collided with the bamboo, leaving only a barely noticeable nick before disintegrating. The Pine Leaf Mouse frowned. This Spirit Bamboo was indeed tough. Cutting it with normal effort would mean a long day with little gain. It exchanged a look with L¨ªn J¨¬ng and switched to the red flying leaf for its next attempt. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse leaped from L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s shoulder, tossing the red flying leaf. A red flash cut through the bamboo, followed by a cracking sound as the towering stalk fell. The test wasn¡¯t over. The red leaf, under the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s control, continued slicing through bamboo at incredible speed, taking down several stalks in moments. The efficiency left L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse thrilled. This proved that the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s control of the red flying leaf outmatched even a mid-stage practitioner of the important stage in cultivation. Its precision and agility were beyond any ordinary Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°We¡¯re going to be rich!¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng exclaimed. ¡°Squeak squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse shared his excitement. Though controlling the red flying leaf was exhausting, the thought of the harvested Spirit Bamboo filling its storage pouch fueled its determination. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving. We¡¯ll stay here,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng suggested. ¡°I heard a stream nearby. If there¡¯s water, there¡¯s fish. I¡¯ll eat grilled fish, and you can munch on bamboo leaves. Let¡¯s push ourselves to the limit!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse blinked, puzzled. Just moments ago, he said it wasn¡¯t a bamboo rat, and now it was eating bamboo leaves! But food was food, and Spirit Bamboo leaves were certainly better than garden tree leaves. Their eyes shone with anticipation. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A week later! The senior brother assigned to guard the bamboo grove noticed something amiss as he meditated in the bamboo hut. He recalled, ¡°A junior brother entered the grove days ago for a harvesting mission, but there¡¯s been no sign of them since.¡± ¡°They¡¯re quite diligent,¡± he mused, glancing at the snacks on the table. Deciding to check on this junior who had received a task from Elder Jade, he took the snacks and entered the grove. The further he walked, the more his eyes widened in disbelief. The once dense bamboo forest had been reduced to piles of cut Spirit Bamboo stacked high. ¡°What happened?¡± He was stunned. He distinctly remembered only letting one junior and his Pine Leaf Mouse into the grove, but this scene resembled a mass clearing by the Pine Leaf Mouse tribe. ¡°Junior Brother, where are you?¡± Wind spell in action, he swiftly moved through the grove and soon found the Pine Leaf Mouse nibbling on a bamboo leaf, with L¨ªn J¨¬ng massaging it. ¡°Senior Brother, do you need something?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng paused his energy restoration technique, looking at the wide-eyed senior brother. ¡°Did you two cut all this?¡± His face showed disbelief as he looked at the exhausted yet bright-eyed Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Yes,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng admitted with a tired expression. ¡°Well¡­¡± The senior brother hesitated. ¡°Did Elder Jade specify how much Spirit Bamboo he needed?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng shook his head. ¡°Elder Jade didn¡¯t say, but for the Ascending Dragon Festival, the more Spirit Bamboo, the better. That way, they can build more mechanized bamboo dragons and make the festival even livelier.¡± ¡°I¡¯d better check with Elder Jade¡­¡± The senior brother couldn¡¯t shake his unease as he turned and left, worried that if L¨ªn J¨¬ng stayed any longer, the grove might vanish. As he departed, L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse, sensing urgency, picked up their pace. ¡­ Outer Sect, Mechanized Workshop! Although Elder Jade mainly practiced beast taming, he was a mechanical enthusiast, devoted to studying constructs. Outside the workshop, a plaque read, ¡°Mechanical Beasts Are Beasts Too.¡± At that moment, he was sipping tea and conversing with another elder. If L¨ªn J¨¬ng had been present, he would have recognized the elder as none other than Elder Mo, who had been away for days. ¡°I just returned, and before reaching Lotus Peak, you stopped me. What¡¯s so urgent?¡± Elder Mo sipped his tea. Elder Jade chuckled, stroking his beard. ¡°A month ago, you asked me to look after the Longevity Body you found and placed in the outer sect. I¡¯ve been attentive, even assigning him a custom bamboo-harvesting mission. Isn¡¯t it time you thanked me? Ten stalks of Spirit Bamboo per Spirit Stone¡ªit¡¯s like a gift from the heavens for an outer sect disciple!¡± ¡°Ha! Do you expect gratitude for such a trivial thing? You¡¯re always scheming. What do you want from my collection?¡± Elder Mo scoffed. ¡°Who¡¯s scheming? I¡¯m just conserving resources for mechanical beast research¡ª¡± Elder Jade¡¯s words were cut off as a crane landed, delivering a letter. His expression changed after reading it. ¡°Are you sure the body you brought back is a Longevity Body and not a Wood God Physique?¡± ¡°Why?¡± Elder Mo asked, puzzled. ¡°The guardian disciple reported that the one sent to harvest Spirit Bamboo is about to clear out the entire grove!¡± Elder Jade¡¯s scalp tingled. Chapter 17: Dual Breakthrough Chapter 17: Dual Breakthrough Golden Pearl Grove, within the bamboo forest. L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse would meditate to rest whenever they felt fatigued, absorbing the natural spiritual energy to rejuvenate. Once recovered, they immediately resumed their harvesting efforts. When the senior brother came to check on them, L¨ªn J¨¬ng felt that their time was running out, as both sensed that a significant challenge was imminent. Indeed, before long, two streaks of light flashed across the sky and descended into the bamboo forest, landing directly in front of them. The arrivals were... a blue-robed elder with a stern expression and a black-robed elder with a look of astonishment. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Elder Jade¡­ and Elder Mo? You¡¯ve returned?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse looked on in surprise. Elder Jade glanced at the piles of Spirit Bamboo, feeling a pang in his teeth. Could this really have been done by a first-stage disciple and a third-stage Pine Leaf Mouse? It wasn¡¯t the Spirit Stones he worried about but the fact that making mechanized bamboo dragons didn¡¯t require such an excessive amount of material! ¡°Did you two harvest all this?¡± Elder Mo asked, eyeing the red flying leaf in the Pine Leaf Mouse''s grasp and noticing its unique quality with a start. A special spiritual plant! Its type was unknown. For the Pine Leaf Mouse, having such an item was akin to a cultivator wielding a powerful artifact, indeed enhancing its capabilities. But where had L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse obtained it? Moreover, wielding this type of leaf would drain the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s energy tremendously, so seeing this amount of harvested bamboo seemed exaggerated¡ªhad they been cutting non-stop day and night? What incredible determination. Suddenly, Elder Mo''s heart leaped as he connected some thoughts. ¡°Yes, Elder,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng confirmed. ¡°To avoid delaying the Ascending Dragon Festival preparations, we haven¡¯t dared to slack off, sleeping only two hours each day.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Good job!¡± Elder Mo burst into laughter, clapping Elder Jade¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Old Jade, see how diligent the disciple I brought back is? I¡¯d say this amount of Spirit Bamboo should suffice for your bamboo dragons. How about letting him rest now?¡± ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t skimp on the mission rewards¡­¡± With that, Elder Mo stepped forward, summoned a cloud of mist, and carried L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse away, leaving Elder Jade bewildered. ¡°Damn! That old miser Mo Wuy¨¢ must have secretly trained this Longevity Body! Otherwise, how could a third-stage Pine Leaf Mouse achieve this?¡± Elder Jade muttered. ¡°This much Spirit Bamboo could make a foundation-stage bamboo dragon.¡± ¡°This year¡¯s Ascending Dragon Festival¡­ no one¡¯s going to have it easy! I¡¯ll add some intensity!¡± ¡­ Outer Sect, private courtyard. Elder Mo brought L¨ªn J¨¬ng back and kept scrutinizing both him and the Pine Leaf Mouse, asking, ¡°Where did you get that red flying leaf?¡± ¡°Elder Mo, this red flying leaf... was created by the Pine Leaf Mouse itself through its innate ability. Shortly after forming our contract, it underwent a mutation! I suspect it evolved toward the rare type you once mentioned,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng explained. ¡°Rare beast¡­¡± Elder Mo¡¯s breath quickened, his face flushed. ¡°So, it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for your return to ask¡ªis this normal for it?¡± Elder Mo laughed heartily, throwing his head back. ¡°After six failed attempts, we finally succeeded, haha!¡± Whoa! L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse instinctively took a step back at the sight of Elder Mo¡¯s manic excitement. Moments later, Elder Mo¡¯s gaze focused on them again. ¡°What is its innate ability?¡± ¡°Glazed Celestial Eyes, capable of converting certain quantities of lower-grade resources into a different type of high-grade resource,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng explained. ¡°Glazed Celestial Eyes?¡± Elder Mo echoed. ¡°Then this red flying leaf must be something synthesized by its ability.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Can you demonstrate it for me?¡± Elder Mo asked the Pine Leaf Mouse. Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse immediately adopted an exhausted posture, its body swaying as if about to collapse, eyes weary as it looked at Elder Mo. ¡°Ah, yes, cutting Spirit Bamboo must have exhausted you both.¡± He produced a jade bottle, pouring out a white pill and tossing it to the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°This is a ¡®Replenishing Pill.¡¯ Once consumed, it will restore your state to peak condition.¡± ¡°Squeak?!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse gleefully accepted it and bit into it. The moment it swallowed, the pill¡¯s energy coursed through its body like a stream, replenishing its vitality. Unexpectedly, the pill not only restored its spiritual energy but also infused it with newfound power, pushing it straight to the fourth stage of cultivation! Additionally, due to their blood contract, L¨ªn J¨¬ng felt the powerful feedback firsthand. As the Pine Leaf Mouse broke through, his own spiritual energy surged, breaking past the first-stage barrier and elevating him to the second stage of cultivation. Both had broken through! Elder Mo was hardly surprised by the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s progress. Considering its rigorous ¡°training¡± in the bamboo grove and its innate talent, he expected nothing less. When it came to rare beasts, no development was too surprising. Now at the fourth stage, the Pine Leaf Mouse regained its enthusiasm. It initially intended to synthesize another red flying leaf but soon noticed that the spiritual beans they had planted in the yard were almost ready for harvest. Eager to see the effects of synthesized spiritual beans, it quickly picked and shelled them. Two beans, four beans, six beans¡­ soon, over a hundred beans were collected. ¡°Spiritual beans, a basic type of spiritual plant, function like spiritual rice. They replenish a small amount of spiritual energy when consumed,¡± Elder Mo commented. The Pine Leaf Mouse activated its Glazed Celestial Eyes to work on the beans, unsure of what would happen. Fortune favored it. The dazzling light from its eyes enveloped the pile of brownish beans, transforming them into a single, fragrant, energy-filled green bean! ¡°Elder Mo, this is what the Glazed Celestial Eyes can do. But since it¡¯s the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s first time synthesizing a spiritual bean, we¡¯re not yet sure of its effects,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng remarked as he inspected the green bean, noting its potent aroma¡ªit seemed like a significant restorative. It looked brimming with life, reminiscent of an ¡°Immortal Bean¡± mentioned in legends. ¡°Hmm.¡± Elder Mo flicked his sleeve, and a drowsy Black Bear Monster appeared in the courtyard. ¡°Master, what¡¯s up?¡± the Black Bear Monster yawned, seemingly just awakened. ¡°There¡¯s a treat for you over there. Go try it,¡± Elder Mo pointed to the green bean on the ground. ¡°Huh? Let me see!¡± The Black Bear Monster''s nose twitched as it picked up the green bean and popped it into its mouth. In the next moment¡ª Boom! The green bean exploded with surprising force. The mutated bean had the properties of a spiritual energy bomb¡ªit wasn¡¯t edible. Chapter 18: Clash of the Prodigies Chapter 18: Clash of the Prodigies Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± With a loud ¡°Boom!¡±, the spiritual bean exploded in the Black Bear Monster¡¯s mouth, sending dark smoke streaming from its nose and mouth. Its frustration immediately erupted. ¡°Ahhh!¡± It glared furiously at Elder Mo, L¨ªn J¨¬ng, and the stunned Pine Leaf Mouse. This¡­ L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse were thoroughly shocked. The enticing spiritual bean had exploded as soon as it was eaten? Luckily, they hadn¡¯t tried it themselves! ¡°I had a feeling the spiritual energy fluctuations in that bean were strange. It¡¯s become a ¡®malignant plant¡¯!¡± Elder Mo sighed. While spiritual plants are nourishing, malignant ones are sparse in nutrition and highly dangerous. A bean that could explode was undoubtedly a malignant plant. ¡°Infuriating! You guessed it was dangerous and still made me eat it?!¡± the Black Bear Monster roared in anger. ¡°A mere Pine Leaf Mouse at the important stage in cultivation made that bean, so what are you, a demon beast with a monster core, afraid of? The fact that you didn¡¯t sense anything just shows your lack of vigilance,¡± Elder Mo chided. The Black Bear Monster ground its teeth but couldn¡¯t refute, feeling it had been too naive. ¡°All right, go back to sleep.¡± Ignoring his pet, Elder Mo withdrew the Black Bear Monster and turned back to L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse with interest. ¡°Changing the nature rather than enhancing the quality¡ªnot bad at all. While not a top-tier ability, it¡¯s certainly impressive!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the Glazed Celestial Eyes considered a top-tier ability?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng thought it was already quite powerful. ¡°You underestimate rare beasts,¡± Elder Mo chuckled. ¡°The divine abilities awakened during the mutation from a spirit beast to a rare beast can sometimes originate from immortal beings. Compared to those, the transformative power of Glazed Celestial Eyes is just one of many potent abilities.¡± ¡°For example, the ancient imperial clan had a rare beast called the ¡®Boundary-Breaking Bird,¡¯ which could help cultivators shatter the limits of their realms. Under its blessing, an exceptional imperial prince reached the unprecedented thirteenth stage of the important cultivation phase and developed a second and third constitution at the foundation establishment stage, possessing three unique cultivation constitutions.¡± ¡°And in the Spirit Dao Sect, there¡¯s the ¡®Insight Fish,¡¯ a rare beast credited with enabling many of its cultivators to manifest the ¡®Spell Spirit Origin¡¯.¡± ¡°The Tianji Pavilion, the Lotus Chamber of Commerce¡­¡± Elder Mo listed other rare beasts associated with powerful factions, each holding abilities that bolstered their masters. Of course, rare beasts varied in their capabilities. Some were astonishing, while others awakened bizarre abilities that ended up in ancient records. There was even a rabbit spirit with the ¡°Hundred Fragrances¡± ability that emitted more than a hundred divine scents, only to be captured and eaten by a high-level Nascent Soul cultivator. It became renowned as the ¡°Hundred Fragrance Rabbit,¡± the most delectable dish across the ages. ¡°In short, rare beasts with world-altering abilities can influence even higher-level cultivators early on. Compared to that, your spiritual beans or red flying leaves are still within the realm of the important stage. But even so, it¡¯s impressive. Don¡¯t be too greedy,¡± Elder Mo advised. ¡°Understood.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng chuckled and then asked, ¡°Elder Mo, could we sell some of the synthesized resources in the sect to earn Spirit Stones?¡± He described the effects of the golden spiritual rice. Elder Mo listened and shook his head. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it. The golden spiritual rice may be remarkable compared to regular rice, but alternatives exist.¡± ¡°First- and second-grade pills help with digestion. The disciples of the Beast Taming Sect can obtain these through sect contribution points. And while the explosive beans are more deceptive, basic attack talismans could substitute them.¡± ¡°The Glazed Celestial Eyes must use significant energy. Rather than selling the resources, it would be better for you to use them. This way, you save on sect exchanges, which indirectly means more Spirit Stones for you.¡± ¡°Focusing too much on earning Spirit Stones will affect your dedication to cultivation. Rest assured, from now on, I will enhance your discipleship benefits, so you won¡¯t have to worry too much about resources.¡± ¡°Thank you, Elder Mo,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng replied, taking the advice to heart. ¡°Just concentrate on improving your cultivation,¡± Elder Mo said. ¡°As a Longevity Body, you don¡¯t need to rush. Take this time to learn as much as you can, read widely¡ªit¡¯ll help you greatly in navigating the cultivation world in the future.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng nodded, suddenly recalling something. ¡°Elder Mo, didn¡¯t you go to investigate the Yin Corpse Sect? What did you find?¡± ¡°No results,¡± Elder Mo replied. ¡°However, the Yin Corpse Sect is likely too preoccupied to bother you.¡± ¡°I heard from a friend at the Demon-Slaying Bureau that the Grand Celestial Gathering is approaching. The prodigies from major sects are going on expeditions, and the Bureau, alongside the top sects, is intensifying its crackdown on the Yin Corpse Sect. They¡¯re more likely to be in hiding.¡± ¡°By the way, do you know about the Grand Celestial Gathering?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng admitted, shaking his head. ¡°The Grand Celestial Gathering is a grand event held by the Ancient Celestial Kingdom every sixty years, where sects and clans from the kingdom¡¯s nine domains participate, and even the Ancient Emperor attends.¡± ¡°The gathering features combat competitions among the prodigies of the various sects. The most outstanding factions receive the favor of the True Dragon of Fortune, which boosts the sect¡¯s luck.¡± ¡°Our sect master is currently absent because he¡¯s leading several top disciples on an expedition in preparation for next year¡¯s Grand Celestial Gathering.¡± ¡°While the Beast Taming Sect has always been a supporting player compared to the likes of the Spirit Dao Sect and the Heavenly Sword Gate, we still strive. Without striving, why cultivate?¡± Elder Mo continued, ¡°When I was young, I participated in the Grand Celestial Gathering. But my performance was mediocre compared to the true prodigies. I swore that one day, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s name would echo throughout the kingdom!¡± ¡°As I grew older, I realized that with my talent, achieving that goal was difficult. After giving up on forming a Nascent Soul, I stepped back to mentor disciples, hoping to cultivate talents that would fulfill that vision.¡± ¡°Are you curious why the Pine Leaf Mouse mutated into a rare beast?¡± ¡°When you joined the sect, I didn¡¯t mention this, but any unique cultivation constitution forming a blood contract with a beast has a slight chance of triggering a mutation!¡± ¡°Based on this knowledge, I requested ample resources from the sect master to scout out promising candidates with unique cultivation constitutions. However, six disciples with special constitutions, including Ouyang with his Primordial Yang Body, didn¡¯t trigger any mutations in their beasts.¡± ¡°But you, with your Longevity Body, and the Pine Leaf Mouse were the first and only success!¡± Elder Mo laughed heartily. ¡°Now, when the sect master returns, I finally have something to report.¡± ¡°This year¡¯s Grand Celestial Gathering might be out of reach, but by the next one, with your rare beast¡¯s help, you will undoubtedly be one of the main contenders, clashing with the prodigies of the celestial sects and enhancing the prestige of our Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°For now¡­ isn¡¯t the Ascending Dragon Festival coming up? From what I¡¯ve seen, the red flying leaf is extraordinary. Use the festival as a stage to showcase your talents. The sect has its own rules¡ªonly by standing out will the sect fully invest in you as the future of the Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t bother milking the small rewards from sect missions. If you win top honors at the Ascending Dragon Festival, resources and storage pouches will come to you.¡± Chapter 19: Ingenious Soul Core Chapter 19: Ingenious Soul Core Elder Mo''s words got Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse excited. They both felt they should do something. Immediately, they swallowed and cooled down. "Zhi! Zhi!" However, Lin Jing seemed fine, but for the Pine Leaf Mouse, which had grown up in the sect, the Beast Taming Sect was its home. Now, hearing that its home was struggling so badly and that the hope of its whole family rested on it, a sense of responsibility suddenly surged within. It tugged at Lin Jing¡¯s hair, indicating it wanted to compete with other prodigies from immortal sects. "Calm down first; that¡¯s something for decades later," Lin Jing said. "Decades, for you, it¡¯s just a blink of an eye." Elder Mo was in an extremely good mood as he laughed heartily. "You¡¯ve been tired from cutting the spiritual bamboo these past few days, so you can rest well tonight. I¡¯ll go with Elder Yu to claim your task reward. I¡¯ll have Tianyu Crane deliver it to you later!" "Focus on preparing for the Dragon Ascension Festival. You''ve been in the sect for a while now, and it¡¯s time you participated in some sect activities." "Yes!" Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse cupped their fists. The Dragon Ascension Festival... They had cut the bamboo, so they could certainly cut the bamboo dragon too! Seven days of training had honed their bamboo cutting skills to an impressive level. If the rewards were rich, they had to participate. After Elder Mo left, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse found a package on the stone table in the yard. Opening it, they found ten Spirit Stones and a bag of Spirit Rice. It turned out that their one-month period had ended, and after days of hard work in the bamboo forest, new resources had been delivered. With this new batch of resources, along with the special treatment promised by Elder Mo for the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the Spirit Stones earned from the bamboo cutting task, Lin Jing felt that he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Spirit Stones for a long time. "Since Elder Mo said so, we¡¯ll focus on preparing for the Dragon Ascension Festival," Lin Jing said, holding the Spirit Stones. "Without such good tasks like cutting spiritual bamboo, it will slow down the process of earning money to buy storage bags through other tasks. But since there are rich rewards in the Dragon Ascension Festival, if we perform well, we might even have a chance to get a storage bag directly!" After Lin Jing spoke, the Pine Leaf Mouse grabbed the Spirit Stones from him and dragged the Spirit Rice away without looking back, as if it had made up its mind. "Zhi!" Its eyes were full of fighting spirit. On the other hand, it didn¡¯t want Lin Jing to touch the Spirit Stones. Otherwise, it would be a total waste. It would rather use them for its own cultivation. As for the Beast Tamer, it would just wait for the spiritual energy feedback. Besides that... it planned to stock up on a few hundred Spirit Energy Bombs in these few days and blow up the Bamboo Dragons! --- Time passed quickly, and several days later, Lin Jing could hardly be considered idle. There were too many things waiting for him to do. For example, these days, Lin Jing had been working with the Pine Leaf Mouse on the Glazed Immortal Eyes. Through their exploration, they discovered that perhaps the synthesis conditions hadn¡¯t been met, or maybe the Pine Leaf Mouse''s realm was too low, and the Eye Technique wasn¡¯t perfect. The Glazed Immortal Eyes... for now, it seemed they could only synthesize resources related to plants and trees. Lin Jing tried to give the Pine Leaf Mouse some soil, hoping it would synthesize Spiritual Earth, but it failed. He pointed at the pond, wanting it to synthesize a drop of Spiritual Spring, but it failed again. He bought over a hundred common cloth bags, trying to have it synthesize a storage bag, but of course, that didn¡¯t succeed either. Even attempting to synthesize low-grade Spirit Stones to summon medium-grade Spirit Stones was also a failure. This situation could mean one of two things: either the number of low-grade resources was insufficient to trigger a qualitative change, or the Glazed Immortal Eyes were still at too low a level. For now, the Pine Leaf Mouse could only synthesize plant-related resources. The Pine Leaf Mouse was still at the Qi Refining stage, so it was likely unable to synthesize more complex items. Additionally, the Glazed Immortal Eyes might not be able to synthesize high-grade items yet. The day after Elder Mo left, Tianyu Crane brought extra resources for the Pine Leaf Mouse¡ªtwenty low-grade Spirit Stones and a bottle of Spirit Recovery Pills. Lin Jing tried to have the Pine Leaf Mouse synthesize the Spirit Recovery Pills made from plant materials, but there was no response. After several attempts and realizing that the Glazed Immortal Eyes couldn¡¯t activate resources beyond basic plant materials, they stopped trying. They guessed that secondary synthesis or biological synthesis might not be feasible for now. Thankfully, with the golden Spirit Rice, red Flying Leaves, and Spirit Bean Bombs, they had enough resources for the Dragon Ascension Festival. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The scent of dragons is growing stronger..." The Pine Leaf Mouse was practicing in the yard, while Lin Jing continued his usual visits to the Scripture Pavilion to borrow and return books. In just a few days, many of the outer sect¡¯s buildings had been decorated with dragon head lanterns. The Dragon Ascension Festival was just around the corner. "I wonder how Senior Brother Ouyang is doing. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s preparing for the Dragon Ascension Festival too. He¡¯s about to establish his foundation, and he¡¯ll need more resources." The Pavilion Guard had changed, and Lin Jing didn¡¯t recognize the new one. They had no interactions, as he only borrowed some free books on the first floor. Through these few days of reading, Lin Jing learned more about cultivation knowledge. For instance, the true energy cultivated from each cultivation method was different. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Beast Tamer Technique produced true energy that not only allowed practitioners to form bloodline contracts with spiritual beasts but also enhanced the roots and bloodlines of the tamed beasts. In other words, some fire-based techniques might produce true energy that has a burning effect, and some sword techniques might make the true energy as sharp as sword qi! The different cultivation methods and true energies determined what kind of spells cultivators should practice during the Qi Refining stage, and also affected their battle power at that stage. When one reaches the ninth level of Qi Refining, they can establish their foundation... This process is especially crucial for ordinary body cultivators. With the right foundation establishment technique, they could cultivate a later-stage spiritual body. Though the later-stage body might not be as powerful as an innate body, it would make future cultivation much easier. The ancient prince Elder Mo mentioned was a case where someone with an innate body also cultivated two additional complementary later-stage bodies. "The announcement for the Dragon Ascension Festival activities is out!" "Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s check out the central plaza!" As Lin Jing was about to return, voices of conversation reached his ears. Upon hearing this, he changed his direction and walked toward the central plaza. When he arrived, over a hundred outer sect disciples had already gathered. Although it couldn¡¯t be called a crowd, it was still a bit cramped in front of the bulletin board. "Senior Brother Ziran was right. For this Dragon Ascension Festival, whether outer or inner sect, the main event will still be the ¡®Dragon Battle Beast Fight¡¯!" "This time, Elder Yu used spiritual bamboo to create mechanical bamboo dragons for the festival!" The disciples kept talking, full of anticipation. When they saw the rewards, there was an even louder gasp. --- Dragon Battle Beast Fight (Outer Sect) Activity Rules: Any outer sect disciple of the Beast Taming Sect can challenge the "Mechanical Bamboo Dragon (Qi Refining Seventh Level)" in the central plaza during the festival. The Mechanical Bamboo Dragon has a Dragon Orb, which comes in eight colors: white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple. During battle, the Mechanical Bamboo Dragon will change the color of the orb depending on the damage it takes or its own consumption. The orb starts white, and purple is the highest. When the orb reaches the red color, the first-level reward will be granted. The higher the orb color, the more generous and valuable the reward! Lin Jing looked at it, and the highest-level purple reward was... Hmm? Not a storage bag? Uh-oh, the Pine Leaf Mouse is going to be upset! Moreover, it didn¡¯t look like something that could be sold! The highest-level purple reward was actually the "Ingenious Soul Core" and "Mechanical Technique (Basic Beast Creation)." The Ingenious Soul Core is the core material for creating mechanical beasts. Elder Yu... seems like he¡¯s hiding something here! Chapter 20: Dragon Battle Beast Fight Chapter 20: Dragon Battle Beast Fight Mechanical Technique Among the various arts in cultivation, some techniques are easier to learn than others. For example, Beast Taming is relatively easy to get started with. Even if other cultivators don''t practice the Beast Tamer Technique and cannot form a bloodline contract with spiritual beasts, there are other methods, such as pills, magical tools, and poisons, to control demon beasts. Apart from the Beast Taming Sect, it¡¯s common in other sects for cultivators to keep one or two pets or mounts. As for the Mechanical Technique, Lin Jing didn¡¯t know much about it, but he had heard that Elder Yu had been obsessed with it for years, yet he still couldn¡¯t create mechanical beasts that could match the combat strength of his contracted spiritual beasts. "Elder Yu seems to want to pass on his Mechanical Technique legacy. It¡¯s quite a deep passion of his, but within the Beast Taming Sect, I doubt anyone would be willing to learn the Mechanical Technique," Lin Jing said, crossing his arms and continuing to study the task announcement. From a rational point of view, mechanical beasts, lacking intelligence, were much weaker than spiritual beasts that had their own ideas. The upgrade of a mechanical beast relies entirely on the mechanic. For more complex mechanical beasts, the mechanic has to invest a lot of effort into controlling them during combat. Moreover, repairing a damaged mechanical beast is more difficult. But a spiritual beast... not only can it cultivate on its own, but it can also fight by itself. Even if it gets injured, there are healing pills or herbs available. A mechanical beast, on the other hand, can¡¯t eat healing pills. Mechanical beasts might have their own benefits, but they didn¡¯t seem relevant to most Beast Taming Sect disciples, since the sect didn¡¯t have any advanced techniques suitable for learning the Mechanical Technique. Currently, Lin Jing was studying "Alchemy," focusing on memorizing thousands of alchemical materials. He hadn¡¯t yet started practicing, and didn¡¯t have the energy to divert his attention to learning the Mechanical Technique. Therefore, this reward wasn¡¯t particularly appealing to Lin Jing. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although, looking at it from a long-term perspective, learning more things wouldn¡¯t hurt for a Longevity Body like his. "With the Qi Refining Seventh-Level Bamboo Dragon, it should be manageable," Lin Jing thought. He stepped back from the crowd. Cultivation level is one thing, but combat ability is another. For example, even though most cultivators at the Qi Refining Seventh Level might not be able to beat a Sword Cultivator, when combining mechanisms and dragons, the result wouldn''t likely be weak. However, spiritual beasts were even stronger. Although the Glazed Immortal Eyes couldn''t let the Pine Leaf Mouse fight on a much higher level, it provided unimaginable suppression at the Qi Refining stage. For example, the Spirit Bean Bombs synthesized using the Immortal Eyes were very powerful, so much so that they shocked even the Black Bear Monster. Their power was enough to severely injure those in the late Qi Refining stage. "It¡¯s a shame the rewards aren¡¯t cumulative. Once you reach the final tier, you can¡¯t receive the rewards from the previous ones," Lin Jing mused. The Sixth-Tier reward, the "Dragon Blood Pill," was also decent. It¡¯s a second-grade pill made from the blood of a Flood Dragon. After taking it, it could enhance a beast¡¯s bloodline with a small chance of granting it dragon veins! Of course, in terms of value, even without including the Mechanical Technique insights, the "Ingenious Soul Core" would definitely surpass the Dragon Blood Pill. However, Lin Jing thought that if he got the "Ingenious Soul Core" and sold it to buy a storage ring, Elder Yu would likely be furious. "Only three days left until the Dragon Ascension Festival," Lin Jing thought as he returned to the courtyard, glancing at the Pine Leaf Mouse, who was sitting cross-legged under a barren tree, cultivating. Behind it, there were piles of red Flying Leaves and Spirit Bean Bombs! Since discovering the power of the red Flying Leaves, the Pine Leaf Mouse had stopped collecting Spirit Stones. Its cultivation now focused more on a single line of effort. In the morning, it would drowsily hasten the growth of Spirit Rice and Spirit Beans. Then, it would sit nearby, replenishing its energy with Spirit Stones and Spirit Recovery Pills. Next, it synthesized golden Spirit Rice and devoured it with an expression of resolve. With perfect digestion, it would convert the nutrients from ordinary Spirit Rice into spiritual energy. After filling its stomach, it would proceed to synthesize more red Flying Leaves and Spirit Bean Bombs, accumulating them. Thus, the number of red Flying Leaves and Spirit Bean Bombs kept increasing, while the Spirit Stones and other resources became scarcer. But the Pine Leaf Mouse didn''t mind. After all, Spirit Stones wouldn''t help in battle, but red leaves would. The Pine Leaf Mouse wanted to take advantage of the Dragon Ascension Festival to earn more resources, hoping for big returns with little effort. Thanks to its tenacity, the resources sent by the sect this month, along with task rewards and Spirit Recovery Pills, had mostly been consumed by the Pine Leaf Mouse. Unlike Lin Jing, who hadn''t gained a single Spirit Stone, the Pine Leaf Mouse had made significant progress. Its cultivation had reached close to the fifth level of Qi Refining while synthesizing its trump cards. Lin Jing, on the other hand, had only eaten some leftover Spirit Rice and made himself some leaf fried rice. If there was one thing that set Beast Taming Sect disciples apart from cultivators of other sects in terms of beast-raising, it would definitely be that most Beast Taming Sect disciples gave the best resources to their spiritual beasts, while cultivators of other sects would only give their pets or mounts leftover resources. Lin Jing quietly returned without disturbing the Pine Leaf Mouse, sitting down nearby to read. After a while, the Pine Leaf Mouse stopped cultivating and approached Lin Jing to learn about the rewards for the "Dragon Battle Beast Fight"... Upon hearing that the best rewards were for the Mechanical Technique and mechanical materials, it was immediately disheartened. "Zhi! Zhi Zhi! Zhi Zhi Zhi!" "Calm down, the Mechanical Technique isn''t that bad. After learning it, you don¡¯t necessarily have to make mechanical beasts." "Have you heard of the ''mechanical gun''?" "Using that thing to shoot Spirit Bean Bombs would definitely be far more efficient than throwing them with the Flying Leaf Technique, and it would consume much less of your own energy." With Lin Jing¡¯s comforting words, time passed slowly. Before they knew it, the day of the Dragon Ascension Festival arrived. The Dragon Battle Beast Fight event would start at noon on the day of the festival. In the courtyard, Lin Jing wore his usual outer sect disciple robes, with the Pine Leaf Mouse, now at Qi Refining Fifth Level, sitting on his shoulder. The mouse looked conflicted as it glanced at the bulging pouches of Lin Jing''s robe, which contained all its possessions. The thought of the upcoming battle possibly causing it to lose most of its belongings made the Pine Leaf Mouse want to back out. "Zhi..." Lin Jing didn¡¯t care what the Pine Leaf Mouse was thinking. After three days, he returned once more to the central plaza. The plaza was even more crowded. Though the event hadn¡¯t started yet, people and their spiritual beasts had already gathered, surrounding the square. There were many outer sect disciples wearing the same attire, varying in age from as young as ten to those who looked like senior disciples¡ªwhether due to age or rapid growth. In the center of the square, a vivid bamboo dragon was floating mid-air, aided by a small wind formation. Lin Jing looked up. The bamboo dragon was several yards long, with each bamboo scale gleaming with a greenish glow. Its head was exquisitely crafted, with two dragon eyes carefully carved from bamboo and shining brightly. The dragon¡¯s horns were made of tough bamboo joints, sharp and upright, adding an air of majesty. Its mouth was slightly open, revealing a complex internal mechanism. One could vaguely see the intricate bamboo wheels and thin bamboo threads interwoven to form gears, and... a white Dragon Orb. "This year, Elder Yu¡¯s mechanical dragon seems much more refined than in previous years," one disciple whispered, admiring the bamboo dragon. Its body was covered in neatly arranged bamboo scales, all carefully polished. The dragon''s spine was lined with bamboo joints, creating a smooth curve, resembling the spine of a true dragon. The entire mechanical structure appeared very fluid. "Yeah, it doesn''t even seem like a Qi Refining beast. It looks more like a Foundation Establishment beast that¡¯s been forcibly downgraded to the Qi Refining stage," another disciple speculated maliciously. "They¡¯re probably overthinking it. It¡¯s just for the festival. Elder Yu wouldn¡¯t go to the trouble of making something this elaborate to bother us," another disciple said dismissively. Chapter 21: The Top of the Outer Sect Chapter 21: The Top of the Outer Sect In the Outer Sect¡¯s Central Plaza, people gathered and murmured in anticipation as a smiling young man stepped forward from behind the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. L¨ªn J¨¬ng recognized him instantly¡ªit was the Senior Brother Guardian from the Spirit Bamboo Forest. The young man took a step forward and announced loudly, "Greetings, everyone! I am Fang Yonghao from the Inner Sect, at the ninth level of the important cultivation stage, here on behalf of Elder Yu to preside over the Beast Fighting Competition of the Ascending Dragon Festival!" "From this moment onward, any Outer Sect disciple may challenge the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. Once a challenger is ready, I will activate the Bamboo Dragon, which will autonomously detect and seek out its opponent within a set range to engage in combat." "Any junior brother interested in taking on the challenge? Today and tomorrow, each person is limited to one attempt per day, and the reward will be given based on the best score achieved." As Senior Brother Fang finished speaking, the crowd fell silent; no one was eager to step up first, wary of the Bamboo Dragon''s unfamiliar attack patterns. Rushing in blindly could only lead to failure. After about ten seconds of silence, someone finally broke the quiet with a resolute, "I''ll go." L¨ªn J¨¬ng, who had been about to step onto the stage himself, paused, looking over alongside his Pine Leaf Mouse. The crowd parted to reveal a dark-skinned young man, followed by a strong and intimidating ape. Unlike the rest of its scruffy white fur, the ape''s hands and feet had a distinctive metallic sheen, exuding a powerful aura. This was none other than the Battle Ape, one of the five foundational spirit beasts of the Beast Taming Sect! Notably, this Battle Ape carried a long-handled weapon wrapped in white cloth on its back, giving it the air of a master fighter. "It''s Senior Brother He!" "Senior Brother He Yiming¡ªthe number one of the Outer Sect!" The youth¡¯s presence caused a stir, as he was evidently a well-known figure in the Outer Sect. "Senior Brother He has been ranked first in the Outer Sect¡¯s Beast Fighting Arena for years." "After him, Senior Brother Ziran and Senior Sister Caixin hold the second position." "Who would have guessed that Senior Brother He would open up for us by testing out the Bamboo Dragon!" The disciples murmured amongst themselves. Even a youth leaning against a tree reading My Sword Spirit Bride and a sickly-looking girl surrounded by female disciples turned their attention toward the top disciple of the Outer Sect. "Greetings, Senior Brother Fang. I am He Yiming, at the sixth level of the important stage, accompanied by my spirit beast, Battle Ape, who is at the seventh level. We are here to challenge the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon!" Senior Brother Fang smiled in return. "Greetings, Junior Brother He. I have heard of your reputation in the Outer Sect. It seems certain that you¡¯ll be among the next group of disciples to join the Inner Sect." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thank you for the compliment, Senior Brother Fang." He Yiming cupped his fists, then moved forward with his Battle Ape, glancing up at the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. "In that case, I will activate the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. Junior Brother, prepare yourself," Senior Brother Fang said, taking out a small bell strung with bamboo cords. As he shook the bell, a white light flickered in the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s eyes, and the winds around it began to swirl with renewed vigor. The moment the bell rang, He Yiming''s Battle Ape unwrapped its weapon, revealing¡ªsurprisingly¡ªa mining pickaxe! Though it looked rather unassuming, none of the Outer Sect disciples laughed. "It''s a spirit weapon!" The pickaxe was forged from spiritual ores by a craftsman, making it a genuine spirit weapon! "It''s said that Senior Brother He Yiming once discovered a ''Bright Jade Stone'' while on a sect mission in the mines. To reward him, the sect gifted him this spirit weapon pickaxe. So, it seems to be true." Seeing the impressive pickaxe, several disciples looked on enviously. With this tool, He Yiming''s mining efficiency would skyrocket, allowing him to gather resources at double the usual pace. It was no wonder he held the top spot in the Outer Sect! L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse remained silent as they listened to the crowd''s chatter, absorbing the unexpected scene. "Ha!" As soon as the spirit pickaxe was unsheathed, the Battle Ape was seemingly empowered, bursting forth with an intense strength. Enveloped in a spiraling aura of spiritual energy, it leapt up, propelling itself directly to the Bamboo Dragon''s head, and brought the pickaxe down in a powerful blow! Its speed and explosive force were exceptional, comparable to that of a body cultivator at the same level. With a loud "bang," the pickaxe struck its target, and many Outer Sect disciples let out a collective gasp, impressed by the Battle Ape¡¯s rapid speed, which seemed to outmatch the Bamboo Dragon''s response. Seeing this, He Yiming smiled. The Bamboo Dragon''s mouth opened as the Dragon Pearl within it changed colors rapidly¡ªfrom white to red, orange, yellow, and then green! Green? Just green? Despite the impressive strike, the Dragon Pearl only reached the fourth tier of rewards. Moreover, the Bamboo Dragon barely budged, not even tilting its head. It was worth noting that the Battle Ape was also at the seventh level, but the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s reaction seemed almost unperturbed. Moments later, to the Outer Sect disciples¡¯ surprise, the Bamboo Dragon appeared to come alive as it responded to the blow. Its massive tail whipped forward in an instant, striking the Battle Ape squarely and launching it dozens of meters away! Bang! Bang! The Battle Ape and its pickaxe crashed to the ground, with the former knocked unconscious. Despite its reputation as having "bones of steel," the Battle Ape couldn''t withstand even a single blow. The sight left many disciples visibly shaken. He Yiming himself looked incredulous, unable to accept the outcome. "Green Dragon Pearl. Junior Brother He, better luck tomorrow," Senior Brother Fang consoled him. "Senior Brother, is this Bamboo Dragon really only at the seventh level?" He Yiming asked in disbelief. Senior Brother Fang nodded. "Yes, but this Bamboo Dragon is configured to be at the peak of the seventh level. Consider yourself fortunate; I¡¯ve heard that the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon used for the Inner Sect¡¯s Ascending Dragon Festival even reaches the Foundation Establishment level. Just the thought of it makes me shudder," he said, grateful for his assignment. Otherwise, he would have had to face the Foundation Establishment Bamboo Dragon, a challenge that he could barely imagine. "Is there no one else?" Several minutes passed as Senior Brother Fang replenished the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s energy with Spirit Stones, but still, no new challengers emerged. Rather than encouraging confidence, He Yiming¡¯s defeat had sown even deeper seeds of hesitation among the disciples. "Come on now, you¡¯re already here," Senior Brother Fang said, smiling at the junior disciples'' reluctance. ¡°Is it ready? We¡¯re up,¡± came another voice from the crowd. The disciples parted once more, revealing a clear path to a young man with a delicate appearance, accompanied by a Pine Leaf Mouse perched on his shoulder. Compared to He Yiming, fewer people recognized this youth, though there were still a few familiar faces. Notably, Senior Brother Ziran from the Mission Hall and Senior Brother Fang Yonghao looked over in mild surprise as they saw it was L¨ªn J¨¬ng. "Outer Sect disciple L¨ªn J¨¬ng, at the second level, accompanied by my spirit beast Pine Leaf Mouse, at the fifth level. We¡¯re here to challenge the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon!" L¨ªn J¨¬ng declared, moving toward the center of the arena with his Pine Leaf Mouse. "Who is that?" "Second level? Fifth level?" The crowd was taken aback. Although such levels weren''t disqualified from participating, especially with rewards available at even the lowest tier, the sheer strength of the Bamboo Dragon had everyone astonished by L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s boldness. "You..." Senior Brother Fang gave him an odd look. "Are you sure you want to challenge it?" The instigator¡­ had appeared! "Nice to see you again, Senior Brother. Thanks for your ¡®hospitality¡¯ last time!¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng said with a smile. "Squeak, squeak!" The Pine Leaf Mouse glared at him as well. Had it not been for his meddling, they might have been able to chop down Spirit Bamboo for another two days. "Ah, I see," Senior Brother Fang replied, puzzled by the sentiment. "Since that¡¯s the case, I''ll activate the Bamboo Dragon again. Junior Brother, please be cautious." With that, he shook the bamboo bell to start the Mechanized Beast once more. Most onlookers assumed this unfamiliar Outer Sect disciple was merely going through the motions. As the Bamboo Dragon whirred to life, L¨ªn J¨¬ng reached into his bag, drawing out a red maple leaf that the Pine Leaf Mouse caught in its tiny paws. With a flick, the red leaf shot forth like a crimson comet, far faster than the Battle Ape¡¯s earlier explosive move. "My god, that¡¯s so fast!" Another disciple who trained a Pine Leaf Mouse gasped, astounded by the technique''s sheer speed. "Did he stop training everything else just to practice this flying leaf technique?" The other disciples exchanged surprised glances. The leaf struck the Bamboo Dragon, embedding itself like a dagger driven into a dragon¡¯s hide. ¡°ROAR!!!¡± Though it felt no pain, the Bamboo Dragon let out a metallic roar, as if agitated by the intrusion. The Dragon Pearl changed colors rapidly, reaching blue this time, indicating that the damage from the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Flying Leaf technique exceeded that of the Battle Ape¡¯s spirit weapon by at least two ranks! The unexpected scene defied all expectations, as the Pine Leaf Mouse was not known for combat techniques. "Blue?!" He Yiming, who was treating the Battle Ape with healing pills nearby, looked up in shock. "Could it be something special about that leaf?" some guessed, suspecting the leaf to be an unusual item. "It must be a rare malignant plant worth even more than a spirit pickaxe! And that Pine Leaf Mouse can handle it so well!" But as impressive as the attack was, the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s reaction was even more intense. With green spirit flames suddenly engulfing its body, it didn¡¯t resemble an ordinary wood-based Mechanized Beast. As the flames consumed the red maple leaf, the disciples gaped, completely thrown by the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s unexpected fire skill. For disciples who had just entered the Beast Taming Sect, a Bamboo Dragon capable of both wind and fire techniques was truly an insurmountable challenge. "It opens its mouth after taking damage, exposing the Dragon Pearl." "Its initial actions are slow and its attack patterns limited, giving challengers a chance to strike first, followed by a counterattack." "But relying on external attacks to break it from the outside would be challenging." "The key must be to make it open its mouth and then..." "Its weak spot must be inside." "To disable a Mechanized Beast, one would need to dismantle its intricate mechanisms. Elder Yu wouldn¡¯t make the Bamboo Dragon invincible." While many disciples shuddered at the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s toughness, L¨ªn J¨¬ng was muttering to himself. As they watched in confusion, he took out ten more red leaves from his bag. The crowd was speechless. Not only did the Pine Leaf Mouse take five leaves in each paw, but it also launched all ten at once in a dazzling flurry of crimson streaks aimed straight for the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s head. Disciples with Pine Leaf Mice were baffled, while others marveled at the sheer precision. Even though the Bamboo Dragon moved, there was no way a direct hit could... The Bamboo Dragon tilted its head slightly, causing the leaves to veer off target, with most aimed toward its face at best. But then, in an instant¡­ "Object Manipulation!" L¨ªn J¨¬ng formed a hand sign, guiding the leaves. With L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s command, the Pine Leaf Mouse directed the leaves with pinpoint accuracy into the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s open mouth. Crack! Crack! The sound of mechanisms breaking echoed as the Dragon Pearl turned purple, then shattered. With the Bamboo Dragon¡¯s wind and fire extinguished, it fell to the ground in pieces. Thud! Silence fell over the crowd. Seeing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse practically squealed with joy. Was it really that fragile? Now it didn¡¯t need to use its Spiritual Bean bomb! It ran forward eagerly, ready to retrieve its precious leaves. "Who is he? What¡¯s his story?" This was the question on every disciple''s mind. L¨ªn J¨¬ng, who had been in the Beast Taming Sect for some time, had finally caught the attention of the entire Outer Sect. "Senior Brother, does this... count as a successful challenge?" L¨ªn J¨¬ng turned to the Senior Brother Guardian. Senior Brother Fang¡¯s mouth twitched, thinking, "You harvested the bamboo for it, and now you¡¯ve dismantled it, all without a trace of true energy. Do you have a grudge against bamboo? And your Object Manipulation technique¡ªwhy is there no spiritual fluctuation at all?!" Chapter 22: The Reward Chapter 22: The Reward In the Outer Sect¡¯s Mechanized Workshop. Inside the workshop, Elder Yu looked at the pile of Spirit Bamboo that was still mostly unused and sighed. ¡°Elder Yu, something urgent!¡± A celestial crane swooped down in a flurry. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why all the fuss?¡± Elder Yu looked up with a frown at the approaching Tianyu Crane. ¡°Your Mechanized Bamboo Dragon¡­ someone destroyed it!¡± the crane reported. ¡°It was an Outer Sect disciple named L¨ªn J¨¬ng and his Pine Leaf Mouse.¡± Hearing this, Elder Yu simply let out a dismissive hum. ¡°Is that something to panic over?¡± ¡°It shows that, under my guidance, our Outer Sect disciples are getting stronger by the day!¡± ¡°There¡¯s another Bamboo Dragon over there. Take it over, and summon L¨ªn J¨¬ng and his beast to see me. I¡¯ll personally reward them!¡± Elder Yu gestured toward the backup Mechanized Bamboo Dragon in the corner. The crane blinked, momentarily bewildered. Elder Yu was famously protective of the mechanized beasts he crafted. Now that one had been smashed by an Outer Sect disciple, he was remaining¡­ calm? Something strange was definitely going on. The Tianyu Crane left with a skeptical look, carrying away the new Bamboo Dragon. Meanwhile, Elder Yu inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Elder Mo had given him a heads-up about this Longevity Body''s unusual talents. Otherwise, knowing his creation had been demolished would¡¯ve been anything but calming. Though one Bamboo Dragon had been lost, Elder Yu was grateful for the forewarning and had even come up with a plan! Now aware that the Longevity Body and the mutated Pine Leaf Mouse might be able to destroy a Bamboo Dragon, he could use this knowledge to encourage L¨ªn J¨¬ng to learn the art of mechanized beasts. Apart from someone with an abundance of time¡ªlike one with a Longevity Body¡ªno one else would be willing to study the craft he had honed! Now that he had a promising student in front of him, Elder Yu decided to test L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s attitude toward mechanized arts. ¡­ Back in the Central Plaza, the disciples were still in shock after L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s successful challenge, especially given that he had broken the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. ¡°No wonder Elder Yu is willing to teach him personally. This guy¡­ definitely wasn¡¯t recruited through normal channels. He must be a prodigy found by some elder, likely with a unique cultivation body!¡± Senior Brother Ziran from the Mission Hall clenched his novel tightly, finally understanding what was going on. ¡°I remember now. When I was guarding the Harvest Pavilion, they seemed to have bought some spirit plant seeds,¡± Senior Sister Caixin, ranked among the top three in the Outer Sect, also recognized L¨ªn J¨¬ng. She could hardly reconcile the image of the penniless junior who couldn¡¯t even afford a Foundation Establishment spirit beast¡¯s droppings with the skilled fighter in front of her. The one most affected, however, was the current number one in the Outer Sect. Thinking back on all the praise he had received, he felt a slight flush of embarrassment, reflecting on how the Beast Taming Sect truly deserved its top status within the Wild Domain. Even the Outer Sect was filled with hidden talents, and the Beast Fighting Arena¡­ apparently wasn¡¯t even on L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s radar. Having firmly entered the minds of all Outer Sect disciples, L¨ªn J¨¬ng was now regarded as the new powerhouse among them. Not only was his Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Flying Leaf technique remarkably advanced, but he himself, despite being only at the second level, was also proficient in Object Manipulation¡ªa remarkable feat. ¡°That kind of speed and power¡­ To manipulate the trajectory so smoothly at the second level while using Object Manipulation? My Phoenix-Tailed Hen laying eggs isn¡¯t that smooth!¡± ¡°Is this considered a ¡®combined technique¡¯?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, who had returned after gathering its red leaves, wanted to correct the crowd¡ªit had been controlling the red leaves on its own the entire time! L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s actions were just for show, mimicking the gestures of Object Manipulation purely to add some theatrics, as his role was mostly limited to helping the mouse carry its cumbersome red leaves and Spiritual Bean bombs. ¡°Congratulations, Junior Brother¡­¡± Senior Brother Fang Yonghao was still in awe, though now more at a loss about how to explain this to Elder Yu. As an Inner Sect disciple, this was the first time he had encountered such an unusual Outer Sect disciple¡­ He suspected that even those with rare constitutions, now true disciples, hadn¡¯t shown such prowess at the second level as L¨ªn J¨¬ng had. ¡°Senior Brother Fang, does this mean we can proceed directly to the reward?¡± Ultimately, L¨ªn J¨¬ng chose the highest-grade mechanized reward and gave up any thought of holding back. There was no harm in learning more skills; after all, he had already memorized the Compendium of Flora and Fauna stored in the Outer Sect¡¯s Scripture Pavilion over the past few days. As far as true alchemy or the opportunity to practice it went, he knew he would have to wait until he joined the Inner Sect. For now, he and the Pine Leaf Mouse would have to endure this waiting period, as there was little else to do. ¡°Probably¡­¡± Senior Brother Fang had barely finished speaking when a shadow appeared in the sky. A celestial crane circled above, clutching the massive Mechanized Bamboo Dragon, and called out: ¡°The Beast Fighting Competition continues. Outer Sect disciple L¨ªn J¨¬ng, proceed to the Mechanized Workshop to claim your event reward.¡± After a nod of acknowledgment, L¨ªn J¨¬ng set off with his Pine Leaf Mouse, leaving the crowd staring at his retreating figure, aware that he was destined for great things. Elder Yu¡¯s mechanized arts, though not on par with the sect¡¯s full Beast Taming techniques, were still far superior to the standard beast taming methods taught to Inner and Outer Sect disciples alike. Without access to a higher-level cultivation manual, these basics would be hard to surpass. After all, it was a skill capable of creating Foundation Establishment-level mechanized beasts! ¡°A new contender for the true disciple spot is on the rise, and soon the Inner Sect will have another powerhouse. I wonder how the Inner Sect disciples will react when they find out,¡± Senior Brother Fang muttered, shaking his head as he continued to oversee the event. Summoned by the Tianyu Crane, L¨ªn J¨¬ng quickly arrived at the Mechanized Workshop. Inside, Elder Yu spotted L¨ªn J¨¬ng and his Pine Leaf Mouse and exclaimed, his eyebrows dancing with amusement, ¡°You rascal, have you become addicted to tearing apart bamboo? First you ravage the bamboo grove, now you demolish the Bamboo Dragon!¡± He glanced at the remaining Spirit Bamboo piled up in the back, drawing L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gaze. They both turned a bit red, feeling slightly embarrassed. ¡°Outer Sect disciple L¨ªn J¨¬ng greets Elder Yu.¡± ¡°Squeak!¡± ¡°Elder, the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon you crafted had a protective spirit flame, so the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s external attacks were hopeless. We could only go for the mouth¡­ who knew¡­¡± ¡°Enough, enough. The fact that you managed to destroy the internal mechanism using only your abilities at this stage speaks to your skills.¡± ¡°This Soul Core and my mechanized beast crafting manual are my reward to you,¡± Elder Yu said, pulling out the pre-prepared prizes and handing them over with an air of generosity. The Soul Core was white, resembling an intricate puzzle lock, while the manual on mechanized arts was a hefty tome. ¡°Thank you, Elder Yu,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng said gratefully. But then, Elder Yu added: Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Oh, right. The extra bamboo you harvested isn¡¯t particularly useful to me. Spirit Bamboo is a basic material for mechanized constructs. Take it back with you, and when you¡¯ve grasped the basics of mechanized arts, you can use the Spirit Bamboo to experiment.¡± ¡°Of course, mechanized arts are quite difficult. I doubt you¡¯ll master it quickly. Let¡¯s say if you manage to create a functioning mechanized beast, even if it¡¯s not particularly useful, I¡¯ll grant you one wish¡ªwithin reason!¡± Finally, this chapter is done! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you liked today''s chapter, don¡¯t forget to give us a 5-star rating on NovelUpdate. See you in the next one~ Chapter 23: Spirit Bamboo! Chapter 23: Spirit Bamboo! "A single wish¡­ fulfilled!" At those words, the Pine Leaf Mouse, which had been yawning in boredom, suddenly opened its eyes wide. It wasn¡¯t interested in mechanized arts or anything fancy, preferring simple Spirit Stones instead. However, upon hearing Elder Yu¡¯s offer, the Pine Leaf Mouse became instantly excited. Asking for a storage pouch surely wouldn¡¯t be an unreasonable wish, right? Whether L¨ªn J¨¬ng felt inclined to study mechanized arts was uncertain, but the Pine Leaf Mouse suddenly felt a strong urge to craft a mechanized beast¡ªif only to secure that wish. Elder Yu¡¯s proposal was a masterstroke. Even L¨ªn J¨¬ng, normally calm and composed, found himself looking up at Elder Yu, seriously contemplating if his offer¡­ could really be true. ¡°Elder, can we really wish for anything within reason?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng asked hesitantly. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Actually, Elder, my Pine Leaf Mouse and I do have a bit of a dilemma, but it¡¯s probably something within your authority to address¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Just as the Pine Leaf Mouse was expecting L¨ªn J¨¬ng to ask for a storage pouch, he communicated with it mentally. Storage pouches are easy to buy, but a wish granted by an Outer Sect elder is a rare opportunity! The Pine Leaf Mouse was stunned. L¨ªn J¨¬ng cupped his fists respectfully. ¡°Elder, since joining the sect, both my Pine Leaf Mouse and I have rather large appetites. We¡¯ve never once had a meal that¡¯s truly filled us up, nor have we ever fully experienced the dining hall. If we succeed in creating a mechanized beast, could we¡­ perhaps eat for free in the Outer Sect dining hall?¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse: "!!!" ¡°What??¡± Elder Yu had thought it was a bigger issue, but he laughed heartily, stroking his beard. ¡°That¡¯s a small matter. Naturally, it¡¯s no problem. There¡¯s always some surplus in the dining hall each day, which would normally go to the spirit and monster beasts kept by the sect. Adding the two of you to the list is hardly an issue.¡± Elder Yu felt relieved; thankfully, Outer Sect disciples had limited experience, and their requests were modest. ¡°Thank you, Elder! When we return, we¡¯ll focus wholeheartedly on studying mechanized arts!¡± While the Pine Leaf Mouse still wanted a storage pouch, it couldn¡¯t find any fault with L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s wish. After all¡­ with their golden spiritual rice, their daily intake was easily ten times that of an average disciple. If there were somewhere they could eat high-quality food for free every day, the resources and money they¡¯d save over time could buy several storage pouches. As the Pine Leaf Mouse calculated this, it looked at Elder Yu, feeling satisfied. ¡°Good.¡± Elder Yu, still unaware of the full implications, continued, ¡°Just don¡¯t push yourselves too hard. The path of mechanized arts is one best pursued out of genuine interest.¡± ¡°Actually, as a beast cultivator, picking up mechanized skills could be quite advantageous.¡± ¡°Mechanized beasts are still beasts, and unlike a bonded contract beast that¡¯s like family or a friend, they have no life of their own and can be used for more dangerous tasks¡ªsuch as testing formations or exploring perilous areas.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been in the sect for a while now; do you have any other interests besides beast cultivation?¡± Elder Yu inquired, hoping to gradually spark L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s curiosity about mechanized arts. ¡°Reporting to Elder¡­¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng replied honestly, ¡°I¡¯m actually interested in alchemy. Recently, I¡¯ve been memorizing the effects of different plants.¡± ¡°Alchemy¡­¡± Elder Yu sighed. Wasn¡¯t alchemy just too conventional? Alchemy, crafting, and the like¡ªhow could they compare to the intrigue of mechanized arts? ¡°Alchemy¡­ isn¡¯t easy,¡± he added. ¡°The process is tedious. Before even learning alchemical techniques, you have to memorize the properties of tens of thousands of plants.¡± ¡°Indeed, remembering all that has taken me quite a while.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng sighed, recalling his previous life¡¯s grind of exams and the countless hours spent studying. Elder Yu: ? ¡°You¡¯ve memorized the Complete Herb Compendium from the Outer Sect already?¡± Elder Yu asked, almost certain he¡¯d misheard. L¨ªn J¨¬ng had only joined the sect recently, and the sheer volume and complexity of the information were normally tackled gradually by cultivators in the important stage. The jade slips couldn¡¯t simply transfer the knowledge; that would overload a person¡¯s mind. ¡°Yep.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng nodded. He had indeed noticed an improvement in his memory after crossing into this world, especially since starting cultivation. Combined with the mental fatigue relief of his Spirit Nourishing Technique, memorizing texts wasn¡¯t too challenging. ¡°What¡¯s the effect of Ye Linglong?¡± Elder Yu quizzed. ¡°It harmonizes Qi and relieves pain. It¡¯s one of the core ingredients in pills for treating ailments caused by disrupted true Qi.¡± ¡°And Seven-Star Chrysanthemum?¡± ¡°It warms the Yang and dispels cold. It¡¯s used in¡­¡± ¡°And what about Spirit Bamboo Sap?¡± Elder Yu pointed to the pile of Spirit Bamboo. ¡°It soothes the mind and revitalizes the spirit. It¡¯s a secondary ingredient in the Pure Spirit Pill.¡± Elder Yu was speechless. Initially, he had intended to dissuade L¨ªn J¨¬ng from pursuing alchemy, but now he had no words. Alright, it seemed this clever Longevity Body could probably handle mechanized arts as well. If he could learn, he might as well learn it all! ¡­ After giving the remaining Spirit Bamboo to L¨ªn J¨¬ng, Elder Yu left them to their own devices. His own mess, his own responsibility. L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse spent a lot of effort hauling all the Spirit Bamboo back to their courtyard. They could have hired a disciple with an Ox Beast contract to help transport it, but upon considering the cost, they decided against it. Before long, the Spirit Bamboo was transferred from the Mechanized Workshop to L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s courtyard. Gazing at the pile of Spirit Bamboo, L¨ªn J¨¬ng rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Now, to earn unlimited dining hall privileges, he¡¯d really have to put effort into mastering mechanized arts. ¡°Come to think of it¡­¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng looked at the Spirit Bamboo and suddenly remembered something. ¡°When we were in the bamboo grove, I thought of having you use your Glazed Immortal Eyes on some Spirit Bamboo, but gathering it all had worn you out.¡± ¡°Now that we have the chance, would you like to try? It¡¯s still technically flora.¡± ¡°Squeak?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse jumped off L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s shoulder and stared at him, Not using it for mechanized arts? ¡°It¡¯s just Spirit Bamboo; we can always buy more.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng shrugged, unconcerned. This resource wasn¡¯t particularly rare. The Pine Leaf Mouse circled around, thinking it over, and then directed its Glazed Immortal Eyes at the pile of Spirit Bamboo to test its effects¡­ Suddenly! A jade-colored light burst from its eyes. The divine power of the Glazed Immortal Eyes enveloped ten pieces of emerald-green Spirit Bamboo. It seemed to be working! In the next instant, under the radiant green glow, the ten stalks of Spirit Bamboo slowly¡­ merged into a single small, blue Spirit Bamboo stalk! ¡°Squeak¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse clutched its eyes, squeaking in pain. The process had drained much more of its eye power than synthesizing Spirit Rice or Spiritual Beans, and it felt as though its eyes had been strained beyond their limits. Despite the discomfort, the Pine Leaf Mouse urged L¨ªn J¨¬ng to quickly examine the effects of the blue Spirit Bamboo. Following its suggestion, L¨ªn J¨¬ng cautiously picked up the blue Spirit Bamboo. Remembering his last encounter with the Black Bear Monster, he handled it with care, avoiding too much force. "Hm?" As soon as he lifted it, a bead of crystalline sap dripped from one end of the Spirit Bamboo. This brought to mind Elder Yu¡¯s question earlier about Spirit Bamboo Sap. ¡°Spirit Bamboo Sap? Normally, Spirit Bamboo requires years of exposure to natural rain, sun, and lunar energy, as well as wind, rain, and lightning, before it produces sap while it¡¯s still growing. These harvested stalks wouldn¡¯t typically produce Spirit Bamboo Sap anymore¡­ Could it be that the effect of blue Spirit Bamboo is that it naturally generates Spirit Bamboo Sap?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s mind raced with analysis, but as he pondered, the pressure inside the Spirit Bamboo kept building. Suddenly, with a loud ¡°boom,¡± a high-pressure jet of liquid burst from the bamboo, blasting a hole in the wall. This wasn¡¯t Spirit Bamboo Sap¡ªit was a pressurized water cannon! The force from the blast launched L¨ªn J¨¬ng into the air, sending him crashing into the building as his body and hands trembled. Chapter 24: The Concept of a Mechanized Beast Chapter 24: The Concept of a Mechanized Beast ¡°What the heck!¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s face turned black with frustration. He had assumed the liquid flowing out of the Spirit Bamboo was Spirit Bamboo Sap, but it kept gushing out with such high pressure that even a water-jet technique from a cultivator at the important stage couldn¡¯t compare. He struggled to control the wildly spraying water. Elder Yu had created a Mechanized Bamboo Dragon that could ¡°generate fire from wood,¡± but this ¡°wood generating water¡± was a bit much. After sliding down the wall, L¨ªn J¨¬ng looked over at his Pine Leaf Mouse, which seemed equally baffled. ¡°Which deity in the upper realms gave the Glazed Immortal Eyes this unreliable power?¡± he muttered, exasperated. The Pine Leaf Mouse, seeing that L¨ªn J¨¬ng was unharmed, spread its paws in confusion. Perhaps it would be better to have Elder Black Bear try out any new items in the future. Experimenting themselves was far too risky! ¡°Good idea.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng nodded. Elder Black Bear, who was at the Monster Core stage, equivalent to a human¡¯s Foundation Establishment stage, should have no trouble with this kind of small test. Setting down the blue Spirit Bamboo, L¨ªn J¨¬ng dipped his fingers in the bamboo water and took a sniff. ¡°It¡¯s quite refreshing, without any sweetness. It doesn¡¯t seem to have the medicinal properties of regular Spirit Bamboo Sap.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s also not ordinary water; it feels more like the water of a spiritual spring, enriched by the ambient spirit energy of a rich spiritual environment.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it might not have a significant effect, but it could still be used to water spiritual plants. Maybe it¡¯ll even boost the yield and growth rate of our Spiritual Rice and Spiritual Beans.¡± At his words, the Pine Leaf Mouse pointed to the large hole in the wall. Watering? Wouldn¡¯t this high-pressure flow blast the Spirit Rice out of the ground? ¡°We can collect it and then water as needed, and I think I understand its function now. Moving forward, it should be manageable,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng replied. ¡°I read about a type of spiritual plant called the Sky Fountain Tree in one of the books.¡± ¡°It can gather moisture from the heavens and store it within itself. Once full, it sprays the stored water skyward, creating a natural fountain.¡± ¡°There¡¯s an old tale about a village in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom where a child accidentally scraped the bark of a Sky Fountain Tree, leading the village to battle floods for three years!¡± ¡°This blue Spirit Bamboo seems to function similarly. Just now, it probably expelled all the water it had accumulated while mutating. So, as long as we don¡¯t let it store water for too long, we should be able to drain it daily.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at L¨ªn J¨¬ng in admiration. How did he know so much? ¡°Reading more books really isn¡¯t a bad thing,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng said, adjusting imaginary glasses as he glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse. Cultivation life was ideal for this; reading so many books without any worry about nearsightedness. ¡°Oh, right.¡± Suddenly, L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I was wondering what kind of mechanized beast to create, and now I have an idea.¡± ¡°Squeak?¡± ¡°A complicated mechanized beast is beyond our abilities for now.¡± ¡°To get into the dining hall sooner, let¡¯s start with a small, auxiliary mechanized beast.¡± ¡°We won¡¯t bother with something that just moves around or with combat abilities like the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon. Instead¡­ we¡¯ll make a mechanized turtle that can automatically find its way around and spray water to irrigate the spiritual plants!¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng slapped his palm in excitement at the thought. ¡°With a blue Spirit Bamboo that can gather ambient moisture, we can save a lot of effort.¡± A mechanized turtle? The Pine Leaf Mouse scratched its head with its long tail. ¡°Squeak?¡± Why a mechanized turtle and not a mechanized frog? The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s five foundational spirit beasts included the Rain Frog, a water-type beast known for summoning rain to irrigate spiritual plants. It was more familiar with Rain Frogs than turtles. ¡°Because I have the Longevity Body,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng explained. ¡°The turtle has always symbolized longevity. Don¡¯t you think a mechanized turtle fits perfectly with the Longevity Body?¡± He took out the manual on mechanized arts that Elder Yu had given him, along with the Soul Core. The former held the key to crafting the mechanized turtle, and the latter¡­ wouldn¡¯t be needed just yet. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mechanized turtle he envisioned would essentially be a glorified ¡°watering can,¡± a simple construct. The Soul Core, however, served as the ¡°heart¡± of advanced mechanized beasts, designed for more complex creations. The Soul Core was the link between the mechanized beast and its creator, enabling the beast to act with the awareness and control of its maker during combat, making it more flexible and responsive. ¡­ After the Ascending Dragon Festival, L¨ªn J¨¬ng¡¯s name spread across the Outer and even Inner Sects. Though his reputation grew, L¨ªn J¨¬ng and the Pine Leaf Mouse continued their simple, focused routine. They studied what they needed to, stockpiled resources, and kept a low profile, rarely seen by other Outer Sect disciples. To L¨ªn J¨¬ng, this wasn¡¯t tedious. It wasn¡¯t that he particularly enjoyed it, but his twenty-something years of life experience had taught him the value of patience and endurance. More than that, the returns of cultivation and the slim chance of transcendence inspired him, making the hard work feel worthwhile. But things were not so peaceful elsewhere. In the Outer Sect¡¯s Beast Fighting Arena¡­ Bang! The echo of a powerful impact rang out as a Battle Ape, covered in blood with deep claw marks across its chest, collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Beside it lay He Yiming, the former number one of the Outer Sect, badly burned and writhing in pain beside his beast. Seeing this, many Outer Sect disciples covered their mouths in shock. In ordinary sparring matches at the arena, even among rivals, it was rare for fights to become this brutal. ¡°My apologies, I got carried away,¡± said a black-clad youth stroking a sleek, predatory cat. ¡°But Elder Li was right; the sect truly shelters a bunch of delicate flowers. Too weak.¡± Many new Outer Sect disciples didn¡¯t recognize him, but there were three other youths beside him, equally cold and indifferent. It was clear they held no regard for He Yiming, the once-top scorer in the arena. ¡°Are¡­ these people also from the Beast Taming Sect?¡± one Outer Sect disciple murmured in disbelief. Nearby, Senior Brother Ziran, who had rushed over after hearing the commotion, took one look at their distinctive black uniforms adorned with blood-red patterns. His face paled, and he said in a grave tone, ¡°They¡¯re from the Outer Sect¡¯s Demon-Hunting Hall. I can¡¯t believe so many of them made it back alive this time.¡± Chapter 25: The Demon-Hunting Hall Chapter 25: The Demon-Hunting Hall ¡°Excuse me, is Junior Brother L¨ªn J¨¬ng here?¡± ¡°You¡¯re¡­ Senior Sister from the Harvest Pavilion?¡± It had been half a month since the Ascending Dragon Festival, and L¨ªn J¨¬ng was deeply engrossed in his cultivation when an unexpected visitor arrived. The young woman, dressed in traditional Daoist robes with a delicate, almost frail beauty, had the appearance of a sickly, elegant lady. ¡°Junior Brother, apologies for the interruption. My name is Qin Caixin, and I¡¯m here with a request,¡± Senior Sister Caixin said politely. ¡°Please, go ahead, Senior Sister.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng recognized the name vaguely; she was rumored to be one of the strongest in the Outer Sect. Surprisingly, she was also the same senior sister who had once tried to sell him fertilizer. ¡°Junior Brother, have you been outside the sect recently? Do you know about Senior Brother He Yiming, who was seriously injured by members of the Demon-Hunting Hall in the Beast Fighting Arena?¡± ¡°You mean the senior brother who was the first to challenge the Bamboo Dragon during the Ascending Dragon Festival?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng was unsure. ¡°What exactly is the Demon-Hunting Hall?¡± ¡°Demon-Hunting Hall is an organization created by Elder Li Hai within the sect. Elder Li has always been dissatisfied with the sect¡¯s disciple training policies. He believes that the sect is overprotective, allowing disciples to choose their own tasks for experiential training outside the sect, which, he thinks, stunts their growth,¡± Senior Sister Caixin explained. ¡°Thus, he created the Demon-Hunting Hall. Every few years, he recruits a group of Outer Sect disciples, who then don¡¯t train within the sect but are instead thrown into the wild mountains, left to survive by fighting demon beasts, with their lives dependent on fate.¡± ¡°Without the comfort of the sect, their cultivation may not be as high, but they are formidable in life-and-death combat. Senior Brother He Yiming was no match for them.¡± ¡°And why are you telling me all this, Senior Sister?¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng asked. ¡°It¡¯s not as if they¡¯re coming to pick a fight with me¡­ but if they are, could you let them know I agree with Elder Li¡¯s training method? It just might waste a lot of disciples and spirit beasts.¡± Senior Sister Caixin gave a wry smile. ¡°It¡¯s not that. You¡¯re right, after all. Death training far surpasses closed-door cultivation in boosting combat power, but the death rate¡­ Well, three years ago, Elder Li took about a dozen disciples, and only four have returned alive.¡± ¡°Our Beast Taming Sect isn¡¯t a demonic sect, so there¡¯s no way we¡¯d adopt this kind of training broadly.¡± ¡°Actually, the reason I came to see you¡­ is to ask if you¡¯d be willing to sell me a few of those red leaves you used against the Bamboo Dragon.¡± ¡°My contract beast is a Tree Bear, and it knows the Flying Leaf technique. We¡¯ve tried various spiritual plant leaves, but none have the destructive power of the red leaves your Pine Leaf Mouse used.¡± ¡°With the Inner Sect assessment a few months away, and with the return of the Demon-Hunting Hall members raising its difficulty, I need all the strength I can get.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng understood, though he replied with regret, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Senior Sister, but due to certain unique properties, those red leaves can only be used by us.¡± He wasn¡¯t lying. The red leaves created by the Pine Leaf Mouse had a special ¡°synchronized mind¡± effect, allowing it to control them with ease. Under this ¡°mindful control,¡± the power and speed of the leaves increased significantly, letting it manipulate up to ten red leaves simultaneously at the fifth level of cultivation. Other spirit beasts, however, wouldn¡¯t share this unique connection. ¡°I see¡­¡± Senior Sister Caixin sighed. ¡°Thank you for your time, Junior Brother L¨ªn J¨¬ng.¡± She left, and as L¨ªn J¨¬ng closed the courtyard door, he prepared to get back to his reading. ¡°Heh heh.¡± To his surprise, a low chuckle came from inside the courtyard. Standing there was Elder Black Bear, dressed in white Daoist robes, looking immensely pleased with himself. ¡°I remember that girl. She¡¯s from a small cultivator family, born with a weak constitution that prevents normal training. Her family sent her to the Beast Taming Sect in hopes that she could cultivate here.¡± The Elder Black Bear chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ve got a solid Dao heart, kid. Pretty girl makes a request, and you don¡¯t bat an eye! I¡¯ve got faith that you¡¯ll achieve great things.¡± ¡°And, considering you have the Longevity Body, a regular Dao companion wouldn¡¯t be the best match for you. You¡¯d be better off finding a lady with a higher cultivation level so she doesn¡¯t¡­ leave you behind too soon.¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng gave Elder Black Bear a helpless look. ¡°Elder, was there a reason for your sudden visit?¡± ¡°Your Pine Leaf Mouse has a stockpile of red leaves it can¡¯t use all by itself. If they could be sold, I¡¯d have done it ages ago. They really can only work for it,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng explained. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no pressing issue,¡± Elder Black Bear replied, glancing around the courtyard at the gears and parts scattered about, including a few crooked turtle models. ¡°So, you¡¯ve been studying mechanized arts? Looking good¡ªit¡¯s quite promising.¡± ¡°I actually just came to remind you.¡± ¡°That girl mentioned the Inner Sect assessment in a few months. Even if you¡¯re still a ways from reaching the seventh level, with the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s talents, if it¡¯s provided enough resources, it might reach the seventh level in time, allowing you to take part in the assessment!¡± ¡°After joining the Inner Sect, you¡¯ll have to choose a peak to join. Different peaks within the Beast Taming Sect specialize in various skills, like alchemy at Danxia Peak, dragon-blood beasts at Nine Dragons Peak, and water-type beasts at Clear Pool Peak¡­¡± ¡°Each Outer Sect disciple eventually chooses a peak that aligns with their abilities and studies techniques there.¡± ¡°Now, Elder Mo has taken a relaxed role at Lotus Peak, while Elder Yu oversees the Outer Sect and doesn¡¯t involve himself with Inner Sect matters. So, you¡¯ll need to think carefully about which peak to join.¡± ¡°Once you¡¯ve decided, I can put in a good word for you with the elders there. In this sect, even the Golden Core elders have to show me some respect,¡± Elder Black Bear assured. L¨ªn J¨¬ng was most interested in Danxia Peak due to the effort he¡¯d already invested in alchemy. ¡°But Elder Black Bear, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re just here for this,¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng said, sensing more. ¡°Ha, you¡¯re sharp.¡± Elder Black Bear chuckled. ¡°Keep this between us, but I¡¯ve always loved the taste of a spirit fruit called Dragonbone Flower. After reaching the Monster Core stage, though, its nutrients no longer have any effect on me, though I still eat a few now and then for the taste.¡± ¡°Recently, my mother came all this way to the Beast Taming Sect to visit me and brought a bunch of Dragonbone Flowers from home. It got me wondering if, since that Pine Leaf Mouse of yours can synthesize Spirit Rice and Spiritual Beans, it could perhaps synthesize the Dragonbone Flower?¡± ¡°Maybe a synthesized one would not only satisfy my taste buds but offer other benefits, too. Not everything it makes blows up, right?¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to give it a try, I¡¯ll compensate you. But keep it quiet¡ªdon¡¯t let Elder Mo know I¡¯ve been bothering you. If he finds out, I¡¯ll be in trouble!¡± L¨ªn J¨¬ng nodded. ¡°But Elder, I¡¯ve never heard of the Dragonbone Flower, and I don¡¯t remember reading about it in the Complete Herb Compendium... Could it be too high-grade for the Pine Leaf Mouse to handle?¡± ¡°Not to worry. It¡¯s just a rare low-grade spirit fruit with no particular value beyond its taste,¡± he replied, taking out a Dragonbone Flower from his storage pouch. The fruit resembled a dragon fruit, and as he took a bite, its red flesh gave the frightening illusion that Elder Black Bear¡¯s mouth was covered in blood. Chapter 26: Dao Robe Chapter 26: Dao Robe Isn¡¯t this a Red Heart Dragon Fruit?! When Lin Jing saw the spiritual fruit that Elder Black Bear took out, he was momentarily stunned. "Do you want to try one?" Elder Black Bear handed Lin Jing another fruit. "Thank you." Lin Jing took the Dragonbone Flower and stored it. He then glanced around the room and said, "The Pine Leaf Mouse should be sleeping now. I''ll go wake it up." Even the Pine Leaf Mouse, a naturally gifted worker and farmer, gets tired sometimes. In a short while, Lin Jing pulled the Pine Leaf Mouse out of its sweet dream. Groggily, the Pine Leaf Mouse looked at the rows of Dragonbone Flowers in the yard and fell into deep thought. However, when it vaguely heard Lin Jing mention ¡°reward,¡± it instantly perked up. Seeing the nodding Elder Black Bear, the Pine Leaf Mouse cautiously asked: "Zhi!" Could it ask for a storage bag? "Ah, well¡­" Elder Black Bear paused, looking a bit awkward. "Elder Black Bear, with your rank as a Monster Core stage cultivator, you don¡¯t have a storage bag, do you?" Lin Jing couldn''t help but comment. "Nonsense!" Elder Black Bear retorted. "It¡¯s just¡­ I only have one for personal use at the moment." "You don¡¯t understand, the materials for creating and upgrading a Beast Taming Space Magical Treasure are completely different from those for making storage bags. And the demand for them is even greater." "So, in the Beast Taming Sect, normal storage gear is in short supply. Every piece is strictly regulated and distributed according to need... In fact, almost all the spatial materials in the Great Wilderness Domain have been bought up by the Beast Taming Sect, making them rare on the market." "If you really want one, I can¡¯t promise you a good one... it would be noticed by Elder Mo. But if it¡¯s one of those tiny storage bags made from scrap materials, I can try to get one through... ''unofficial'' channels." "Unofficial channels??? Wait, how small is ''tiny''?" Elder Black Bear held up a finger. "It can store about one cubic meter of resources." One cubic meter¡­ it really can¡¯t hold much. It¡¯s just slightly more convenient than carrying a bundle, that¡¯s all. "Oh well." Elder Black Bear sighed. "You can make do with that. When you become true disciples, you¡¯ll get your own space magical treasure. You¡¯re still in the Qi Refining stage, so there¡¯s no point in having too good of a storage item right now." "Right, if you really want one, you can work hard for the Inner Sect assessment. There''s a proper way to get a storage bag then!" "The Inner Sect assessment is always done with a points system. The better you perform, the more points you earn, and with enough points, you can exchange them for magical items or pills, including larger storage equipment. It¡¯s a benefit for newly promoted inner sect disciples, and the exchange rate is much better than what you get from contributing sect tasks." "Inner Sect assessment?" Lin Jing looked up slightly. Sure enough, no matter where you go, they all love using these promotion systems to push people forward. Elder Black Bear continued: "I think with your talent, you¡¯ll definitely be the top performers in this assessment. Even though the little brats Elder Li Hai brought back are vicious, I doubt they can beat you guys." Lin Jing glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse. Its thoughts were already drifting towards the Inner Sect assessment. It was eager to go. Soon, Elder Black Bear and Lin Jing reached an agreement. The Pine Leaf Mouse would help synthesize the Dragonbone Flowers, and Elder Black Bear would find a tiny storage bag as a reward. A storage bag with one cubic meter of space might not be much, but it would definitely be enough to store Red Leaf Fruits and Spiritual Beans for now. Thinking that it could soon have its own storage bag, the Pine Leaf Mouse was filled with energy. Its green eyes stared at the Dragonbone Flowers on the ground. Glazed Immortal Eyes! Then, nothing happened. The Pine Leaf Mouse blinked in confusion, casting a pleading glance at Lin Jing. With its current strength, it seemed¡­ it wasn¡¯t quite enough to synthesize the resource. "Zhi!!!" It rubbed its sore eyes, its gaze broken. Was the storage bag really that far out of reach? "Hm?" Elder Black Bear scratched his head. "You want to breakthrough a few times? This doesn¡¯t seem reliable." Rather than wait for the Pine Leaf Mouse to make a breakthrough, he waved his sleeve. "Wait here. I¡¯ll lend you something to help, give it another try!" With that, he rummaged through his own storage item... and pulled out a white Dao robe, one that looked very similar to the one he was wearing. "Small, small, small¡ª" he murmured to the Dao robe, and quickly, the robe shrank to a size comparable to the Pine Leaf Mouse. "Put on my Dao robe. It¡¯s a magical tool that amplifies most types of magical power, including wood element spiritual energy," Elder Black Bear said as he tossed the miniature Dao robe to the Pine Leaf Mouse. Whoosh! The Pine Leaf Mouse caught it, slightly opening its mouth in surprise. "This..." Lin Jing hesitated for a moment. "Since it¡¯s a magical tool, we might as well try it." "Zhi, zhi, zhi." The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded eagerly, draping the robe over itself. The next moment! The Pine Leaf Mouse, now wearing a pristine white Dao robe, suddenly emitted an air of transcendence. The robe¡¯s hem swayed gently in the wind. It grasped the edges of the robe with its small paws, walking a few steps. Its movements remained nimble, but now had a certain ethereal grace. Most importantly, the Pine Leaf Mouse felt an overwhelming surge of power throughout its body. It opened its mouth slightly, finally understanding why Elder Black Bear was so fond of wearing Dao robes. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Although, with its cultivation level, it can¡¯t fully unleash the robe¡¯s power, it should still provide some improvement," Elder Black Bear said with a grin. With that, the Pine Leaf Mouse turned its gaze back to the Dragonbone Flowers on the ground¡­ and sure enough, its Eye Technique activated smoothly. As the Glazed Immortal Eyes activated... roughly a hundred Dragonbone Flowers instantly merged from their bright red color into a single purple Dragonbone Flower! "Success!" Elder Black Bear cheered joyfully. "Success!" Lin Jing let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that both weapon forging and tailoring were worth learning when they had time! The quality of the Dragonbone Flower was clearly higher than that of Spiritual Rice, Spiritual Beans, or Spiritual Bamboo, making it harder to synthesize. But now, the synthesis was complete, and the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t feel any eye strain. It couldn''t help but lovingly stroke the Dao robe on its body. "Mine!" Unfortunately, before the Pine Leaf Mouse could carefully observe, Elder Black Bear snatched the Dao robe back and chuckled, "You can¡¯t have this. These robes are my lifeline." The Pine Leaf Mouse puffed out its cheeks in protest. Lin Jing smiled. The value of the Dao robe was probably higher than that of ordinary storage equipment. This type of amplification item would be better to buy when they became more successful. "Elder Black Bear, would you like to try it?" Lin Jing asked, curious about the effect of the Purple Heart Dragon Fruit. "Try? I don¡¯t need to try. I¡¯m not short of one." Elder Black Bear reached into his robe¡¯s sleeve and pulled out an unconscious white rat demon, shaking it awake. "This one¡¯s a Qi Refining 9th layer rat demon I caught easily. Let it eat the first one for me." Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were speechless. They didn¡¯t even know what to say. Elder Black Bear really was cautious. Was it really necessary to be so careful over a first-grade spiritual fruit synthesis? Chapter 27: Everything Goes Black Chapter 27: Everything Goes Black "Squeak squeak squeak!" The white mouse demon trembled in fear from the terrifying demonic power of Elder Black Bear. When the leaf-covered eyes of the Pine Leaf Mouse heard the squeaking sound, it instantly thought of a distant relative and felt sorry for it. So, it pulled out a long bamboo leaf soaked in blue spiritual bamboo water and used it as a blindfold. If it couldn''t see, it wouldn''t feel so bad. Recently, after using its eye technique, the Pine Leaf Mouse had gotten into the habit of cooling its eyes by soaking them in bamboo leaves dipped in spiritual bamboo water. It felt a lot more comfortable that way. "Eat it!" Elder Black Bear tossed the white mouse demon in front of the purple fire dragon fruit. "What if it''s something good? You might even profit!" "If you don''t die after eating it, I''ll send you back to the mountain." The white mouse demon wasn''t a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. It seemed to be like the wild beasts on the "Fierce Tiger Peak"¡ªcaptured by the sect to be used for disciple trials. But now, before it could meet a disciple, it was already caught by Elder Black Bear and used as a test subject. "Ugh!" The white mouse demon, looking desperate, began to nibble on the purple fire dragon fruit. It dared not refuse, but after just two bites, it was surprised to find that it tasted quite good and didn¡¯t seem poisonous at all. It... might not have to die after all! The mouse demon ate faster and faster, and soon, it had consumed an entire mutated dragon bone flower. Elder Black Bear and Lin Jing observed the little white mouse closely. After finishing, the white mouse demon suddenly felt a surge of heat in its body. In the next moment... Boom! A terrifying aura suddenly erupted from the white mouse demon, soaring into the sky! Purple demonic energy flowed rapidly out of its body. This solidified demonic power quickly took shape and formed a terrifying dragon skeleton creature. "Roar!!!" The skeletal dragon was enormous, its bone scales flashing with a deep, mysterious red light, like a star shining in the dark night. Its dragon head was held high, and its eyes blazed with purple flames, exuding an undeniable aura of authority. Its claws were sharp like swords, glinting with cold light as they slowly reached out toward Elder Black Bear. "What the hell!" Elder Black Bear was completely shocked by the transformation of the white mouse demon. His vision darkened, and his fur stood on end as he felt a moment of fear before this terrifying dragon-shaped creature. The enormous purple dragon eyes stared at Elder Black Bear, who took a step back as if facing an enormous threat. Sweat poured from his brow. He panted heavily, but suddenly, he snapped back to his senses, cursed, and swatted at the dragon. To his surprise, it was just an illusion, and the supposed pressure was like water without a source, a tree without roots¡ªcompletely false. It seemed that the effect of the purple dragon bone flower was to cause the user to hallucinate into becoming a powerful beast, creating an intimidating effect. "Damn it, what kind of weird effects are you two creating with your syntheses?" Elder Black Bear growled in embarrassment. He was furious at being scared by a little white mouse. He should have eaten it himself if he''d known. The shame of losing his dignity in front of a long-lived body and a little squirrel! With a slap, Elder Black Bear struck the purple bone dragon, and the illusion immediately disappeared, leaving only the small white mouse demon trembling on the ground. The mouse''s mouth was covered in purple-red fruit juice, looking very bloody... Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse exchanged a glance but said nothing, each for their own reasons¡ªone because of the storage bag, and the other because of the desire for more rewards. "Was it tasty?" Elder Black Bear hesitated for a moment before asking the white mouse demon. The mouse demon trembled and nodded, licking the fruit juice from its lips. "Alright, you can go now." He blew out a dark wind and immediately blew the mouse demon to a nearby mountain peak. "Looks like there are no side effects." Elder Black Bear shrugged as if nothing had happened. "Based on what just happened, it seems like once it reaches the 7th layer of Qi Refining, the user can start synthesizing the dragon bone flower. But I can''t wait. The robe will be borrowed by you for a few days, and in return, you help me synthesize some more dragon bone flowers." "Elder Black Bear..." "What is it?" "Well... could you perhaps give us some dragon bone flower seeds?" Lin Jing asked. "I noticed that the mutated dragon bone flower has some potential, and it could serve as a trump card in the future when traveling through the immortal world." An illusion that could scare even a Demon Core Beast¡ªthis could prove useful! "Alright." Elder Black Bear grinned. He too was surprised by the powers of the purple dragon bone flower. Had he not seen the mouse demon''s transformation with his own eyes, he would have been terrified if he encountered it outside. Damn illusion! At this moment, a flying rainbow streaked across the sky. An elder in blue robes landed in the courtyard¡ªit was Elder Yu. He looked around with suspicion before his gaze settled on Elder Black Bear, Lin Jing, and the Pine Leaf Mouse. "I just sensed a terrifying aura, like the appearance of a Demon King from the Nascent Soul stage..." "Blind Bear, what are you doing here? Was that noise caused by you?" Elder Black Bear didn¡¯t want to elaborate: "Just pretend it was. I came to visit the sect''s outstanding disciples, and now that I¡¯ve seen them, there¡¯s nothing else to do." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He glanced at Lin Jing and the others, his gaze filled with meaning. It seemed to say, "I''ll be back once I find the storage bags." Or perhaps more threateningly, "If you dare leak what just happened, you''re finished." ... Elder Black Bear didn¡¯t stay long and left. Elder Yu turned his attention to the surroundings but didn¡¯t investigate further. His eyes were soon drawn to the mechanical creations in the courtyard. "Huh?" The half-finished mechanical turtles didn¡¯t catch his attention, but a peculiar long tube-like mechanism did. As a master of mechanical engineering, he could tell that of all the creations, this one was the closest to completion. "You¡¯re working quickly," Elder Yu remarked. He marveled at Lin Jing¡¯s learning abilities. In such a short amount of time, he had already completed a basic mechanical creation¡ªclearly, he had been studying hard. "What¡¯s this?" He picked up the bamboo gun Lin Jing had created. Instinctively, he pressed the trigger of the bamboo gun and aimed it at the sky. "Elder Yu, don¡¯t!" Lin Jing yelled, and everything went black before his eyes. "Chirp!!" Pine Leaf Mouse cried out as well¡ªits vision also went black. In the next moment, The bamboo gun activated, and the spiritual bean bombs in the magazine were triggered into a state of readiness. They were then enveloped by a surge of water and shot out at high speed! Splat, splat, splat! The blue water flowed in bursts, carrying the spiritual bean bombs into the air. "Water arrows? No, there are no water formation patterns inscribed in the device. It looks like there¡¯s something else inside..." Elder Yu began to comment, but was interrupted. Boom boom boom boom boom! The spiritual beans exploded one after another, sending shockwaves of spiritual energy through the air. The explosions resonated across the sky, whipping up winds as violent as a wind-type spell. In an instant, the trees within a certain radius of Lin Jing¡¯s courtyard were uprooted, leaving a mess in their wake. "..." As a few leaves slapped against Elder Yu''s face, he looked around at the devastation. He felt the bamboo gun burning hot in his hands, and once again, his vision went black. "Are you planning to use this thing to battle foundation-building demon beasts?" Another chapter has been translated with ????! If you appreciate our work, please consider leaving a 5-star rating for the BOTI Translator team on NovelUpdates. Thank you ~! Chapter 28: The Sky is Falling Chapter 28: The Sky is Falling Elder Yu flicked the cartridge, and the Pine Leaf Mouse let out a heart-wrenching scream. Its ammunition! The one it had hoarded for so long! Lin Jing also rubbed his forehead, thinking to himself that in the future, things shouldn''t be left lying around... a super-miniature storage bag would be nice. The one fortunate thing was that Elder Yu had triggered the mechanism in the sky. Although its powerful force left the surroundings in disarray, at least... the courtyard was still intact, and the house wasn''t blown up. However, from a different perspective, if the house had been blown up, perhaps they could have upgraded to a better cave residence. With this thought, Lin Jing couldn''t help but sigh. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What is this thing!" Elder Yu jumped in shock. He looked at Lin Jing and the suffering Pine Leaf Mouse. "Elder Yu," Lin Jing said after a moment of silence, "why did you press it?" "Haha," Elder Yu chuckled awkwardly. He hadn''t expected this situation. Who would have thought that you two, new disciples, would come up with something like this with your new spirit weapons? "You must have noticed that the mechanism bamboo gun is very simple in design. It uses some basic structure and, due to the nature of the materials¡ªspirit bamboo¡ªit accumulates water vapor and fires high-speed water flows, which can cause an explosion. The real power lies in the spirit bean bombs inside the magazine." Lin Jing continued, "Elder, these mutated spirit bean bombs are all we have left. We were planning to use them for the inner sect assessment..." "I''ll compensate you," Elder Yu quickly understood the situation. The real power lay in those spirit beans. The bamboo gun itself was not particularly complicated; it was just a simple mechanism that combined mutated spirit bamboo and mutated spirit beans! That said... with these things, if there are enough of those explosion-prone spirit beans, even a mortal could deal a blow to a low-level cultivator. This must be what Elder Mo meant by... rare beast abilities. Elder Yu thought to himself, realizing the true power of the rare beasts. Even simple materials like spirit bamboo, without needing intricate array patterns, could provide the same effect as water arrow techniques. "Elder, you are too kind. Those spirit bean bombs are just improved ordinary spirit beans. They aren''t worth much. We can make more. We are already very grateful for your guidance in mechanism techniques," Lin Jing said. The Pine Leaf Mouse was stunned. No compensation? "I can''t let you suffer. Here''s the deal. I see that your mechanical beast is almost ready. Take this ahead of time. The inner sect assessment is coming up, so you should hurry and make improvements," Elder Yu thought for a moment and tossed a token to them. "This is my elder token. With it, you can dine for free at the outer sect cafeteria. Additionally, with this token, you can enter the inner peak as outer sect disciples." After finishing, he waved his sleeve and said, "It seems some disciples were drawn by the noise just now. I''ll go disperse them. You can continue your cultivation." "Thank you, Elder Yu." Lin Jing saw off Elder Yu, then tossed the token to the Pine Leaf Mouse. "Just some spirit beans. Elder Yu is a Gold Core Elder; how could he let us suffer? Let''s go to the cafeteria and have a good meal!" The Pine Leaf Mouse wiped away a tear. Humans sure have a lot of tricks up their sleeves. Though, it had to admit, a lot of the spirit beans it had hoarded were now gone! ... Outer Sect, Cafeteria! It was said that even the most ordinary food here was made with spirit rice and steamed with spirit spring water. After receiving the elder''s token, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse quickly tidied up before rushing toward the cafeteria like starving ghosts. "Lin Jing, Senior Brother?" As Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse sat in a corner of the cafeteria, many outer sect disciples recognized them. One of the labor disciples, who worked to earn spirit stones, approached them eagerly, as if seeing an idol. "Senior Brother Lin Jing, I don''t know what you''d like to eat, but here is today''s menu." The labor disciple eagerly pointed to the menu on the wall. "We have ''In the Sky, Willing to Be the Winged Bird'', ''Green Wild Fairy'', ''Wealthy Waistband''..." "Junior Brother, could you speak in terms we can understand?" Lin Jing politely interrupted. "Ah, yes! We have roasted wood-scented pigeon, stir-fried fresh spirit mushrooms, caramelized cashews..." "Alright." Lin Jing''s heart fluttered. This sounded much better than tree leaf fried rice. "I''ll have one of everything on the menu for today." "Ah?" The labor disciple kindly reminded him, "Senior Brother, these dishes contain a lot of spiritual energy. For example, the ''In the Sky, Willing to Be the Winged Bird'' dish uses fragrant spirit wood and fire control techniques to lock in the nutrients of the cloud pigeon... Even a mid-stage Qi Cultivator would be full after eating one." "With so many dishes, it might be hard to digest and absorb, and they''re not cheap either." "No problem. Do we look normal to you?" Lin Jing smiled faintly. The labor disciple seemed to understand and nodded before running to notify the kitchen. Soon, the dishes were served. The Pine Leaf Mouse pulled a golden spirit rice grain out of Lin Jing''s pocket, then split it in half with one claw, giving half to Lin Jing and keeping the other half for itself. This way, they wouldn''t appear too greedy and end up stealing food from others. "Gulp." They each ate half a golden spirit rice grain, accompanied by a cup of spirit tea. ... One Hour Later. Mechanized Workshop. "Elder Yu, bad news!" A crane flew in again, the scene all too familiar. "What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?" Elder Yu walked out and looked at the crane. "Outer sect disciples Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse were in the cafeteria, and they used your elder token to get free food!" "What''s the big deal? The token is for them," Elder Yu replied. "Lin Jing has a special physique, so his demand for food and resources is high. The inner sect assessment is approaching, and I gave them a small favor. What''s wrong with that? If anyone has something to say, let them try to defeat the mechanized bamboo dragon!" The crane replied, "Elder, no outer sect disciple has an opinion. Not many know about this. It''s just that the head chef, who¡¯s a bit pampered, and his fire spirit sparrow got exhausted. Lin Jing and the others ate so much that, by the end of the day, there wasn¡¯t a single bit of leftover food. Usually, there¡¯s plenty left." "I heard... Lin Jing even ate the meat bones..." "The leftover food was meant for those special spirit beasts that joined the sect just for ''free food and lodging''... Once they see there''s no food left, they might complain." "The worst part is... they ate so much, and with your token, they didn''t pay a single spirit stone." "If they keep eating like this, the cafeteria¡¯s budget will definitely be affected! You''ll have to cover the costs yourself, Elder!" Elder Yu froze when he heard this. What? "Oh no, I''ve been tricked." Elder Yu''s face darkened. How could he be so naive? With Lin Jing''s longevity body, of course, he wouldn¡¯t let them suffer! The sky is falling. "Elder, what should we do?" the Tianyu Crane asked. "What else can we do? Let them eat!" Elder Yu gritted his teeth. "Once they enter the inner sect... they won¡¯t come back to the outer sect cafeteria for free food! I''ll hurry up and push for the inner sect advancement assessment to happen as soon as possible!" Chapter 29: Inner Sect Examination! Chapter 29: Inner Sect Examination! ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s overindulgence at the outer sect cafeteria quickly spread to many ears, including that of Elder Li Hai, the head of the Demon Hunting Hall. Upon learning that it was indeed Elder Yu who had given the green light, Elder Li Hai commented, ¡°This Lin Jing must have a special physique, but even if that¡¯s true, this preferential treatment is too much.¡± ¡°The more talented a disciple is, the more they should be forged through rigorous trials. Coddling them will only waste their potential. Historically, haven¡¯t the greatest cultivators come from ordinary bodies?¡± ¡°Master, there¡¯s no choice. How many geniuses with special physiques are willing to join the Beast Taming Sect? Since someone is willing to join, the sect has to treat them well,¡± said an eagle demon beside him. ¡°Of the special physique disciples Elder Mo brought back, besides this one and Ouyang Hao, all have successfully established their foundations and become direct disciples. If we don¡¯t give them preferential treatment, it will surely dampen their spirits.¡± ¡°Preferential treatment is fine,¡± Elder Li Hai said, ¡°but there must be a limit! The performance of the Demon Hunting Hall disciples in the Great Wasteland trial further solidified my belief that cultivation... character must come first!¡± ¡°Take Luoyu for example. His qualifications are average, but through his perseverance, determination, and wit, he managed to instigate two demon beasts at the 9th level of Qi Refining to fight each other, ultimately benefiting as a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator and obtaining the beast blood for body tempering!¡± ¡°No matter what, I can¡¯t let Lin Jing go down this path of complacency! I¡¯m going to ask him to join the Demon Hunting Hall!¡± ¡°Master, remember, he¡¯s Elder Mo¡¯s disciple. Can you defeat him?¡± the eagle demon looked worried as Elder Li Hai stood up. ¡°Can¡¯t defeat me?¡± Elder Li Hai¡¯s gaze turned cold as he looked at the eagle demon. ¡°Besides the sect leader and the few Yuan Ying ancestors, has anyone of the same level ever made me afraid?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not afraid, but I¡¯ll be the one getting hit!¡± the eagle demon said. ¡°Master, let¡¯s wait until the Inner Sect Examination is over. If that kid doesn¡¯t perform well, you can still have a reason to recruit him later.¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Elder Li Hai said, ¡°We¡¯ll wait until after the examination.¡± Fortunately, Elder Mo and Elder Yu didn¡¯t know what Elder Li Hai was thinking. Otherwise, they would surely have hammered the old man who was trying to take advantage of the longevity body. --- In the courtyard, Lin Jing was lying in a bamboo chair, patting his stomach and leisurely looking at something. What he was looking at were the notices for the Inner Sect Examination in previous years. The format for the Inner Sect Advancement Examination hadn¡¯t changed much over the years. The elders were too lazy to come up with new ideas, so they usually made small tweaks without altering the core rules. ¡°At registration, the cultivation level will be checked. Only Beast Tamers or their spirit beasts who reach the 7th level of Qi Refining or higher can participate in the survival trial!¡± ¡°The survival trial will throw qualifying outer sect disciples into the outskirts of the Great Wasteland, where they must survive for three days.¡± ¡°During this period, disciples can earn points based on the strength of the demon beasts they hunt. The stronger the demon beast, the more points they earn. Additionally, disciples are encouraged to compete with each other. Eliminating others will yield more points than hunting demon beasts!¡± ¡°However, the highest points are awarded for taming demon beasts!¡± ¡°If a disciple can tame a wild demon beast in the Great Wasteland, the points they earn will far exceed those for killing demon beasts or eliminating others!¡± Lin Jing thought of how Senior Brother Ouyang had tamed a tiger demon. ¡°After three days, the eight disciples with the most points will pass the examination.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s not all! The eight successful disciples must then choose an inner peak to undergo a ¡®talent assessment¡¯.¡± ¡°If they choose Danxia Peak, the elders of Danxia Peak will introduce them to pill refining. If the disciple¡¯s talent in pill refining is not high, Danxia Peak will not accept them and will send them to another peak.¡± Lin Jing looked at the exchangeable resources based on the examination points. He discovered that storage bags were indeed available, with the largest being... a full ten cubic meters! However, he also noticed that the points required to exchange for these bags were ridiculously high. Even if one killed dozens of demon beasts at the 9th level of Qi Refining, it would be impossible to exchange enough points. Clearly... they had no intention of letting disciples actually exchange for them! ¡°I can already predict that the storage bag Elder Hei Xiong sends later won¡¯t be enough for the Pine Leaf Mouse.¡± With the mouse¡¯s hoarding speed, if the storage bag only contained regular spirit rice and spirit beans, it would quickly be filled. ¡°Since I promised it a storage bag before contracting it, this opportunity... is the most fitting one.¡± ¡°Two months until the... Inner Sect Examination!¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing¡¯s eyes glinted. ¡°The advancement examinations over the years have never seen any accidents. Barring unexpected issues, the examinations will certainly be conducted under the protection of the elders, and the outer regions of the Great Wasteland will likely be cleared for safety. Given this, maybe I can be bolder than usual.¡± --- With a new goal in mind, Lin Jing continued to prepare for the Inner Sect Examination with the Pine Leaf Mouse. Their daily routine should have been focused on cultivation, hoarding resources, and dining at the cafeteria. However, since Elder Yu was concerned that Lin Jing¡¯s frequent indulgence in the cafeteria would have a bad influence, he gave Lin Jing and the wild spirit beasts the same privileges as the sect¡¯s tamed beasts. Food delivery directly to their door. They no longer needed to go to the cafeteria themselves. At mealtimes, the cafeteria would deliver large quantities of food to Lin Jing¡¯s place. Both Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t expect that the mundane life of cultivation could actually be so pleasant. Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, two months had passed, and Lin Jing had become increasingly accustomed to his new life in the Beast Taming Sect. The months of living together had made him and the Pine Leaf Mouse more in sync and reliant on each other. It was unclear whether it was due to the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s influence, but Lin Jing had even started thinking about hoarding some resources himself. Over these two months, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cultivation reached the 7th level of Qi Refining, while Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation reached the 3rd level, mainly because they enjoyed resources comparable to those of direct disciples. With such vast resources, most spirit beasts or cultivators with exceptional talent would have reached the peak of Qi Refining by now. But for them, the Pine Leaf Mouse had spent so much time hoarding that, though its cultivation hadn¡¯t risen as much, it had filled the storage bags sent by Elder Hei Xiong to the brim. Every time it took out a bag, it was as if it had a trump card ready, and the mouse felt it was more important than reaching the 9th level of Qi Refining¡ªit was all about the sense of security. As for Lin Jing, his progress was hindered by his longevity body. Even with so many resources and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s assistance, he was still some distance away from the 4th level, even though Qi Refining was one of the easiest stages to cultivate in. Lin Jing estimated that without obtaining the complete Beast Taming technique or contracting more spirit beasts, relying solely on the Pine Leaf Mouse wouldn¡¯t be enough to pull him through. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Today was the day for registration for the Inner Sect Examination. After registering, they would likely head to the examination site. Lin Jing called to the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Eeek!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse stretched its arms, wearing a robe. It was no longer the one made by Elder Hei Xiong; it was one that Lin Jing had made himself... the storage bag was now conveniently hung on the inside of the robe. ¡°By the way, don¡¯t forget this.¡± Lin Jing walked over to the spirit rice and picked up a palm-sized mechanized bamboo turtle watering can, which was spraying water through its cannon-like nozzle. Chapter 30: Unexpected Chapter 30: Unexpected "He Yiming, Qi Refining 7th Layer, Pet Beast: Fighting Ape, Qi Refining 7th Layer." ... "Qin Caixin, Qi Refining 6th Layer, Pet Beast: Tree Bear, Qi Refining 7th Layer." ... "Ziran, Qi Refining 6th Layer, Pet Beast: Fire Spirit Sparrow, Qi Refining 7th Layer." ... At the outer sect, the Inner Sect Examination registration was in full swing! Elder Yu, dressed in a blue robe, personally attended the registration scene to inspect the cultivation levels of the disciples. The cultivation levels of the disciples were generally normal. That is, until... Lin Jing arrived. He walked up to the registration table, and Elder Yu, already aware, casually asked, ¡°Name?¡± ¡°Lin Jing.¡± Elder Yu scanned him with his divine sense and said, ¡°Lin Jing, Qi Refining 3rd Layer, Pet Beast: Pine Leaf Mouse, Qi Refining 7th Layer!¡± Upon hearing this, many of the outer sect disciples murmured amongst themselves. "Wasn¡¯t that Pine Leaf Mouse just at the Qi Refining 4th Layer? How did it get to the 7th so quickly?" "The key point isn¡¯t that the pet beast is at Qi Refining 7th Layer, but that the Beast Tamer is only at the 3rd Layer?" It was rare for a Beast Tamer at the early Qi Refining stage to have a pet beast at the late Qi Refining stage in the outer sect. Of course, no one dared to look down on Lin Jing or the Pine Leaf Mouse, given their notoriety. The dismantled Mechanized Bamboo Dragon was the perfect testament to their capabilities. Upon hearing the other disciples'' discussion, the Pine Leaf Mouse, who was lying with its shoulders and eyes closed in Lin Jing¡¯s robe, shook its head. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If it had focused entirely on cultivation, it might have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage! The Pine Leaf Mouse had deliberately slowed its cultivation down, following Lin Jing''s advice. For Qi Refining cultivators, Foundation Establishment was the process of solidifying one¡¯s cultivation base and enhancing one¡¯s physical constitution. Ordinary cultivators could only reach a few opportunities for acquiring the later stages of spiritual bodies. Cultivators with innate physical constitutions needed to choose appropriate resources during Foundation Establishment to continue strengthening their physiques. Likewise, spirit beasts and demon beasts followed similar processes. They needed to optimize and enhance their bloodlines during the Foundation Establishment process, ideally undergoing a bloodline evolution. The Pine Leaf Mouse, while powerful, did not possess a strong innate bloodline, so its Foundation Establishment process was particularly crucial. The Glazed Immortal Eyes had granted it abilities, but hadn¡¯t strengthened its bloodline. Without perfect Foundation Establishment conditions, rashly advancing could be detrimental. Foundation Establishment was about laying a foundation for invincibility! Time passed slowly, and Lin Jing felt that accumulating resources and breaking through at his own pace was the best approach. After Lin Jing completed his registration, he stepped aside, and then Senior Brother Ziran walked up to him. ¡°Lin Jing, your progress is astonishing,¡± Senior Brother Ziran greeted him with a smile. ¡°The astonishing one is the Pine Leaf Mouse. I¡¯m the one moving at a turtle¡¯s pace,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Senior Brother is being modest. Fortunately, this time there are the Demon Hunting Hall disciples joining us, or this examination would be too easy for you guys,¡± Senior Brother Ziran said with a smile. ¡°Is that so?¡± Lin Jing wasn¡¯t too concerned about the Demon Hunting Hall disciples. As long as they didn¡¯t come looking for trouble, he wouldn¡¯t seek them out either. With so few disciples, the bulk of the points would still rely on demon beasts. ¡°Of course. The Demon Hunting Hall disciples are all tough characters. Despite knowing the death rate in the Hall¡¯s trials is extremely high, they still decide to join. If you didn¡¯t know better, you¡¯d think they were carrying a blood debt and were desperate for strength to take revenge on some Yuan Ying ancestor. To be honest, I really don¡¯t want to take the exam with them.¡± As they were talking about the Demon Hunting Hall, the disciples from the hall arrived and also registered. Although their cultivation levels weren¡¯t particularly outstanding, the outer sect disciples all knew of their strength. ¡°I¡¯m the one who wants revenge,¡± muttered Senior Brother He Yiming, who had been severely injured by a Demon Hunting Hall disciple. After recovering, he had broken through to Qi Refining 7th Layer, which he considered a blessing in disguise. ¡°Lin Jing seems to be the real headache¡­¡± Sister Caixin thought to herself. She still hadn¡¯t figured out how to counter the red flying leaf technique that could change direction mid-flight. ¡°Registration is now complete! A total of 20 disciples will participate in this year¡¯s Inner Sect Examination.¡± ¡°Next, Elder Li and I will lead you to the outskirts of the Great Wasteland, where we will act as your examiners. Your task is to survive for three days using any means necessary!¡± Elder Yu gave a brief explanation of the examination¡¯s contents, confirming that it was largely the same as in previous years. However, there were more points available for competing with fellow disciples, likely a change requested by Elder Li. ¡°Alright, all disciples participating in the Inner Sect Examination, come forward.¡± At this moment, a large flying vessel was floating in the sky. Upon closer inspection, it didn¡¯t exactly resemble a typical flying vessel. It looked more like a demon beast shaped like a fish... no, perhaps it was better described as a mechanical beast¡ªone of Elder Yu¡¯s creations. Elder Li stood atop the mechanical fish, his expression emotionless as he addressed the disciples below. --- Before long, the 20 disciples boarded the mechanical fish. The fish began flying toward the outer edges of the Beast Taming Sect and the Great Wasteland. Onboard the mechanical beast, the atmosphere between the 20 disciples began to grow tense. Whether familiar or unfamiliar, they were now all competitors, sizing each other up and recalling each other¡¯s signature techniques. ¡°We will soon reach the Great Wasteland. Before the trial begins, I must remind you once again.¡± ¡°The Inner Sect Examination should be approached according to your ability. Don¡¯t do anything beyond your means. That won¡¯t earn you any extra points; it will only cause you to lose points!¡± ¡°Besides myself and Elder Li, some elders from the inner peaks may also be observing you secretly with their divine senses. So, perform well, and remember that if you face life-threatening danger, prioritize protecting yourself and your pet beast. The elders will step in to rescue you, but that will result in automatic disqualification. Do you all understand?¡± Elder Yu said. ¡°We understand, Elder!¡± the outer sect disciples said in unison, bowing respectfully. ¡°This kind of thing shouldn¡¯t be spelled out so clearly. If we protect them too much, how can we test their true abilities?¡± Elder Li snorted coldly from the side. ¡°Trials, examinations¡ªthey should be full of unexpected situations. That¡¯s when you truly see who has the real skills!¡± Many of the disciples thought to themselves that Elder Li was just sitting comfortably, not experiencing the hardships of cultivation. But perhaps it was Elder Li¡¯s ominous words that were prophetic. Suddenly, there was a deafening boom in the sky, shaking the mechanical fish. Everyone looked up in alarm, and saw a massive hole in the sky, with brownish light spreading from it. ¡°What is that?¡± the disciples and their pet beasts stared at the hole in the sky. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, who had been enjoying the scenery near the edge of the mechanical fish, also looked up, their expressions changing. Moments after the hole appeared, a thick beam of light shot down. The target wasn¡¯t anywhere else¡ªit was aimed straight at the mechanical fish, or more precisely, at Lin Jing himself! ¡°What is that?!¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse tried to move away, but it seemed as though they were locked onto. ¡°We¡¯re in trouble. It¡¯s coming straight for us.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s vision blurred as the Pine Leaf Mouse placed a paw on its storage bag, only to realize that none of the items it had hoarded were useful for this situation. ¡°Could it be the Yin Corpse Sect trying to capture us? No, this is still within the sect... How can they be so brazen?¡± Their consciousness began to blur, and the world around them was consumed by the light. Chapter 31: Bodhi Heaven Chapter 31: Bodhi Heaven A massive brown pillar of light descended upon the Mechanical Fish, engulfing Lin Jing in the process. All the disciples on the Mechanical Fish were stunned. Almost simultaneously with the appearance of the light pillar, Elder Yu and Elder Li made their moves, but despite their Golden Core-level abilities, they were repelled by the light pillar and could not change its trajectory. ¡°Trouble!¡± Elder Yu¡¯s heart sank as he immediately assumed the worst¡ªit must be the Yin Corpse Sect coming to abduct people from the Beast Taming Sect. But as realization dawned, his expression turned incredulous. ¡°All disciples, listen up!¡± Elder Li raised his voice, issuing orders. ¡°Quickly enter the light pillar! There are opportunities within. Anyone who enters will be exempt from the Inner Sect examination and promoted directly to the Inner Sect! However, entering carries risks, so decide swiftly. If you feel unprepared to compete for opportunities, prioritize assisting the Outer Sect disciple Lin Jing to secure them.¡± Elder Li¡¯s explanation clarified the situation. ¡°This is a ¡®Cavern Heaven.¡¯ ¡°In ancient times, our Tianyuan Continent was the lower realm of an immortal palace in the Celestial Realm. To nurture talents, the immortal palace created the ¡®Ten Great Cavern Heavens¡¯ and the ¡®Thirty-Six Minor Cavern Heavens.¡¯ These Cavern Heavens would appear randomly across the continent, absorbing a select number of prodigies with immense fortune¡ªsometimes three to five, sometimes seven to eight. Each contained countless opportunities. ¡°Though the immortal palace has long since perished, the Cavern Heavens remain. ¡°In principle, only chosen prodigies may enter. However, it was later discovered that cultivators of the same realm as these prodigies, if present during a Cavern Heaven¡¯s descent, could also accidentally enter and seek their fortune.¡± As Elder Li spoke, seven disciples reacted instantly, leaping into the light pillar without hesitation. They moved almost as soon as Elder Li issued the command. The remaining twelve disciples, who hesitated until they heard more of the explanation, could only watch as the Cavern Heaven fully materialized, barring further entry. Left outside, they could not help but feel immense regret. Elder Li turned to these disciples. ¡°Don¡¯t be disheartened. Given your capabilities, even if you had entered, it would be challenging to compete with the prodigies within. Missing this opportunity likely saved your lives.¡± Among those who had entered, four were from the Demon-Hunting Hall, and the other three included He Yiming, Qin Caixin, and Ziran. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Cavern Heaven¡­¡± Elder Li continued, while Elder Yu sighed beside him. Elder Yu couldn¡¯t decide if Lin Jing was incredibly lucky or deeply unlucky. To be swept into a Cavern Heaven¡ªit was only the third occurrence since the founding of the Beast Taming Sect. ¡°This Lin Jing¡­ he was actually chosen by a Cavern Heaven. Incredible,¡± Elder Li remarked. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to discuss this,¡± Elder Yu sighed heavily. The next moment, several streaks of light descended, revealing Elder Mo, the Black Bear Monster, and several other Golden Core elders. They silently observed the light pillar. ¡°Dmn it,¡± Elder Mo muttered irritably. He had accounted for all sorts of dangers, including a potential raid by the Yin Corpse Sect, which the sect¡¯s guardian divine beast could repel. Within the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s vicinity, Lin Jing was supposed to be extremely safe. What he hadn¡¯t expected was for Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse to be swept into a Cavern Heaven¡ªa phenomenon beyond anyone¡¯s control. Within a Cavern Heaven, no one could protect Lin Jing. Not even ascension-level cultivators could influence such a mechanism from the Celestial Realm. ¡°Master, look at it positively. Cavern Heaven opportunities are limited to competition within the same cultivation realm! Besides Lin Jing, the other geniuses swept in will also only be at the Qi Refining stage.¡± ¡°As long as the two of them remain cautious, their lives should be safe. Given their circumstances, it¡¯s more likely the other disciples from the Outer Sect, or prodigies from other sects, will end up in trouble.¡± ¡°¡­Maybe,¡± Elder Mo replied, still unconvinced. --- Inside the mysterious space. A massive stone stele towered over the landscape. Nearby, three ancient trees surrounded the stele in a triangular formation. Their leaves were gold, silver, and green respectively. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were transported before the stone stele, still somewhat disoriented. As they looked around, several other figures appeared one after another. ¡°Ha ha!¡± A bald body cultivator draped in animal skins laughed heartily. ¡°Bodhi Heaven! To think I¡¯d stumble upon one of the Thirty-Six Minor Cavern Heavens!¡± ¡°A Cavern Heaven? You¡¯re saying this is a Cavern Heaven?¡± A scholarly man in a scholar¡¯s robe exclaimed, marveling at their surroundings. ¡°I¡¯ve only read about this in books. To think I¡¯d one day enter one myself!¡± ¡°Ah, I see. With my talents, it makes sense to be chosen by a Cavern Heaven,¡± said a young woman in alchemist robes with a soft laugh. ¡°Junior Brother Lin¡­¡± Before long, Senior Brother Ziran and the others managed to exploit a loophole to enter as well. They observed their surroundings cautiously, eyeing the peculiar group of young cultivators who had also entered. ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± Lin Jing asked, surprised to see Senior Brother Ziran and Senior Sister Caixin. From the discussion around him, Lin Jing began to piece together what had happened. He had read a little about Cavern Heavens before. ¡°Squeak!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, however, had no clue what was going on. It only knew that something had gone awry with the Inner Sect examination. After all the preparation, was it about to lose the larger storage pouch it had been promised? The Pine Leaf Mouse was heartbroken. ¡°Everyone!¡± The body cultivator spoke again. ¡°This is Bodhi Heaven, one of the Thirty-Six Minor Cavern Heavens. Within it are three Bodhi Trees.¡± ¡°Legends say that beneath a Bodhi Tree, a cultivator¡¯s comprehension is greatly enhanced, making it the best place to understand techniques, spells, or even create new ones.¡± ¡°The founder of the Solar Temple reportedly achieved enlightenment here, establishing the temple and becoming a revered monk.¡± ¡°Even the True Dragon Secret Art of the Ancient Celestial Emperor was perfected in this very place.¡± ¡°However, there are only three Bodhi Trees, and we are many. Naturally, the chance to meditate beneath one should go to the strong. Any objections?¡± ¡°I, for one, claim the golden Bodhi Tree. The other two¡ªfigure it out among yourselves.¡± No one paid him any attention. The crowd was fixated on the inscriptions on the massive stone stele. Stele of Creation. The stele ranked those who created techniques, spells, or abilities within Bodhi Heaven based on their potential. Those whose creations were recorded would receive blessings from Bodhi Heaven. 1. Gu Huang (Ancient Emperor): Created the True Dragon Secret Art during the Nascent Soul stage. 2. Feng Xian (Sealer of Immortals): Created the Sealing Immortal Art during the Golden Core stage. ... 9. Solar Buddha: Created the Sun Sutra during the Nascent Soul stage. ... The stele displayed 100 names¡ªeach a legendary figure in cultivation history. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse exchanged glances. The Pine Leaf Mouse wanted to ask if it could create an ability to store items in its body. Lin Jing shook his head. At the Qi Refining stage, with so little experience, creating techniques was far out of reach. They shouldn¡¯t even dream about it. It was better to focus on mastering its Red Flying Leaf attack. ¡°The real problem,¡± Lin Jing muttered, scanning the group, ¡°is that there are too many people and too few trees.¡± The strange body cultivator, the scholarly man, the conceited alchemist, and the silent swordsman¡ªnone of them seemed simple. They were clearly on a different level from the Beast Taming Sect disciples. Chapter 32: A Clear Goal Chapter 32: A Clear Goal Inside the Bodhi Cavern Heaven, there were now twelve people. Five of them had been chosen by the Cavern Heaven to enter, while the other seven were fortunate enough to be nearby when the Cavern Heaven descended. They seized the opportunity before the Cavern Heaven fully formed and managed to get in. To some extent, this too could be considered a stroke of fate. The bald body cultivator, draped in animal skins, noticed no one responded to his earlier words. He clicked his tongue in annoyance and walked directly toward the golden Bodhi Tree. ¡°The golden Bodhi Tree offers the best enlightenment benefits in the Bodhi Cavern Heaven,¡± he said. ¡°The silver one comes next, and the green one is the least effective. The fewer people under a Bodhi Tree, the better the results. Don¡¯t you think monopolizing the golden tree is a bit too much?¡± A scholarly man in a green robe spoke calmly to the body cultivator. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you¡¯re a cultivator from the Snow Plains. Only Snow Plains cultivators wear animal skin skirts like that.¡± Indeed, the body cultivator was wearing an animal skin skirt, confirming the man¡¯s deduction. The crowd turned to look at the body cultivator, whose eyes flashed coldly. The scholar continued, ¡°This young lady, judging by her violet flame-patterned alchemist robe, must be a disciple of the Fire Domain¡¯s Dan Ding Sect.¡± The female alchemist crossed her arms and said nothing. ¡°And this young swordsman carries the Demon-Slaying Sword¡ªa standard weapon of the Outer Sect disciples of the Sword Domain¡¯s Heavenly Sword Gate,¡± the scholar remarked. The young swordsman remained silent, slowly unsheathing his sword in response. ¡°As for these eight, each has a spirit beast. To my knowledge, only the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect from the Wasteland Domain are so uniformly equipped with pet beasts.¡± Lin Jing and his fellow disciples had already guessed where the scholar was headed. ¡°As for myself, I hail from the Literary Domain. All of us come from the Nine Domains of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Only this Snow Plains cultivator is an outsider,¡± the scholar concluded, neatly dividing the group into two camps. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the Snow Plains tribes have long coveted the Central Lands and have never been on good terms with the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. As cultivators of the Kingdom, shouldn¡¯t we unite against this common foe?¡± He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, rallying the others. Outside the Ancient Celestial Kingdom lay the harsh Snow Plains, an inhospitable land with extreme conditions. ¡°Hahaha! I knew you cowards would gang up on me,¡± the Snow Plains cultivator laughed uproariously. ¡°But I¡¯m not afraid of any of you.¡± The Snow Plains cultivator was well aware of the situation. Knowing their differences in allegiance, these people would naturally target him first. Prepared for a fight, he sneered, ¡°I¡¯ve heard Ancient Celestial Kingdom cultivators are as timid as sheep. Let me show you what a real cultivator looks like!¡± Standing before the golden Bodhi Tree, he exhaled a frosty breath. His eyes glinted yellow-green like a beast¡¯s, and his muscles bulged as veins protruded across his body. The sound of roaring lions and tigers echoed faintly from him. ¡°I mean no offense to the Snow Plains, but you are quite brutish,¡± the alchemist in the violet flame robe commented, shaking her head. ¡°Spare me the pretense. Don¡¯t tell me none of you want to monopolize the golden Bodhi Tree!¡± the body cultivator mocked. ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s take him down together!¡± the scholar declared. He produced a magical scroll, and its characters fused with his energy, manifesting ghostly soldiers wielding swords and sabers. The spectral army charged at the Snow Plains cultivator. ¡°I¡¯ll join in!¡± The alchemist raised her hand, conjuring a purple flame at her fingertips. This wasn¡¯t an ordinary fire¡ªits intense heat radiated a strange, fragrant scent that was both mesmerizing and alarming. The flame danced in her palm with a will of its own. With a flick of her wrist, it transformed into a fiery cauldron, spinning through the air with a deafening roar. ¡°Grahhhh!¡± The Snow Plains cultivator stood his ground. Beast totems shimmered across his skin as he tanked the attacks. The soldiers¡¯ weapons struck his body with the sound of metal clashing against steel before shattering into smoke. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Take this!¡± After enduring the scholar¡¯s attack, the cultivator¡¯s blood surged, and his hands glowed red as he swung his arm to shatter the incoming cauldron. Boom! The fiery explosion scattered flames in all directions, illuminating his figure as he advanced like an unleashed beast. He reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a massive warhammer, preparing to swing it at the scholar. ¡°Why aren¡¯t the Heavenly Sword Gate and Beast Taming Sect disciples helping? Are you planning to swoop in later and reap the rewards?¡± the scholar shouted as he stepped onto a floating cloud of energy to evade direct confrontation. ¡°Get down here!¡± The Snow Plains cultivator hurled his warhammer into the air. The scholar dodged it with ease, but the cultivator redirected his rage toward the alchemist. Seeing this, the alchemist put on an aggrieved expression. ¡°Forget it. You all fight it out. I¡¯m just an alchemist¡ªI¡¯ll settle for the silver Bodhi Tree.¡± No one wanted to exhaust themselves too early, lest others take advantage of their weakened state. The Snow Plains cultivator snorted, clearly seeing through her pretense. His gaze swept over the Heavenly Sword Gate and Beast Taming Sect disciples. ¡°Hey, sword boy, are you planning to fight?¡± ¡°And as for you Beast Taming Sect disciples, you all look like trash. I bet you snuck in by sheer luck, didn¡¯t you?¡± The air around him was charged with the roars of countless beasts, making him seem like the king of all animals. The oppressive aura left the Beast Taming Sect disciples visibly shaken. Even their spirit beasts¡ªSenior Brother He Yiming¡¯s Battle Ape, Senior Brother Ziran¡¯s Fire Spirit Sparrow, and the Demon-Hunting Hall disciples¡¯ ferocious beasts¡ªtrembled uncontrollably. ¡°This guy¡­ he must have the Myriad Beast Body!¡± Senior Brother Ziran realized with a start. ¡°It¡¯s a rare physique that allows him to fuse the bloodlines of countless beasts to strengthen himself. Not only does it make him stronger as the battle progresses, but it also exerts a terrifying suppression on other beasts.¡± The difference between those chosen by the Cavern Heaven and those who slipped in was stark. The mere release of his aura had weakened the combat potential of most of their spirit beasts. ¡°Not good,¡± thought the Demon-Hunting Hall disciples, who had hoped to vie for the golden Bodhi Tree. Feeling the Snow Plains cultivator¡¯s oppressive power, they decided to back off. Seeing the Beast Taming Sect disciples falter, the scholar shook his head. ¡°I knew it. There¡¯s no way all of them are capable. This narrows the competition.¡± Suddenly, a barrage of water arrows shot toward the Snow Plains cultivator. Though he had easily shrugged off previous attacks, this time his body tensed with a strong sense of danger. Just as he prepared to dodge, a tidal wave of terrifying spiritual energy swept over him. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! A series of deafening explosions rocked the area. The shockwaves sent the scholar tumbling from the sky, left the alchemist and swordsman disheveled, and forced the Beast Taming Sect disciples to retreat in disbelief. At the center of the commotion stood Lin Jing, calmly firing round after round from his Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. Beside him, the Pine Leaf Mouse showed no fear, its determination outweighing any sense of dread. Its eyes gleamed as it stared at the Snow Plains cultivator¡¯s storage pouch. As the smoke cleared, the Snow Plains cultivator was still standing, clutching his hammer. However, his body was riddled with wounds, his skin torn apart by the explosions, exposing raw flesh and even white bone beneath. Despite his injuries, the cultivator let out an enraged roar and charged at Lin Jing. ¡°What a monster,¡± Lin Jing muttered, retreating a step as he reloaded his rifle with more Spirit Bean Bombs. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Another round of explosions left the Snow Plains cultivator dazed and lifeless. Taking the opportunity, the Pine Leaf Mouse darted forward, snatched the storage pouch, and scurried back to Lin Jing¡¯s side. Chapter 33: The Bully Sect Chapter 33: The Bully Sect ¡°No wonder he¡¯s a body cultivator; even after taking a full round of shots, he can still move. That gave me a scare.¡± Lin Jing shook the water droplets from the barrel of his weapon, ignoring the looks of disbelief on his fellow sect disciples¡¯ faces. He turned to the delighted Pine Leaf Mouse that had returned to him. ¡°Squeak!!!¡± The mouse chittered excitedly. This was so much better than the Inner Sect examination! ¡°You¡­ son¡­ of a¡­¡± The Snow Plains cultivator¡¯s lips trembled, but no sound came out. His broken body prevented him from moving, and his consciousness began to fade. He couldn¡¯t comprehend how a Beast Tamer disciple could be this strong. Thud. As the Snow Plains cultivator collapsed, severely wounded, the scholar in green robes, the alchemist in violet flame robes, and the young swordsman all turned their gazes toward Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Qi Refining Level Three? Qi Refining Level Seven?¡± They could sense Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cultivation levels. The mouse¡¯s level was passable, but Lin Jing¡¯s was laughably low. And yet, this supposedly weak cultivator had just overpowered a body cultivator from another country. It was absurd. ¡°That¡¯s a mechanical creation, isn¡¯t it?¡± The scholar asked. ¡°Wait, are you a Beast Tamer or a Mechanized Craftsman?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± Lin Jing casually lowered the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. The other three showed wariness at Lin Jing¡¯s contraption. Mechanized Craftsmen were often underestimated because their cultivation levels were usually low, but their true strength lay in their mechanical creations. If the outsiders were cautious, Lin Jing¡¯s fellow Beast Taming Sect disciples were outright dumbfounded. Even the Demon-Hunting Hall members exchanged uneasy glances. Could Lin Jing really be planning to use this contraption to compete with them in the Inner Sect examination? It sounded like a joke¡­ ¡°Junior Brother, this¡­¡± Senior Brother Ziran began awkwardly. ¡°We don¡¯t have any bad blood, right?¡± ¡°Of course not,¡± Lin Jing replied smoothly. ¡°This is just something I prepared to deal with Foundation Establishment-level demon beasts during the examination.¡± He then turned to the scholar, the alchemist, and the swordsman, raising his rifle. ¡°I dealt with the Snow Plains cultivator for you. I¡¯d like to use the golden Bodhi Tree. That¡¯s reasonable, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I take it you¡¯re the true prodigy chosen by the Cavern Heaven from the Beast Taming Sect,¡± the scholar remarked, dusting off his robes. ¡°Impressive. I didn¡¯t expect your sect to produce such a talented Mechanized Craftsman.¡± ¡°But mechanical creations consume a lot of energy, and lower-level mechanisms don¡¯t last long. After such an intense assault earlier, your contraption is probably running low on power and close to malfunctioning, isn¡¯t it?¡± In response, Lin Jing calmly swapped out the bamboo magazine in his rifle and pulled the trigger without a word. Water arrows shot toward the scholar, who immediately paled. Having seen the fate of the Snow Plains cultivator, he dared not take a direct hit. ¡°Silver Tongue, Sword and Spear!¡± The scholar exhaled, and his breath materialized into a flurry of blades and swords in mid-air, intercepting the water arrows before they could explode. Boom! Boom! Boom! The Mechanical Bamboo Rifle¡¯s attacks had their limitations, allowing the scholar to block them. However, by the time Lin Jing¡¯s magazine was empty, the scholar was visibly parched from repeatedly using his technique. He quickly took out a Replenishing Pill to swallow, only to feel a sharp sting on his neck as a red leaf grazed it, drawing blood. The scholar glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse perched on Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder. It was staring at his storage pouch. Two against one. ¡°I concede,¡± the scholar declared, taking a deep breath. ¡°Thank you for your mercy. I am Xu Zhizhi from Shengyun City in the Literary Domain.¡± ¡°Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect,¡± Lin Jing replied, reloading his rifle with a fresh magazine. Xu Zhizhi¡¯s eyelid twitched. This guy had come prepared, as if he¡¯d known in advance he¡¯d enter the Cavern Heaven. Lin Jing¡¯s gaze shifted to the alchemist and the swordsman. Though clearly frustrated, Xu Zhizhi chose to approach the silver Bodhi Tree, deciding to cut his losses. As a scholar, combat was not his strength. ¡°What a waste. You¡¯re just a Beast Tamer. Even with the golden Bodhi Tree, you won¡¯t produce anything worthwhile,¡± the alchemist muttered. But before she could settle beneath the silver Bodhi Tree, the Pine Leaf Mouse leaped ahead of her. It pulled a tiny Mechanical Bamboo Rifle from its storage pouch, set it on the ground, and fired a shot next to Xu Zhizhi. Boom! The blast stopped Xu Zhizhi in his tracks. ¡°Sorry,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°The golden Bodhi Tree is mine. The silver one belongs to my companion. We don¡¯t plan on sharing.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Xu Zhizhi exploded. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your spirit beast? Why do you need separate trees?!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be greedy,¡± Lin Jing replied calmly. ¡°If we were greedy, you¡¯d already be dead, and your storage pouch wouldn¡¯t still be with you. Opportunity belongs to those capable of seizing it. If we couldn¡¯t beat you, we¡¯d naturally back off. Fair, friendly, and harmonious competition is ideal.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse squeaked in agreement, eyeing the storage pouch hungrily. Lin Jing held back against Xu Zhizhi, knowing scholars from the Literary Domain often had ties to the Ancient Celestial Kingdom¡¯s bureaucracy. Making an enemy of him over a pouch wasn¡¯t worth it. ¡°Are you two really going to let him monopolize two Bodhi Trees?¡± Xu Zhizhi turned to the alchemist and swordsman for support. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The alchemist frowned. ¡°Let¡¯s team up. This squirrel isn¡¯t cute at all¡ªit¡¯s practically a Mechanized Craftsman itself.¡± The silent swordsman finally drew his sword, tacitly agreeing to join forces. ¡°Ganging up on someone isn¡¯t heroic,¡± Senior Sister Qin Caixin of the Beast Taming Sect interjected. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we have seven disciples here.¡± ¡°Senior Brothers, we entered the Cavern Heaven by chance. Our strength may not be enough to secure opportunities, but we can¡¯t let outsiders gang up on Junior Brother Lin.¡± ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Senior Brother Ziran agreed, stroking his Fire Spirit Sparrow. ¡°While we may be rivals in the examination, we are all Beast Taming Sect disciples outside the sect. Elder Li instructed us to support Junior Brother Lin if we couldn¡¯t secure opportunities ourselves.¡± ¡°None of us are strong, but we¡¯re all in the Qi Refining stage. These three don¡¯t seem as terrifying as that body cultivator. A sneak attack would still hurt them,¡± Senior Brother He Yiming added, removing the cloth from his Battle Ape¡¯s weapon. The Demon-Hunting Hall disciples nodded, locking onto the three outsiders with their spirit beasts. If not all sect disciples could seize opportunities, they¡¯d ensure the greatest chance for one of their own. With the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s disciples rallying around Lin Jing, a 16-versus-3 standoff emerged. Though the outsiders dismissed most of the sect disciples as weaklings, the numbers still created pressure. ¡°You¡¯re not the Beast Taming Sect¡ªyou¡¯re the Bully Sect!¡± the alchemist fumed. ¡°Thank you, Senior Brothers and Sisters,¡± Lin Jing said sincerely. He couldn¡¯t predict the outsiders¡¯ trump cards, but a strong display of unity was always advantageous. Cavern Heaven opportunities were rare, and he wouldn¡¯t miss this chance to maximize his and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gains. The next moment, the turtle, which was the same color as the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, pointed its cannon-like muzzle at the enemy. The scholar in the blue robe felt a twinge of annoyance. He had no doubt that this contraption could fire the same devastating attack as before. ¡°Damn it, is this really a Qi Refining disciple from the Beast Taming Sect?¡± the scholar muttered, his frustration evident. ¡°It feels like all the books I¡¯ve read might as well have been written by a dog. This man¡ªand this squirrel¡ªare nothing like the Beast Taming Sect disciples I¡¯ve read about. Who has ever heard of a squirrel using mechanical creations?!¡± Chapter 34: The Sword Cultivator Chapter 34: The Sword Cultivator Inside the Cavern Heaven, the camps were now split into two factions. From the current situation, the Beast Taming Sect clearly held the upper hand, but the other three weren¡¯t willing to give up easily. The Silent Swordsman, who had yet to make a move, finally spoke up. "Enough, I have a sword technique," he said. "If any of you can withstand it, I¡¯ll withdraw. No assistance from the other two." He took a deep breath, seemingly coming to a decision. "Fine," Lin Jing agreed. "If I lose, I¡¯ll withdraw," Lin Jing added, showing fairness. Upon hearing this, the Blue-robed Scholar and the Violet Flame Alchemist were more than happy to sit back and watch the tigers fight. After all, disciples of the Heavenly Sword Gate were renowned for their unmatched combat strength. They didn¡¯t believe that a sword cultivator would be weaker than a scholar or an alchemist like themselves. Their hope? Both Lin Jing and the Silent Swordsman would be left badly injured. "Control the sword with Qi!" The Silent Swordsman released his Demon-Slaying Sword, which hovered mid-air as if held by an invisible hand. With a leap, he landed on the flying sword and soared away. Through his earlier observations, he had calculated the effective range of that strange mechanical contraption. His flying sword was exceptionally agile and fast, quickly widening the distance between them. "Flying on a sword... That¡¯s usually something only Foundation Establishment sword cultivators with robust True Essence can achieve," the Blue-robed Scholar murmured, speculating on the swordsman¡¯s identity. This individual must be one of the top talents in the Outer Sect of the Heavenly Sword Gate¡ªperhaps even the first among them this year! "He¡¯s likely trying to gain distance before using his flying sword offensively, but..." The Blue-robed Scholar suddenly paused, confused. While flying, the Silent Swordsman turned his head, then fell silent. To his surprise, a squirrel was imitating him¡ªPine Leaf Mouse was flying on a leaf! The creature stood on a flying leaf while holding a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, aimed steadily at the swordsman as if to prevent any escape. "You¡¯re using a sword technique. Why are you distancing yourself?" Lin Jing quipped. The absurdity of the scene left everyone stunned. A squirrel, not only capable of flying on a leaf but doing so at nearly the same speed as a sword technique! "Flying Rainbow Sword!" Frustrated, the Silent Swordsman gritted his teeth and summoned a cyan flying sword, which rose into the air under his control. "Sword Shadow Technique!" Another spell followed, splitting the Flying Rainbow Sword into nine sword shadows, each as vivid as the original, making it impossible to discern which was real. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Go!" Under the Silent Swordsman¡¯s command, the sword shadows attacked the Pine Leaf Mouse from all directions like streaks of lightning. Such an all-encompassing assault would be difficult to block entirely, even with the agility of a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. In response, Pine Leaf Mouse summoned ten crimson leaves from its storage pouch. Mirroring the sword shadows, the leaves transformed into ten streaks of red light. Swish! Swish! Swish! The swords and leaves clashed mid-air, shattering nine sword shadows. One crimson leaf was destroyed by the real Flying Rainbow Sword, but seizing the moment, Pine Leaf Mouse fired its rifle at the real sword. Boom! The Flying Rainbow Sword shattered, causing the Silent Swordsman to stagger. Pine Leaf Mouse and the Silent Swordsman had their first round of combat mid-air, leaving everyone dumbfounded. "What the h*ll..." Could a mere Pine Leaf Mouse pull off such feats? The Beast Taming Sect disciples were flabbergasted. Back in the Great Wasteland, a sword cultivator in the Qi Refinement stage capable of releasing seven or eight sword qi attacks would already be considered a master. Yet, while this Heavenly Sword Gate disciple was a small monster, their sect''s basic spirit beast seemed even more monstrous. "Forget those novels like My Sword Spirit Wife from Heavenly Sword Gate¡ªbizarre tales are happening right here," Senior Brother Ziran muttered. "Since when did battle pets become this strong?" The Blue-robed Scholar and Violet Flame Alchemist, who initially thought Lin Jing¡¯s strength lay solely in his mechanical constructs, now realized this Qi Refinement Level 7 Pine Leaf Mouse was capable of dueling a sword cultivator in mid-air. No wonder the Pine Leaf Mouse insisted on claiming a tree for itself. Suddenly, it all seemed reasonable, despite how nonsensical it was. "I¡¯m done." After two rounds, the Silent Swordsman was worn out and chose to surrender. Although he could still fight a few more rounds, he understood that the Pine Leaf Mouse was just a pet¡ªand its Beast Tamer had yet to step in. "Once I reach Foundation Establishment and forge a Sword Body, I¡¯ll come to the Beast Taming Sect for a rematch," he declared, unwilling to accept defeat to a mere Qi Refinement Level 7 squirrel, even if his sword technique would only reveal its full power post-Foundation Establishment. The Pine Leaf Mouse gave a dismissive squeak and turned away, its robe fluttering as if to express disdain. It hated wasting its leaves and ammo. "No matter what, I¡¯ll claim one Green Bodhi Tree," the Silent Swordsman asserted. Since everyone present was in the Qi Refinement stage, their goal wasn¡¯t to create divine techniques but to refine their existing spells using the Bodhi Trees. In this context, the Silent Swordsman wasn¡¯t particularly obsessed with the Golden Bodhi Tree. "I¡¯m not leaving without a tree either!" the Violet Flame Alchemist grumbled, watching as all three trees were claimed. She produced a pill, holding it up. "This pill can temporarily grant me the power of Foundation Establishment," she said, her tone threatening. The others ignored her. "Hey, say something!" she snapped, turning to Lin Jing. "Beast Tamer, how about we share the Golden Bodhi Tree?" "You don¡¯t want me to take this pill, do you?" Lin Jing, rifle in hand, smiled. "Fellow Daoist, if this pill had no side effects, you¡¯d have already taken it." "Go ahead, take it. After defeating me, will you even have the state of mind to gain enlightenment?" "Moreover, how can you be sure this pill will guarantee your victory?" "You practice fire techniques, but..." Lin Jing glanced at the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle beside him. "This construct has a Spirit Gathering Formation engraved on it. Its water techniques are stronger than my rifle, and it has a self-destruct function¡ªten times more powerful than the previous explosion. Want to gamble?" "Do you want to perish with me or this turtle?" "It has no intelligence, fears neither life nor death, and doesn¡¯t need to stay in a state of enlightenment. You wouldn¡¯t want a fight to the death with it, would you?" Lin Jing finished. The turtle silently stared at the Violet Flame Alchemist, intensifying the pressure. Fuming, the alchemist backed down. Who would want to die with a mechanical turtle? Lin Jing wasn¡¯t lying. For two months, he¡¯d spent little time cultivating and more on upgrading the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle and Rifle. He had even engraved a Spirit Gathering Formation¡ªthe most universal formation across the continent¡ªinto the turtle, enhancing its water-based attacks. During combat, activating the Spirit Gathering Formation allowed the turtle to gather water spiritual energy faster, unleashing even more powerful water streams. As for the self-destruct function? Pure bluff. Even if it self-destructed, the blast wouldn¡¯t be that impactful. Lin Jing was betting she¡¯d believe it. In the world outside, there¡¯s no need to be honest all the time. Sure enough, after a moment of silence, the Violet Flame Alchemist withdrew her Fire Spirit Pill and said, "Beast Tamer, let me share the Silver Bodhi Tree with your squirrel. I¡¯ll owe you a favor." Before Lin Jing could respond, Pine Leaf Mouse raised its rifle and aimed it at her. Furious, she stormed off. Chapter 35: Creating a Unique Technique Chapter 35: Creating a Unique Technique Naturally, the Violet Flame Alchemist wasn¡¯t ready to give up entirely. Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse might have been unyielding, but there was still one Green Bodhi Tree left. Without waiting for the Silent Swordsman¡¯s consent, she plopped herself down beneath the green tree. Seeing this, the swordsman slightly unsheathed his blade but hesitated when he caught the fury in her eyes. After a moment of consideration, he sighed and sheathed his sword again. He could tell that provoking this woman further would push her to extreme measures, and nobody would benefit from that. "Wait, you¡¯ve already divided the trees?" Blue-robed Scholar was baffled. Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse claimed the Golden and Silver Bodhi Trees, while the Silent Swordsman and the alchemist took the green one. "Hey, what about me?!" Weren¡¯t they supposed to work together? How did these supposed allies give up so quickly? Instinctively, he stepped toward the Green Bodhi Tree, but the Silent Swordsman and the alchemist glared at him coldly. It was already the weakest of the trees, and splitting its benefits three ways? They weren¡¯t having it. "Fine!" The scholar gritted his teeth. "You¡¯re all bullying a scholar, huh? You think being a Beast Tamer, playing with fire, or swinging a sword makes you better? Remember, it¡¯s us scholars who govern kingdoms!" "Whatever. I don¡¯t even want the Green Bodhi Tree," he spat. "But I¡¯m not leaving empty-handed." Everyone turned to him. "I, Xu Zhizhi, have slain a Snow Plains Cultivator plotting against our empire¡¯s prodigies, securing their opportunities. Not unreasonable, right?" As he spoke, Xu marched up to the lifeless Snow Plains Cultivator and delivered a solid punch to his head before looking at the group. Lin Jing stayed silent for a moment. "Fair enough. It¡¯s yours." The corpse had limited uses: 1. Feeding beasts, which was prohibited by the Beast Taming Sect. 2. Selling it to the Yin Corpse Sect for crafting corpse puppets, but Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t engage with them. 3. Gifting it to a government official, given the long-standing tensions between the Snow Plains Tribe and the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. "If you keep your distance from this side, I didn¡¯t see anything," the alchemist added. The Silent Swordsman didn¡¯t object either, granting tacit approval. Thus, the unfortunate Snow Plains Cultivator''s corpse became Xu Zhizhi¡¯s prize. He stored it in his spatial pouch without hesitation. All this unfolded under the watchful eyes of the Beast Taming Sect disciples, including four from the Demon-Hunting Hall, who couldn¡¯t help but admire Xu¡¯s adaptability and ruthlessness. With the Bodhi Trees now divided, Senior Brother Ziran stepped forward. "Junior Brother, we¡¯ll guard the area for you. Focus on your cultivation." After all, the Blue-robed Scholar, having lost out, might act out of desperation. "Thank you, Senior Brothers." Lin Jing smiled. "Oh, by the way, there wasn¡¯t much in the Snow Plains Cultivator¡¯s storage pouch, but it did contain some Foundation Establishment beast blood¡ªperfect for body refinement. Consider it my thanks. I hope it aids your cultivation." Lin Jing couldn¡¯t help but lament the cultivator¡¯s poverty, but he had no attachment to the beast blood and generously offered it as a gesture of goodwill. "Junior Brother, you¡¯re too kind," Senior Brother He Yiming laughed, his opinion of Lin Jing improving. The other Demon-Hunting Hall disciples nodded in approval as well. --- The contest within the Cavern Heaven temporarily came to a close. Aside from the unfortunate Snow Plains Cultivator, each Ancient Celestial Kingdom disciple gained something valuable. Those who secured spots beneath the Bodhi Trees began their cultivation. The Silent Swordsman immersed himself in his sword scripture, surrounded by swirling sword qi. The alchemist, meanwhile, retrieved a massive cauldron and various materials, experimenting with a unique alchemical method. As for Pine Leaf Mouse, its obsession with creating an internal space persisted. It was utterly frustrated¡ªthe storage pouch from the Snow Plains cultivator was less than one cubic meter! "You need to be more realistic!" Lin Jing groaned, using their Beast Contract to telepathically scold it. "Creating something from nothing? That¡¯s the work of a Nascent Void Stage grandmaster. You¡¯re just a little squirrel in the Qi Refinement Stage!" "Chirp! Chirp!" Pine Leaf Mouse retorted indignantly. "You think mastering Leaf Flight is pointless? That flying multiple leaves at once has no value?" Lin Jing sighed, trying to steer its focus. "Listen, aimlessly experimenting won¡¯t work. Let me guide you. Spatial artifacts¡ªwhether storage pouches or Beast Taming space treasures¡ªare forged from spatial materials. Why not start by imbuing your crimson leaves with spatial attributes?" "For instance, make them capable of easily slicing through spatial barriers, formations, or even breaking into others¡¯ storage gear. That¡¯s far more achievable." "Once you master that, you could use those spatial-infused leaves as materials to craft a spatial artifact. Step by step." "Ever heard the saying, One flower, one world; one leaf, one Bodhi? A single leaf could become a universe, holding endless treasures." After delivering his advice, Lin Jing left the squirrel to ponder. Pine Leaf Mouse began testing by repeatedly inserting and removing its crimson leaves from the storage pouch, studying any changes. Meanwhile, Lin Jing focused on his own dilemmas. Currently, his arsenal consisted of three techniques: Beast Taming Art, Spirit Nurturing Spell, and Spirit Gathering Formation. The Spirit Nurturing Spell relieved fatigue, while the Spirit Gathering Formation accelerated spiritual energy accumulation. Both had limited potential and well-explored upgrade paths. As for the Beast Taming Art, its complete version was readily available within the sect. In short, none of these techniques required intensive contemplation under the Golden Bodhi Tree. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Qi Refinement¡¯s biggest flaw: limited accumulation," Lin Jing sighed. "Otherwise, I could be like those leaderboard titans, creating my own techniques." Despite stockpiling Malignant Plants, he lacked sufficient combat techniques suitable for Bodhi-enhanced insights. "Maybe I should focus on enhancing the offensive power of Beast Taming Qi?" Unlike the destructive qi of body cultivators or sword cultivators, Beast Taming Qi primarily excelled at nurturing spirit beasts, leaving Beast Tamers comparatively weaker in direct combat. Even alchemists, who could transform their qi into flames, might outmatch them in certain scenarios. Determined to change this, Lin Jing retrieved a Purple Fire Dragon Fruit¡ªa spiritual fruit synthesized from a Dragonbone Flower. It had once granted a mere Qi Refinement mouse a terrifying illusion comparable to a Nascent Soul Demon King. His eyes lit up. "Of course! Perhaps I can devise a new technique from this," he mused, energized. "Could I leverage the Golden Bodhi Tree¡¯s enlightenment to dissect the illusionary principles of the Purple Dragonbone Flower and convert it into a versatile illusion art?" Hello, friends! Another chapter is here for you to enjoy! Don¡¯t forget to leave BOTI Translator Team a 5-star rating on NovelUpdates if you¡¯re loving the story. We appreciate your support! ???? Chapter 36: The Illusionary Path Chapter 36: The Illusionary Path Creating an illusion-based technique was no small feat, but Lin Jing believed it was possible. Although still in the Qi Refinement Stage and unfamiliar with illusionary arts, using the Purple Dragonbone Flower as a foundation for innovation wasn¡¯t entirely baseless. With the added insight from the Golden Bodhi Tree, Lin Jing felt it was worth a shot. If he succeeded, it would elevate his cultivation. Simply using the tree to refine existing techniques felt like a waste of its immense potential. After centering himself, he consumed the Purple Dragonbone Flower. One second¡­ two seconds¡­ three seconds¡­ Suddenly, the golden glow of the Bodhi Tree enveloped him, and an overwhelming aura began to rise from his body. Lin Jing focused intently, immersing himself in his inner transformation. Under the tree¡¯s influence, he felt as though golden eyes had opened within him, granting unparalleled clarity. He could perceive every minute change in his body¡ªan impossible feat for most Qi Refinement cultivators. He watched as the nutrients from the Purple Dragonbone Flower fused with his Beast Taming Qi, transforming it into a new, purple-hued spiritual energy. "Not enough. I need to see more!" His consciousness delved deeper, revealing the essence of his Beast Taming Qi. What seemed like an already insubstantial energy was now breaking down into even smaller particles before his eyes. The nutrients from the dragonbone flower disassembled the invisible Qi into these micro-units, then restructured them into a vastly more complex form¡ªa purple Qi. "This is it!" Lin Jing¡¯s mind raced as he tried to memorize the intricate structure of this newly formed purple energy. But the purple Qi was volatile, attempting to escape his control as it coursed through his body. It wasn¡¯t entirely his power yet. "This energy isn¡¯t inherently stronger than my own Qi. Its true power lies in its complex structure, which enhances its deceptive capabilities in the outside world." Illusions thrive on deception. This purple Qi was the perfect foundation for an illusion-based art. Lin Jing understood what needed to be done. --- Externally, the purple energy began to leak from Lin Jing¡¯s body. Like before, it manifested as the skeletal form of a fearsome dragon, a transformation seemingly etched into the dragonbone flower¡¯s lineage. Perhaps the flower¡¯s ancestors¡ªflower spirits¡ªonce mingled with dragonkind. "So, if I can disassemble my Qi and restructure it into this form, I could simulate the effects of consuming the dragonbone flower," Lin Jing theorized. Once formed, the purple Qi could be shaped into various intimidating forms¡ªwhether the current skeletal dragon or others like the Four Seas Dragon Kings, Monkey King, or even Buddha. These illusions would not only be incredibly lifelike but also project a level of menace far beyond his current cultivation. "But how do I break down my Qi and reassemble it at will?" At his current level, Lin Jing lacked the finesse to deconstruct his own Qi. Fortunately, the Golden Bodhi Tree provided unparalleled support. Through sheer will and practice, Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness visualized his Qi as a malleable force, allowing him to manipulate it with extraordinary precision. "Without this tree, such precise control would be impossible." With limited time, Lin Jing decided to drill relentlessly, repeating the process of disassembling and reassembling his Qi thousands¡ªmillions¡ªof times. His goal was to engrain the method into muscle memory, much like an instinctive action. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Lin Jing immersed himself in this process, the external world stirred in shock. The sight of Lin Jing transforming into a massive skeletal dragon exuding terrifying demonic energy left the surrounding Beast Taming Sect disciples in awe. "What technique is this?" muttered a Demon-Hunting Hall disciple, his contracted black panther visibly trembling. "I¡¯ve never seen anything like it in the Outer or Inner Sects," said He Yiming, temporarily setting aside past grievances to watch over Lin Jing. "This purple dragon¡¯s presence is leagues beyond that of the Myriad Beast Body, and Lin Jing isn¡¯t even targeting anyone specifically," observed Senior Brother Ziran, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Could he be a demon?" Qin Caixin speculated, recalling Lin Jing¡¯s peculiarities. It wasn¡¯t impossible. To the disciples, the notion of Lin Jing being a hidden dragon or demon in disguise seemed oddly plausible. "But weren¡¯t demons wiped out? Dragons, the apex of the demon clans... Could he truly be one?" Even Lin Jing¡¯s fellow sect members were at a loss. Meanwhile, Xu Zhizhi, busy penning a report on his heroic deeds, froze at the sight of the dragon¡¯s flame-like eyes. "What... is this? A secret art? A special constitution?" Xu muttered, shaken by the overwhelming sense of doom the dragon exuded. Both the Silent Swordsman and the Violet Flame Alchemist, deeply focused on their own practices, couldn¡¯t help but notice the transformation. They too were stunned. This wasn¡¯t something they had encountered in their earlier skirmishes with Lin Jing. "If he had used this form in battle, thirty of us¡ªor even three hundred¡ªwould have stood no chance," they concluded. Had Lin Jing been holding back this whole time? Was this his trump card? The Beast Taming Sect had long been dismissed as a third-rate sect, its disciples perceived as overly reliant on their spirit beasts. Yet, Lin Jing challenged that stereotype. His Pine Leaf Mouse was already impressive, but now Lin Jing himself seemed unfathomable. Who was this enigmatic Beast Tamer? Chapter 37: Emerging from the Cavern Heaven Chapter 37: Emerging from the Cavern Heaven It is said that the Cavern Heaven obscures one¡¯s perception of time. Even if one cultivates inside for months or years, the cultivators within have no strong sense of time, feeling as though it has passed in the blink of an eye. Immersed in this state, everyone delved deeply into their cultivation and gained significant insights. The Silent Swordsman¡¯s sword-shaped Qi became completely internalized, and the sound of his heartbeat resembled the hum of a sword. Each inch of his skin shimmered with a crystalline sword light. Clearly, his sword manual had advanced, bringing him closer to achieving the Sword Body he often spoke of. The Violet Flame Alchemist refined her control over flames during her alchemy practice. The violet fire inside her cauldron formed nine spiraling layers, continuously tempering the medicinal materials and purging all impurities from the pills. Even disciples of the Beast Taming Sect, who didn¡¯t have access to the Bodhi Trees, found their cultivation much more focused and efficient, making time pass swiftly without the usual tedium. Meanwhile, Lin Jing had returned to his usual state. Relying on the Golden Leaf Bodhi Tree, he had memorized the structure of Purple Qi and was reconstructing it. After thousands of attempts and tens of thousands of repetitions, his ability to form Purple Qi became faster and more refined. Unknowingly, his cultivation advanced from the early stage of Qi Refining to the mid-stage, reaching the fourth level of Qi Refining! Not content with merely practicing internally, Lin Jing began externalizing his Qi. Controlling the flow of Purple Qi, he shaped a dragon-like skeletal structure that encased his entire body, observing the outside world through its illusory form. The others were no longer surprised by Lin Jing¡¯s transformation into a dragon. They continued their cultivation, but the Pine Leaf Mouse suddenly turned to look at him. ¡°It seems feasible,¡± Lin Jing murmured to himself. He felt he had perfectly replicated the effects of the Purple Dragonbone Flower, marking his entry into the Illusionary Path. Unlike ordinary illusion techniques, his current Illusionary Path techniques were far more deceptive, capable of fooling even higher-level opponents. However, using such advanced illusions consumed significant energy. Even after his breakthrough, Lin Jing found his Qi insufficient to sustain them. What was more concerning was that casting these illusions under the Golden Bodhi Tree¡¯s amplification made it relatively easy. Once outside, it would likely require considerable practice to use them smoothly. ¡°This Illusionary Path spell can indeed be shaped into other beast forms. In that case, I¡¯ll name it ¡®Thousand Transformations,¡¯¡± Lin Jing decided as he attempted to drive a massive dragon claw toward the Pine Leaf Mouse, wrapping it into the illusory form. Inside the illusion, the Pine Leaf Mouse saw Lin Jing transformed into the Black Bear Monster. However, this Black Bear Monster didn¡¯t wear a Daoist robe like it did but was instead clad in a kasaya robe, exuding an intimidating aura befitting a demon king. If the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t know better, it would have clutched its storage pouch and fled. Lin Jing dispelled the illusionary Qi surrounding his body and looked at the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°How was it?¡± he asked. ¡°Chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse sighed. ¡°Nothing. Not a single gain. A flower containing a world? A leaf containing a universe? Lies!¡± ¡°I told you, progress has to be gradual. Did you really gain nothing at all?¡± Lin Jing asked helplessly. The Pine Leaf Mouse had exceptional talent, and with the Silver Bodhi Tree¡¯s enhancement, Lin Jing was confident it had gained something. Sure enough, the Pine Leaf Mouse took out a red leaf. If anything, this was its gain. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Chirp!¡± It tossed a new storage pouch to Lin Jing. Lin Jing caught the storage pouch from the Snow Plains Cultivator. The next moment, the Pine Leaf Mouse activated a Flying Leaf Technique, sending a red leaf at the storage pouch in Lin Jing¡¯s hand. When the red leaf touched the pouch, it vanished. Moments later, the leaf reappeared and flew off. Although Lin Jing hadn¡¯t done anything, a pile of Spirit Stones spilled out of the storage pouch. It was as if the pouch had been sliced open by the leaf. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Flying Leaf Technique had mutated, allowing it to extract items from a storage pouch. Lin Jing opened his mouth, wanting to say something but ultimately gave up. ¡°I was just making a casual suggestion, but you actually managed to pull it off.¡± A space manipulation spell! This was undoubtedly more difficult to learn than Illusionary Path techniques. Yet the Pine Leaf Mouse had comprehended it by repeatedly placing the red leaf in and out of the storage pouch. If Lin Jing had known the Pine Leaf Mouse was this monstrous, he would have ceded the Golden Bodhi Tree to it. ¡°Chirp!¡± However, the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t think much of the technique. Its concern was losing its own storage pouch during combat. Lin Jing ignored it. Regardless of how impractical the Flying Leaf Technique seemed to the Pine Leaf Mouse, it had now become a storage pouch assassin. ¡°Let¡¯s call this upgraded Flying Leaf Technique ¡®Plucking the Flower with Flying Leaves,¡¯¡± Lin Jing declared. The Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t object. For once, the name sounded decent. Lin Jing had come up with many names in the past, but the Pine Leaf Mouse found them either unpleasant or perfunctory. Eventually, it insisted on being called Pine Leaf Mouse rather than any of Lin Jing¡¯s suggestions. The Pine Leaf Mouse resolved that once they had enough money, they would travel to the Literary Domain and consult a learned Feng Shui master for a name worthy of immortality. ¡°Speaking of which, we¡¯ve made decent gains, but neither my ¡®Thousand Transformations¡¯ nor your improved ¡®Plucking the Flower with Flying Leaves¡¯ made it onto the rankings.¡± Lin Jing scratched his chin as he dispersed his illusions, gazing at the monument at the center of the three trees. Rank 100. Feng Jiutian, Foundation Establishment Stage, created the Wind Emperor Body in the Bodhi Cavern Heaven. Lin Jing didn¡¯t know who Feng Jiutian was or what the Wind Emperor Body entailed, but possessing two special physiques in the Foundation Establishment Stage was undoubtedly remarkable. Lin Jing wondered if he could cultivate a second physique beyond the Longevity Body during his Foundation Establishment Stage¡­ Shaking his head, he lamented not being able to see rankings beyond the top 100. He was curious to know how his and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s techniques ranked among all the cultivators who had entered the Bodhi Cavern Heaven. No additional rewards this time. He hoped for another chance to enter the Bodhi Cavern Heaven in the future. As that thought crossed his mind, the Cavern Heaven rumbled as if it were about to close. ... Sword Domain The Heavenly Sword Gate, the top sword cultivation sect in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, stood in the Sword Domain. In the outer sect, as a massive pillar of light dissipated, the outer sect elder of the Heavenly Sword Gate, who had been waiting patiently, looked toward the Silent Swordsman, clutching his Demon-Slaying Sword. ¡°Yuanjing!¡± The elder heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing the Silent Swordsman emerge, his face lighting up with delight. ¡°Well done! In the past ten years, you are the fourth disciple of the Sword Gate chosen by the Cavern Heaven! Entering it with a mortal body¡ªjust like your senior sister did in her time!¡± ¡°Greetings, Elder.¡± Yuanjing, the Silent Swordsman, bowed slightly, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Elder Jianxu asked, ¡°Yuanjing, which Cavern Heaven did you enter?¡± ¡°Reporting to the elder: it was the Bodhi Cavern Heaven.¡± ¡°The Bodhi Cavern Heaven? The one for enlightenment? And it allowed a Qi Refining cultivator to enter...¡± Elder Jianxu was momentarily speechless. The Bodhi Cavern Heaven worked best for those with profound cultivation, who could draw upon their life¡¯s knowledge to create their own techniques or physique. For a Qi Refining cultivator, who hadn¡¯t even fully mastered their sect¡¯s foundational techniques, it seemed like a waste. However, entering a Cavern Heaven was a blessing regardless. One shouldn¡¯t refuse a free opportunity. The elder regarded Yuanjing with a thoughtful expression. Though this disciple didn¡¯t possess an extraordinary physique, his sword cultivation aptitude was exceptional, easily surpassing those of his generation with special physiques. Yuanjing had risen to the top of the outer sect, a testament to his potential. This trip to the Cavern Heaven further solidified his capabilities. ¡°Did anyone else enter the Bodhi Cavern Heaven with you? Did you manage to seize the Golden Bodhi Tree?¡± Elder Jianxu finally broached the most pressing question. This was the question Yuanjing had been dreading. ¡°Elder, this disciple was unable to secure the Golden Bodhi Tree. I shared the Green Bodhi Tree with another, bringing shame to the sect. I vow to redouble my efforts in cultivation to atone for my failure.¡± Elder Jianxu blinked in surprise. Yuanjing, despite not having an extraordinary physique, had extraordinary swordsmanship. Yet he had only managed to claim the Green Bodhi Tree? ¡°No need for self-blame. There¡¯s always someone better. I see you¡¯ve already cultivated a Sword Heart; you¡¯re not far from forging the Sword Body. Progress matters more than momentary victory.¡± The elder reassured him. ¡°Which sect¡¯s Qi Refining disciple claimed the Golden and Silver Bodhi Trees?¡± ¡°This time, twelve individuals entered the Bodhi Cavern Heaven,¡± Yuanjing explained. ¡°A scholar from Shengyun City in the Literary Domain, an alchemist from the Fire Domain¡¯s Danxia Sect, eight disciples from the Beast Taming Sect of the Wasteland Domain¡ªseven of whom entered by coincidence¡ªand one Snow Plains Cultivator.¡± He paused before continuing, ¡°The Golden Bodhi Tree was claimed by a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. As for the Silver Bodhi Tree...¡± ¡°It was claimed by his contracted beast.¡± ¡°What?¡± Elder Jianxu was stunned. ¡°The Beast Taming Sect? That Beast Taming Sect?¡± ¡°You lost to a disciple from the Beast Taming Sect?¡± ¡°Elder, I¡­ His contracted beast¡­ I don¡¯t know how to explain it. What he knows, it knows; what it can do, he can do better. It¡¯s beyond explanation.¡± Yuanjing was at a loss for words. ... Fire Domain, Danxia Sect A similar scene played out in the Danxia Sect. The Violet Flame Alchemist, renowned for her alchemical talents, returned as a rising star within the sect. Her achievements during her time in the Cavern Heaven drew even greater attention to her potential. The name ¡°Tang Seng¡± of the Beast Taming Sect also began circulating among the elite disciples of major sects. ... Literary Domain In the Literary Domain, a blue-robed scholar dragged a bruised and battered Snow Plains Cultivator into the city. Surrounded by peers and onlookers near the light pillar, the scholar wiped the blood from his face and clasped his hands together in a salute. He appeared as though he wanted to etch the words ¡°I¡¯m here for promotion!¡± onto his forehead. ... Wasteland Domain, Beast Taming Sect In the Beast Taming Sect, numerous elders awaited anxiously outside the Cavern Heaven. When Lin Jing and his group returned unscathed, the elders were overjoyed. However, their joy was mingled with curiosity. Among the eight disciples and eight contracted beasts, it was clear that Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were at the center of attention. The others followed behind them like a protective entourage, their gazes filled with awe and reverence. The elders couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªwhat exactly had happened inside the Cavern Heaven? Elder Yu of the Mechanized Workshop was particularly baffled. Why were several disciples looking at him so intently, their gazes burning with enthusiasm? Chapter 38: Elder, I Want to Learn Mechanisms Chapter 38: Elder, I Want to Learn Mechanisms ¡°They¡¯re out!¡± The disciples of the Beast Taming Sect returned safely, prompting Elder Black Bear, clad in a Daoist robe, to exclaim loudly. ¡°They¡¯re all alive! No one died, no beasts were lost, and not a single limb is missing!¡± he continued with enthusiasm. ¡°I told you this Lin Jing kid could handle it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s good they¡¯re back safely,¡± Elder Yu and Elder Mo sighed in relief, soon breaking into smiles. Regardless of whether the disciples gained anything, surviving the Cavern Heaven was already a valuable experience. ¡°But¡­ why do none of you show any signs of battle?¡± Elder Li Hai scanned the group with a curious gaze. ¡°Which Cavern Heaven did you enter?¡± ¡°Did you give up on fighting for opportunities?¡± None of the disciples bore any evidence of struggle. Their robes were pristine¡ªcleaner than they¡¯d be after a meal in the sect¡¯s dining hall. It seemed as if nothing significant had happened inside. Elder Li couldn¡¯t help but suspect the disciples had merely gone through the motions. He turned his attention to Lin Jing, the central figure in this Cavern Heaven event. Faced with Elder Li¡¯s question, Lin Jing took a deep breath, still somewhat dazed. His mind was preoccupied with the intricacies of his ¡°Thousand Transformations¡± spell, deeply etched into his memory. ¡°Ahem,¡± Lin Jing cleared his throat. Without the Golden Bodhi Tree¡¯s augmentation, he felt his mind working slower than usual, an adjustment he hadn¡¯t yet gotten used to. ¡°Elder Li, we entered the Bodhi Cavern Heaven and did not abandon the pursuit of opportunities,¡± he replied. ¡°The Bodhi Cavern Heaven? The one with the three Bodhi Trees?¡± Elder Li asked, surprised. ¡°Did you manage to claim them?¡± ¡°Yes, Elder. With the assistance of my senior brothers and the mechanism techniques taught by Elder Yu, we successfully fended off geniuses from other sects and claimed two Bodhi Trees,¡± Lin Jing answered, allocating credit modestly. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s ears twitched, and it raised its eyebrows. Where was its contribution in this story? ¡°No, no, we don¡¯t deserve the credit,¡± Senior Brother Ziran interjected from the back. ¡°We barely helped. Junior Brother Lin Jing fought valiantly against all odds and used his mechanism techniques to intimidate the others. At most, we just added some finishing touches.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± the other disciples chimed in, reluctant to claim any credit for themselves. At this, the elders exchanged peculiar glances. Mechanism techniques? They turned to Elder Yu, who scratched his head sheepishly. Was Lin Jing¡¯s mastery of mechanisms advanced enough to suppress the prodigies of other sects? ¡°It seems you didn¡¯t encounter the personal disciples or descendants of those old monsters. Otherwise, those mechanism techniques wouldn¡¯t have been enough¡­¡± Elder Yu speculated, his face lighting up. ¡°But this means that, relying on mechanism techniques, our Beast Taming Sect has successfully competed with the geniuses of other sects for significant opportunities in the Cavern Heaven!¡± He clapped Elder Black Bear on the shoulder with pride. ¡°And your mechanism techniques have finally found the right practitioner,¡± Elder Black Bear remarked with a grin. ¡°My techniques were always excellent! You¡¯re implying they weren¡¯t?¡± Elder Yu retorted. ¡°Go back to Elder Mo¡¯s side if you¡¯re going to spout nonsense.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just showing concern for Lin Jing. I couldn¡¯t care less about the others,¡± Elder Black Bear muttered dismissively. Elder Li, observing their exchange, was intrigued. It seemed Lin Jing had exceptional talent, and Elder Yu¡¯s personal guidance had paid off. Even the four Demon-Hunting Hall disciples under Elder Li¡¯s command now seemed utterly convinced of Lin Jing¡¯s abilities. ¡°As I suggested earlier, you all are exempt from the Inner Sect examination. Effective immediately, you are promoted to Inner Sect disciples!¡± Elder Li declared. ¡°Thank you, Elder!¡± The others, both disciples and their beasts, responded with elation. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, however, felt a slight pang of regret, lamenting the missed opportunity to trade examination points for resources. In the Great Wasteland, it was a stroke of luck for a demon beast to escape with its life intact¡ªa sign of great destiny. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss the details later. For now, the major Inner Peaks elders are all present. As newly promoted Inner Sect disciples, you may choose a peak and follow the corresponding Peak Master back,¡± Elder Mo announced. But the group hesitated. ¡°Hmm?¡± Elder Yu frowned at the disciples. ¡°You know which elders oversee which peaks, don¡¯t you? Go ahead and choose!¡± Apart from Elder Yu, Elder Mo, and Elder Li, several Golden Core elders were present. They had been drawn by the Cavern Heaven¡¯s opening and were among the sect¡¯s key figures, each responsible for a Beast Peak and its unique teachings. ¡°You first,¡± Elder Yu suggested, looking at Senior Brother Ziran, his most familiar Outer Sect disciple, who often ran errands for him. Senior Brother Ziran hesitated for a moment before responding tearfully, ¡°Elder Yu, I don¡¯t want to join the Inner Sect. I¡¯d prefer to stay in the Outer Sect and continue serving you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Elder Yu was stunned. He Yiming, another disciple, swallowed nervously and asked earnestly, ¡°Elder Yu, do you have any plans to establish your own peak to teach mechanism techniques?¡± ¡°I want to learn.¡± Even the four Demon-Hunting Hall disciples gazed at Elder Yu with burning intensity. Everyone knew that Lin Jing had acquired his mechanism techniques during the Ascending Dragon Festival, and the source of those techniques was none other than Elder Yu! After witnessing the power of mechanisms in the Cavern Heaven, how could they not be tempted? ¡°Mechanisms and beast taming don¡¯t conflict at all. Mechanized constructs can be considered spirit tools, no different from equipping beasts with weapons or armor,¡± they reasoned. The Pine Leaf Mouse, equipped with a mechanical rifle, had left a deep impression on them. If possible, they all wanted one too. Elder Yu froze momentarily, bewildered by their sudden enthusiasm. Elder Li, equally baffled, glanced at the four Demon-Hunting Hall disciples. What exactly had they experienced in the Cavern Heaven? Didn¡¯t I recommend the Law Enforcement Hall on Yunmen Peak for you earlier? ¡°So¡­ you all want to learn mechanism techniques?¡± Elder Yu finally understood why their gazes had been so peculiar. But there was a problem. Lin Jing¡¯s exceptional mechanized creations were not solely a result of mechanism techniques¡ªthey relied heavily on rare materials, derived from mystical beast abilities and other peculiar sources. Other mechanism practitioners couldn¡¯t easily replicate his constructs. Even if they managed to recreate them through other means, the firepower wouldn¡¯t match. And if the firepower did match, the resource cost would skyrocket, making it inefficient. ¡°Since these disciples are eager to learn mechanisms, why not teach them, Elder Yu?¡± an elder suggested. She was an elderly woman with white hair and a serene expression, unconcerned about the disciples¡¯ choices. Her attention was focused entirely on Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°I am the Peak Master of Danxia Peak. Child, your Pine Leaf Mouse is a wood-type beast adept at accelerating the growth of various herbs. Would you consider joining Danxia Peak to learn alchemy? It would make an excellent alchemy assistant.¡± ¡°Nonsense! The Pine Leaf Mouse belongs on Cuiwei Peak!¡± argued a burly man in a straw hat. ¡°On Cuiwei Peak, you¡¯ll be assigned a cave dwelling with premium spiritual fields, perfect for unleashing the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s natural talents.¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Pure spiritual vegetables and fruits are far more nutritious than pills,¡± he added. Having emerged from the Cavern Heaven with valuable opportunities, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse had instantly become hot commodities among the Inner Peaks elders. Even the other peaks¡¯ elders began racking their brains for persuasive arguments. The Nine Dragons Peak elder struggled to come up with a valid reason. He couldn¡¯t exactly claim that the Pine Leaf Mouse had potential to evolve into a Dragonblood Squirrel, could he? That would be absurd. In the end, he figured the best way to entice Lin Jing would be to offer the finest Dragonblood Beast cubs from his peak. However, Lin Jing already had a preference. Before he could voice his decision, a voice rang out from beyond the sect. ¡°Cao Ziwei from Qianlong Academy seeks an audience.¡± Chapter 39: Hidden Dragon Academy Chapter 39: Hidden Dragon Academy Hidden Dragon Academy? Cao Ziwei? The various elders exchanged strange glances. Looking toward the direction beyond the sect, Elder Mo remarked, "Stop squabbling for now... As expected of the Hidden Dragon Academy, they act swiftly." Soon, a man dressed like a scholarly teacher appeared atop a Mechanical Fish, smiling at the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s crowd. ¡°Inferior one, Cao Ziwei of the Hidden Dragon Academy, greets the fellow Daoists of the Beast Taming Sect.¡± He continued, ¡°I¡¯ve come here today for this young friend who just emerged from the Cavern Heaven.¡± His gaze fell on Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°He has met the qualifications to enter the ¡®Hidden Dragon Academy,¡¯ so I¡¯ve come personally to invite him.¡± ¡°Greetings, Mr. Cao,¡± the elders responded with courtesy. The surrounding Outer Sect disciples found this outrageous. An external power recruiting people right in front of their eyes? Yet the elders didn¡¯t seem particularly opposed to the situation. ¡°Young friend, do you know of the Hidden Dragon Academy?¡± the teacher asked Lin Jing. Lin Jing, slightly confused himself, replied, ¡°I¡¯ve read a little about it in books.¡± ¡°The Hidden Dragon Academy is part of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, a place to train immortal officials...¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± the teacher explained. ¡°Cultivators from the Hidden Dragon Academy have the chance to become immortal officials. Upon passing examinations, they can directly govern a city, forming an alternative system for becoming an immortal official.¡± ¡°Of course, the requirements for entering the Hidden Dragon Academy are incredibly stringent. However, since the Cavern Heaven chose you, you clearly meet the criteria.¡± ¡°So, are you interested in joining the Hidden Dragon Academy?¡± Lin Jing shook his head. ¡°I apologize, but I am a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not a conflict,¡± the teacher responded with a smile. ¡°Your sect master himself once studied at the Hidden Dragon Academy. In fact, he governed a city in the Great Wasteland for ten years.¡± ¡°And now, isn¡¯t he still the sect master of the Beast Taming Sect?¡± ¡°Being a Beast Taming Sect disciple and a Hidden Dragon Academy student are identities that can coexist. Many prodigies from various sects have studied at the Hidden Dragon Academy.¡± Lin Jing began to understand. The academy sought to deepen its ties to the core members and talents of different sects. Even if someone left the academy later, they would remain aligned with its influence¡ªlike retired officials with national affiliations! He glanced at Elder Mo, who said, ¡°Listen to Mr. Cao¡¯s proposal and decide for yourself.¡± The teacher smiled politely at Elder Mo before continuing, ¡°Young friend, you may not fully understand the Hidden Dragon Academy yet. Joining it will benefit you greatly.¡± ¡°It possesses a deeper foundation than the Beast Taming Sect and offers a path to acquiring ¡®immortal official credentials¡¯ while learning the Hidden Dragon Secret Art.¡± ¡°Have you heard of the Hidden Dragon Secret Art?¡± ¡°It originates from the True Dragon Secret Art created by the Ancient Emperor. It allows immortal officials to harness the power of local dragon veins, enhancing both cultivation and combat ability. This is why they can govern entire cities and suppress evildoers across realms.¡± ¡°Moreover, the Hidden Dragon Secret Art has other uses. For instance, within the Beast Taming Sect, it¡¯s the best method on the continent for nurturing dragon-blooded spirit beasts¡ªbar none.¡± ¡°Of course, joining the academy isn¡¯t mandatory; it¡¯s entirely up to your will. But as a cultivator of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, possessing such credentials would undoubtedly smooth your path to greater heights in the future.¡± ¡°Do I need to decide now and follow you, Senior?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Not at all. This is merely an invitation. Take some time to consider. Your current cultivation of the fourth level of the Qi Refining stage is still a bit low. You can wait until you are about to reach Foundation Establishment to join. The academy has superior methods for establishing foundations and even advancing to the Golden Core stage.¡± ¡°Thank you, Senior. I¡¯ll give it serious thought,¡± Lin Jing replied with cupped hands. The Pine Leaf Mouse swished its robes and mimicked his gesture. ¡°If you decide, crush this jade slip, and someone will come for you. If not, simply discard it,¡± the teacher said, bidding farewell to the elders of the Beast Taming Sect. As he departed, the elders finally exhaled deeply. ¡°That man... his cultivation is likely beyond the Nascent Soul stage,¡± said Elder Li Hai, a bead of cold sweat on his forehead. ¡°Could he have reached the Divine Transformation stage?¡± Elder Yu pondered. Meanwhile, Lin Jing silently held the jade slip, glanced at the elders, and sighed. What was going on? He didn¡¯t want to leave the sect or become an official. ¡°Since the academy invited you personally, you should go,¡± Elder Mo finally said after some hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s a rare opportunity, and Mr. Cao¡¯s words make sense. The academy indeed has a deeper foundation than the Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°For instance, they likely have multiple versions of Foundation Establishment techniques that grant Innate Special Constitutions, something the Beast Taming Sect lacks.¡± ¡°With the sect¡¯s Foundation Establishment method, you¡¯ll be tied to the Great Wasteland your entire life. It may not matter much, but if you aim for ascension, this difference might hold you back.¡± ¡°Elder Mo...¡± Lin Jing wanted to argue that he had a Longevity Body, and the Pine Leaf Mouse was a rare beast, making them too vulnerable outside. ¡°I understand,¡± Elder Mo reassured him. ¡°When the sect master returns, I¡¯ll request a suitable Nascent Soul ancestor to accompany and protect you during your time at the academy!¡± Besides, the academy might even be safer. ¡°Until then, focus on improving your cultivation. Ideally, reach the ninth level of Qi Refining!¡± Having heard this much from Elder Mo, Lin Jing exchanged a glance with the Pine Leaf Mouse and decided not to argue further. If safety was guaranteed, who wouldn¡¯t want to explore beyond a single place? ¡°Should I head to Danxia Peak for cultivation?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Come on, then!¡± Elder Shen of Danxia Peak beamed, her smile as bright as a Dragonbone Flower. ¡°I¡¯ll personally take you to Danxia Peak and help you choose a cave!¡± Fearing competition from the other peaks, she quickly pulled Lin Jing along, leaving the other elders shaking their heads in resignation. Seriously? Still, they left, leaving only Elder Yu, Elder Li Hai, and a few newly promoted Inner Sect disciples on the Mechanical Fish. Seeing this, Elder Yu froze. ¡°Wait, are these disciples really being left to me?¡± --- Danxia Peak Elder Shen arranged an excellent cave for Lin Jing. Though it lacked spirit fields, it came with a pill refining room connected to earthfire. ¡°Thank you, Elder Shen,¡± Lin Jing said respectfully. ¡°No need to thank me. Although you¡¯re skilled in mechanisms, pill refining is a whole new field. You must work hard. Here¡¯s the Fire Control Technique, essential for Danxia Peak disciples. Usually, due to limited energy, disciples won¡¯t directly cultivate fire techniques but instead rely on a fire pet to breathe flames while using the technique for assistance.¡± ¡°Since you don¡¯t currently have a fire pet, practice with the earthfire for now. Should you wish to raise a fire pet, let me know. I¡¯ll help you choose a few promising beasts. Beast fire is ultimately superior to earthfire for pill refining.¡± Elder Shen left after leaving behind the Fire Control Technique jade slip. Once alone, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse exchanged glances. ¡°Forget about that academy for now. Let¡¯s figure out this pill refining first,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at him curiously¡ªwas he planning to find a new pet? ¡°Not for now,¡± Lin Jing shook his head. ¡°I can barely afford you.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded in agreement. ¡°Still, earthfire is mundane. Its low effectiveness makes pill refining success rates terrible. Without a flame attribute in the Beast Taming Qi, it¡¯s unsuitable for fire techniques.¡± ¡°Like that Violet Flame Alchemist from the Pill Cauldron Sect¡ªher purple flame looks excellent for pill refining. If only we had something similar to assist...¡± Contracting her isn¡¯t an option... Suddenly, an idea struck Lin Jing. ¡°To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools. If spiritual bamboo can spray water, why can¡¯t a spiritual plant spray fire?¡± He recalled a plant from the Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna¡ªa unique Malignant Plant called ¡°Fire Cloud Chili.¡± Though of a low grade, it enabled creatures that consumed it to spit fire. The drawback? Severe internal burns. ¡°What if, by merging it with other plants, we could create a spiritual plant capable of producing exotic fire while nourishing the five organs?¡± ¡°You could eat the modified Fire Cloud Chili and pretend to be a fire spirit beast. Then we wouldn¡¯t need a new fire pet.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse froze. It grabbed its storage pouch, seemingly making a firm decision to leave the cave. But before it could escape, Lin Jing caught it. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse flailed its claws, protesting vehemently. It would rather Lin Jing find a proper fire pet. Asking a wood-element spirit beast to breathe fire was simply too much! Chapter 40: Life in the Inner Sect Chapter 40: Life in the Inner Sect After calming the future ¡°Fire Cloud Mouse,¡± Lin Jing stepped into the alchemy room inside his cave residence. The walls of the room were lined with millennium-old cold stones to regulate the temperature, while an old alchemy stove sat in the center. Below the stove, a blazing fire connected to the earth''s depths. Apart from that, the room was barren. ¡°This cave... feels a bit ancient,¡± Lin Jing muttered. ¡°Elder Shen said this was the best available cave. Is that true...¡± Lin Jing activated the Fire Control Technique jade slip and absorbed its methods into his mind. With his previous experience creating the Thousand Changes Illusion Technique, he found the basic fire-controlling spell relatively simple to grasp. He formed a hand seal, and on his first try, successfully used his Qi to draw the earthfire upward. However, the flames nearly scorched the nearby Pine Leaf Mouse, which leapt aside, its fur standing on end. ¡°Chirp!¡± As sparks flew, the Pine Leaf Mouse glared at Lin Jing with a furious expression. Attempted pet-murder! Fortunately, it was unsuccessful. ¡°Sorry about that! It¡¯s my first time; I¡¯m still getting the hang of it,¡± Lin Jing apologized. ¡°But if you learned fire techniques, you wouldn¡¯t have to fear fire anymore.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse protested¡ªdid he think it was that foolish? ¡°Alright, it won¡¯t happen again. A little practice, and mastering the entry-level Fire Control Technique should be no problem. Let¡¯s take a break and explore outside,¡± Lin Jing said, trying to console it. Outside the cave, Lin Jing first headed to the Harvest Pavilion branch on Danxia Peak. Unlike the outer sect''s Harvest Pavilion, which sold basic spiritual crops like Immortal Beans and Spiritual Beans, the offerings here were of a higher tier. ¡°Fire Cloud Chili? The Beast Taming Sect doesn¡¯t have that.¡± Unfortunately, Lin Jing¡¯s desired Fire Cloud Chili was not in stock. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they left the pavilion, the Pine Leaf Mouse perched on his shoulder looked noticeably relieved¡ªno spicy food today. But its relief was short-lived. Lin Jing had left Danxia Peak and climbed to the highest peak of the Beast Taming Sect: the Inner Sect Mission Hall. The missions here were far more advanced than those in the Outer Sect. Most revolved around slaying monsters and demons. Even Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s undercover mission in the Demon Sect was likely issued here. ¡°I¡¯d like to post a mission: ¡®Search for Fire Cloud Chili Seeds,¡¯¡± Lin Jing announced as he inserted his request among the sea of high-level missions. ¡°A new face?¡± The one in charge of the Mission Hall wasn¡¯t a disciple but rather a Foundation Establishment bird demon resembling a magpie. It was one of the elders¡¯ spirit pets, tasked with managing the hall. Legend had it that this magpie would sing a ¡°Good Luck Song¡± whenever a disciple left for a mission, wishing them safety. Whenever someone failed to return, it was said to weep bitterly. ¡°Senior, I am Lin Jing, a newly promoted Inner Sect disciple from Danxia Peak,¡± Lin Jing introduced himself respectfully. ¡°Hmm, based on the timing, the Inner Sect trials just ended,¡± the magpie demon nodded. ¡°Posting a mission requires one Spirit Stone. What¡¯s your mission¡¯s reward?¡± ¡°Spirit Stones,¡± Lin Jing replied. While the storage pouch he¡¯d acquired from the Snow Plains Cultivator didn¡¯t contain anything valuable, it did hold basic currency like Spirit Stones. The rest, such as beast blood, had been gifted to his senior brothers and sisters. The remaining Spirit Stones could now fund the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s chili indulgence. After completing the task, Lin Jing left the Mission Hall satisfied. On the way back to his cave, he stopped in front of the Pill Tower on Danxia Peak. The Pill Tower was essentially Danxia Peak¡¯s exclusive Scripture Pavilion. Unlike the main Scripture Pavilion, which stored various techniques, the Pill Tower housed countless pill recipes for Danxia Peak disciples to study. ¡°Now that I have the alchemy room and the Fire Control Technique, the best way to learn alchemy is through hands-on practice. Let¡¯s grab a couple of basic pill recipes,¡± Lin Jing told the sullen Pine Leaf Mouse on his shoulder. ¡°Chirp...¡± It wasn¡¯t interested in eating chilies. ¡°Relax, I won¡¯t force you. Once Elder Black Bear experiments with it and proves it safe, I¡¯ll handle the fire-breathing myself,¡± Lin Jing assured the mouse, feeling he was too kind to let his pet suffer. Upon entering the Pill Tower, Lin Jing found its guardian wasn¡¯t human either¡ªit was a Foundation Establishment rabbit demon with red eyes. ¡°Are you the newly admitted Lin Jing from Danxia Peak?¡± the rabbit demon asked. ¡°Senior recognizes me?¡± ¡°My Beast Tamer is Elder Shen, and she informed me about you. She mentioned that if you came to the Pill Tower, I should help you select suitable pill recipes for practice. But I didn¡¯t expect you so soon,¡± the rabbit demon said. ¡°Have you memorized the Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna? Have you mastered the Fire Control Technique? And you¡¯re already looking for pill recipes?¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve completed memorizing the flora encyclopedia and have grasped the basics of the Fire Control Technique.¡± ¡°As expected of a genius valued by Elder Shen,¡± the rabbit demon nodded approvingly. ¡°The first floor contains basic pill recipes suitable for the Qi Refining stage and first-tier pills. The second floor holds more advanced recipes, such as various types of Foundation Establishment Pills, which require contribution points to access.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stick to selecting two from the first floor,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Go ahead and choose. I¡¯ll offer my advice afterward,¡± the rabbit demon said, rolling a piece of tobacco and sitting back leisurely to smoke. Lin Jing stood silently for a moment. A smoking rabbit demon? He covered the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s curious eyes and started perusing the first floor¡¯s pill recipes. Replenishing Pill... Lin Jing had consumed plenty of these before. They restored spiritual energy and were universally applicable across all cultivation realms, though their recipes varied by grade. Beast Strength Pill, which temporarily granted the physical strength of a fierce beast to the user. Fasting Pill... Huh? Contraceptive Pill? Lin Jing paused, spotting something familiar. Wasn¡¯t there a ¡°Contraceptive Technique¡± as well? Next to it were other recipes, including Arousal Powder and Hypnotic Pill. Lin Jing¡¯s mouth twitched. If he didn¡¯t know better, he¡¯d think he¡¯d wandered into the Harmony Sect instead of the Beast Taming Sect. ¡°Senior, I¡¯ve made my selection,¡± Lin Jing said after a while, bringing two pill recipes to the rabbit demon. ¡°The Replenishing Pill... A solid beginner¡¯s choice. Perfect for practice,¡± the rabbit demon said. Then it frowned. ¡°But why the Hypnotic Pill? What do you need that for?¡± ¡°I recommend the Beast Strength Pill instead. Your Pine Leaf Mouse is too fragile, and as a Beast Tamer, so are you. A Beast Strength Pill can grant you the strength of a tiger or elephant during battle!¡± ¡°More importantly... Beast Strength Pills sell much better!¡± ¡°The Hypnotic Pill induces hallucinations, blurring the line between illusion and reality for a time,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°I¡¯m currently studying Illusionary Path techniques, so I thought ingesting a few myself might provide some inspiration.¡± ¡°I see. That makes sense. Choose as you wish,¡± the rabbit demon conceded. Returning to the cave with the recipes, Lin Jing flopped onto his bed, leaving the Pine Leaf Mouse to sort through the storage pouches. Exhausted from his recent efforts and overuse of his mental energy, Lin Jing finally took some time to rest. In his dream, he saw himself swallowing a Golden Core while the Pine Leaf Mouse cut open the path to ascension with a single leaf. Together, they became the only cultivators in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom to ascend successfully to the Immortal Realm. But before they could explore the Immortal Realm, they were knocked unconscious and bound, dragged off to mine in some celestial cave... Chapter 41: Bloodline Evolution Chapter 41: Bloodline Evolution Nightmares were just illusions... Over the following days, Lin Jing diligently practiced the Fire Control Technique, specifically tailoring his efforts to master the pill-refining methods for Replenishing Pills and Hypnotic Pills. As for the Pine Leaf Mouse, it had exhausted its resources during the Cavern Heaven expedition and was eager to replenish its ¡°ammunition.¡± However, under Lin Jing¡¯s firm persuasion, it reluctantly dedicated most of its time to cultivation. Lin Jing believed that with no pressing matters at hand, focusing on cultivation was of utmost importance. One day, a celestial crane landed outside Lin Jing¡¯s cave residence. ¡°Inner Sect disciple Lin Jing, the mission you posted in the Mission Hall has been completed,¡± it announced. Lin Jing, in the middle of his fire-controlling practice, stepped outside, thanked the crane, and hurried to the Mission Hall with the Pine Leaf Mouse in tow. Inside, apart from the magpie demon managing the hall, only one other person was present, browsing the mission board. The individual, clad in white, exuded an air of weakness and fatigue even from behind. Lin Jing found the figure strikingly familiar. ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang?¡± Lin Jing called. ¡°Junior Brother Lin Jing?¡± The man turned around, and both instantly recognized each other. ¡°I heard you joined the Inner Sect. I had planned to visit you when I had time, but I didn¡¯t expect us to meet here,¡± Senior Brother Ouyang said with a smile. ¡°Are you here to accept a mission, Senior Brother?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Ouyang replied. ¡°I just completed three missions and plan to take on two more. I¡¯m competing for this month¡¯s mission king title. Red¡¯er and I are about to enter the Foundation Establishment stage, so we need to save enough resources. I hope to request Elder Shen to refine two high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills for us.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What brings you here, Junior Brother?¡± ¡°The mission I posted has just been completed,¡± Lin Jing explained. Suddenly, a thought struck him. ¡°Senior Brother, could it be that you¡¯re the one who completed the ¡®Search for Fire Cloud Chili Seeds¡¯ mission?¡± ¡°Was that your task?¡± Ouyang¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Now I understand why the reward was so stingy¡ª¡± He quickly corrected himself. ¡°I mean, what a coincidence!¡± He pulled out a pouch of spirit stones and added, ¡°Junior Brother, I can¡¯t accept this payment. Let¡¯s treat the chili seeds as a gift to celebrate your promotion to the Inner Sect.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t let you do that.¡± Lin Jing accepted the spirit stones but added, ¡°However, your kind intentions are difficult to refuse. I will humbly accept the seeds as a token of Senior Brother¡¯s goodwill.¡± Watching this exchange, the magpie demon remarked dryly, ¡°Stop arguing and take the chili seeds already. Complete the mission and move on.¡± In the end, Lin Jing received the chili seeds, while Senior Brother Ouyang accepted a mission to investigate the disappearance of beasts outside the sect. Before leaving, the two endured a rendition of the magpie¡¯s ¡°Good Luck Song.¡± Outside the Mission Hall, Ouyang turned to Lin Jing and asked discreetly, ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯ve heard rumors of a Cavern Heaven light appearing near the sect, coupled with the mysterious nature of this year¡¯s Inner Sect trials. Tell me¡ªdid you encounter a Cavern Heaven during the trials?¡± Lin Jing paused, then nodded. ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re correct.¡± ¡°As I thought!¡± Ouyang¡¯s face lit with envy. ¡°What was it like inside the Cavern Heaven? I¡¯ve always dreamed of experiencing it.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll get your chance someday,¡± Lin Jing assured him. ¡°With your potential, being chosen by a Cavern Heaven is only a matter of time.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Ouyang said confidently. ¡°When that day comes, we¡¯ll revitalize the Beast Taming Sect together as brothers!¡± Ouyang¡¯s gaze shifted to the Pine Leaf Mouse perched on Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder, meditating in its Daoist robes. ¡°Since you¡¯re now an Inner Sect disciple and a special one at that, with the experience of entering a Cavern Heaven, you should consider applying for a Life-Bound Beast Space Artifact from the sect. Such artifacts allow your contracted beast to cultivate more efficiently within a dedicated space.¡± ¡°With your current status¡ªnot yet a True Disciple but equivalent to one¡ªyou could get it with approval from a Golden Core Elder.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse opened its eyes. A space artifact? ¡°Senior Brother makes a valid point,¡± Lin Jing mused. ¡°I¡¯ve only just joined the Inner Sect and have been preoccupied with alchemy studies these past few days. I¡¯ll speak to Elder Mo about it when I have time.¡± If the sect was encouraging him to study at the academy, it only made sense to carry a sect-approved artifact as a representative. ¡°Learning alchemy, are you? That¡¯s excellent,¡± Ouyang said. ¡°The sect has various pills that enhance a beast¡¯s bloodline. Once you master alchemy, you can refine them yourself. It¡¯s much more convenient.¡± ¡°Unlike me¡ªI¡¯m stuck in Cloud Gate Peak, where all they teach is combat.¡± ¡°By the way, you probably know this, but let me remind you anyway,¡± Ouyang said earnestly. ¡°You¡¯re a Longevity Body, so don¡¯t rush your Foundation Establishment. The same goes for your mouse. I¡¯m sure Elder Mo has mentioned this to you.¡± ¡°Most likely, the Pine Leaf Mouse will establish its foundation before you. The Foundation Establishment process is the best opportunity to elevate its bloodline. If its bloodline can evolve, that would be ideal.¡± ¡°We¡¯re working hard on missions now to gather enough resources for Red¡¯er to attempt a Bloodline Evolution during her Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°But... as far as I know, the sect doesn¡¯t have any records of a Pine Leaf Mouse advancing to a ¡®King-Level Bloodline.¡¯¡± Ouyang frowned. ¡°Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. We¡¯ll think of something. There¡¯s still plenty of time,¡± Lin Jing replied. Before the decline of the demon race, there was no distinction between spiritual and demonic beasts. Back then, all beasts were classified by the demons into several bloodline tiers. Each tier represented an immense gap, akin to entirely different species. Beasts without the potential for sentience were classified as Mortal Bloodline, remaining ordinary beasts. Those with cultivation aptitude were classified as Spirit Bloodline. Within this tier, weaker beasts typically remained in the Qi Refining Stage, while stronger ones could achieve Foundation Establishment. The elites among them might even form Monster Cores and rise to prominence as formidable monsters. However, Spirit Bloodlines usually reached their limit at the Monster Core Stage unless extraordinary circumstances allowed them to evolve into King Bloodlines. Such an evolution enabled them to transcend into the ranks of Monster Kings, equivalent to Nascent Soul human cultivators. Lin Jing glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse. Although it had acquired a rare divine ability, its bloodline remained at the Spirit level, with little difference in constitution compared to other Pine Leaf Mice. If possible, he hoped to elevate the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline to ¡°King Level¡± during its Foundation Establishment, granting it the potential of a Monster King. The Glazed Immortal Eyes ability would also become far more powerful. Unfortunately, the Beast Taming Sect had no precedent for a Pine Leaf Mouse advancing to a King Bloodline. If he wanted to achieve this, Lin Jing would have to explore the mutated spiritual plants derived from the Glazed Immortal Eyes and his Longevity Blood for opportunities. By integrating these resources through alchemy, he aimed to refine a custom Foundation Establishment Pill tailored specifically for the Pine Leaf Mouse. Chapter 42: The Squirrel Leaps to Tiandu Chapter 42: The Squirrel Leaps to Tiandu ¡°Let¡¯s count on you to become the first Pine Leaf Monster King of our sect! Junior Brother, are you heading to see Elder Mo now?¡± ¡°If you are, we can go together. I also have something to ask Elder Mo for assistance with.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Lin Jing agreed, deciding that there was no time like the present to inquire about obtaining a Beast Space Artifact. The Pine Leaf Mouse, upon hearing this, immediately perked up. It didn¡¯t care about becoming a Monster King, but the allure of a space artifact was irresistible. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. On the way to Lotus Peak, I¡¯ll show you some of the inner sect¡¯s scenic spots,¡± Ouyang offered. ¡°Are we walking there, Senior Brother? When can we ride a celestial crane? Do we have to wait until we become True Disciples?¡± Lin Jing asked casually. ¡°Riding those cranes isn¡¯t free! You need Spirit Stones. Even errand disciples can ride them if they pay. Without Spirit Stones, even True Disciples can forget about it¡ªthe crane clan is under the sect master¡¯s wife¡¯s protection!¡± Lin Jing already knew this but wanted to see if Ouyang was the type to splurge on luxuries. He certainly wouldn¡¯t mind hitching a ride if he could avoid the trek. Both being thrifty, they opted to walk. However, as cultivators, even without using techniques like Wind Walking, their pace was swift. --- On the suspended bridges shrouded in mist, Ouyang introduced Lin Jing to the sights along the way. ¡°Over there is the Nine Dragons Waterfall.¡± Lin Jing looked toward the roaring cascade. It thundered down the green cliffs like nine white dragons tumbling from the heavens, creating a magnificent spectacle. ¡°The Nine Dragons Peak is known for its unique Dragonblood Carp. If one manages to leap over the waterfall using only their own strength during the Qi Refining stage, they can succeed in establishing their foundation and transform into a fish-dragon,¡± Ouyang explained. ¡°My visit to Elder Mo today is related to the pet beast I hope to contract after my Foundation Establishment...¡± --- ¡°See that purple mist rising in the distance? That¡¯s Purple Cloud Spring.¡± ¡°What¡¯s it for?¡± Lin Jing asked, curious, as he hadn¡¯t come across it in any texts. ¡°It¡¯s a hot spring that many female disciples love to use for bathing. Don¡¯t wander there¡ªit¡¯s a matter of life and death,¡± Ouyang warned, grinning. --- ¡°That¡¯s the Hundred Step Cloud Ladder...¡± --- ¡°We¡¯re nearing Lotus Peak now. Oh, look¡ªthere¡¯s the ancestor of your Pine Leaf Mouse.¡± As they passed Cloud Cultivation Peak, Ouyang pointed out a peculiar rock formation. The Pine Leaf Mouse glared at him, its expression accusing: "You with those thick brows and big eyes¡ªare you insulting squirrels now?" ¡°Look carefully. He¡¯s not mocking you,¡± Lin Jing said, turning his gaze toward the peak. On a modest summit stood a strange rock resembling a Pine Leaf Mouse, its tail extended as though attempting to leap across the immense gorge and ascend the towering Tiandu Mountain, one of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s main peaks. ¡°That¡¯s truly your ancestor,¡± Lin Jing confirmed. The Pine Leaf Mouse tilted its head, confused: "???" Lin Jing elaborated, ¡°Didn¡¯t they teach you spiritual beast history in the sect? Especially about your own lineage?¡± ¡°Not in such detail...¡± Ouyang interjected from the side. Lin Jing continued, explaining to the Pine Leaf Mouse, ¡°Long ago, your species wasn¡¯t part of the Beast Taming Sect. The Pine Leaf Mice were an ordinary species, with only a slim chance of awakening intelligence.¡± ¡°Facing harsh environments and numerous predators, one Pine Leaf Mouse sought a way out for its tribe. It secretly climbed to the Beast Taming Sect, hoping to seek immortality and protection for its kin.¡± ¡°There, it met an immortal on Tiandu Peak. The immortal gave it a challenge: if it could leap from Cloud Cultivation Peak to Tiandu Peak, he would teach it his arts.¡± ¡°Your ancestor began practicing daily, attempting to leap to the high peak and earn the immortal¡¯s guidance.¡± ¡°But legend says it never succeeded. Eventually, it turned into stone, forever frozen in its jumping posture.¡± ¡°Although it failed the trial, the immortal admired its unwavering determination and took the Pine Leaf Mouse tribe under his wing. He elevated their bloodline, laying the foundation for their future status as one of the sect¡¯s five foundational spiritual beasts.¡± Lin Jing had read this account in the sect¡¯s records. That so-called ¡°immortal¡± was likely one of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s ancestors¡ªnot a true immortal, but close enough in the eyes of a Pine Leaf Mouse. Hearing this tale, the Pine Leaf Mouse was momentarily stunned. ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re impressively well-read,¡± Ouyang praised. ¡°You must have spent a lot of time in the library during your time in the outer sect.¡± ¡°I did. I enjoy reading¡ªit¡¯s a good way to learn about the world,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Read ten thousand books, and you¡¯ll fear no journey across the land.¡± ¡°True, but here¡¯s something you probably didn¡¯t know,¡± Ouyang teased. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°The immortal on Tiandu Peak wasn¡¯t a human¡ªit was one of the sect¡¯s guardian deities, and it¡¯s still here!¡± ¡°I mentioned before that starting with the second sect master, the Beast Taming Sect abandoned the old ways of enslaving spirit beasts. Disciples began forming equal partnerships with their beasts.¡± ¡°The second sect master loved making friends. That ¡®immortal¡¯ was one of his closest companions during his lifetime.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°When the second sect master passed away, they made a pact¡ªnot a Beast Taming contract¡ªto guard the sect for ten thousand years, aiding it in times of crisis. In return, the sect gifted Tiandu Peak, one of its most spiritually abundant mountains, as a place of cultivation.¡± ¡°Today, only the current sect master, the fifth, is at the Nascent Soul stage. The other Nascent Soul elders are actually the pets of the third and fourth sect masters. These monster kings have longer lifespans than human cultivators due to their unique races.¡± ¡°But the guardian deity on Tiandu Peak is the only one who remains without a Beast Taming contract. It has never intervened in any crisis, spending all its time cultivating in seclusion. Most disciples¡ªTrue Disciples included¡ªdon¡¯t even know of its existence.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s essentially a guest elder,¡± Lin Jing surmised. This Beast Taming Sect truly felt like a ¡°demon den.¡± Nearly all Nascent Soul-level beings were monster kings. It was both impressive and terrifying¡ªhe definitely needed to visit the Hidden Dragon Academy. Wait, if only the sect master was at the Nascent Soul stage, wouldn¡¯t that mean the one protecting him in the academy might be a monster king?! ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang, you¡¯re quite knowledgeable yourself,¡± Lin Jing complimented, brushing aside the sect¡¯s oddities for now. ¡°Not at all. What I wanted to share is that the guardian deity once made a promise to the Pine Leaf Mouse tribe,¡± Ouyang revealed. ¡°What kind of promise?¡± ¡°If a descendant of the Pine Leaf Mouse can inherit its ancestor¡¯s determination and successfully leap from Cloud Cultivation Peak to Tiandu Peak, the promise still holds¡ªit will teach them its arts.¡± ¡°However, over the years, the sect has seen many Foundation Establishment Pine Leaf Mice try and fail. The skies above Tiandu Peak have a strong suppression aura, making a normal leap impossible.¡± ¡°Eventually, the promise was dismissed as unrealistic. The sect master suspects the guardian deity was never serious about teaching and simply set an impossible challenge.¡± ¡°That said, you can still try¡ªwho knows, you might succeed. The difficulty supposedly scales with the cultivator¡¯s level, so anyone can attempt it, regardless of their strength.¡± As Ouyang finished, they watched in shock as the Pine Leaf Mouse pulled out a large red leaf from its storage pouch and soared into the sky toward Tiandu Peak using Leaf Flight. Ouyang was dumbfounded. ¡°Your Pine Leaf Mouse can fly on a leaf?!¡± Chapter 43: True Disciple! Chapter 43: True Disciple! Hearing Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s story, the Pine Leaf Mouse immediately wanted to test the difficulty of leaping to Tiandu Peak. Under normal circumstances, such a leap was impossible for it. As a spirit beast not known for explosive power, even without the suppressive aura between the peaks, its current capabilities¡ªboosted by a Beast Strength Pill¡ªstill wouldn¡¯t suffice. But jumping wasn¡¯t its only option; it had Leaf Flight! With a swish, the Pine Leaf Mouse shot into the sky, riding a red leaf. Ouyang was stunned, his mouth agape. However, it wasn¡¯t long before the Pine Leaf Mouse felt an overwhelming pressure, as though the gravity around it had increased severalfold. The sheer weight made controlling the leaf feel like trying to maneuver dozens of leaves at once¡ªimpossible. Halfway to Tiandu Peak, the Pine Leaf Mouse lost control and began plummeting. ¡°Senior Brother Ouyang, catch it!¡± Lin Jing called out. ¡°Huh?¡± Ouyang snapped out of his shock and quickly cast Whirlwind Technique, gently pulling the Pine Leaf Mouse back. ¡°That scared me! For a moment, I thought it was really going to make it. Seriously, is this even fair?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a genius,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°Senior Brother, you don¡¯t sound very encouraging. Are you afraid it might actually succeed?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse dusted itself off and turned its determined gaze toward Tiandu Peak, clearly ready to try again. It felt compelled to accomplish what its ancestor couldn¡¯t. ¡°What? Of course not! That wasn¡¯t a leap¡ªit was cheating!¡± Ouyang protested. ¡°Flying counts as leaping,¡± Lin Jing countered. ¡°It seems that Nascent Soul ancestor really doesn¡¯t want to pass on their teachings.¡± He tugged the Pine Leaf Mouse away. "Forget it; even cheating won¡¯t work if you can¡¯t make it halfway." The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s flight speed rivaled the sword-riding techniques of prodigies from Heavenly Sword Gate, yet it still couldn¡¯t conquer the peak. The challenge was simply too daunting. ¡°I told you so,¡± Ouyang said, shaking his head. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head to Elder Mo.¡± --- Lotus Peak, one of the three main peaks of the Beast Taming Sect, mirrored Tiandu Peak as a place for semi-retired elders like Elder Mo. The last main peak served as the sect master¡¯s residence and the hub for conducting sect-wide affairs. By the time Lin Jing and Ouyang arrived, Elder Mo was already waiting, aware of their visit. ¡°What brings the three of you here?¡± Elder Mo asked, eyeing Lin Jing, Ouyang, and the Pine Leaf Mouse. None of them seemed the type to make trouble-free requests. ¡°Elder Mo, I¡¯ve decided. Once I break through in the Beast Taming Technique and condense my second drop of blood contract, I plan to contract a Heavenfeather Crane, just like the sect master!¡± Ouyang announced. ¡°And... I want a male one.¡± ¡°That¡¯s called a rooster crane,¡± Elder Mo corrected with a dismissive wave. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll speak to their clan on your behalf.¡± ¡°Thank you, Elder!¡± Ouyang bowed gratefully. With this, he¡¯d have his Foundation Establishment pet beast ready, along with an easy means of flying for missions. ¡°And you?¡± Elder Mo turned to Lin Jing. ¡°You¡¯re not here just to ask for a fire pet to assist with your alchemy, are you?¡± ¡°No, Elder Mo,¡± Lin Jing replied with a slight smile, the Pine Leaf Mouse clutching its Daoist robe. ¡°We¡¯ve given the matter of the Hidden Dragon Academy a lot of thought and realized it¡¯s a valuable opportunity to hone our skills and learn new techniques to benefit the sect.¡± ¡°However, we also recognize that the academy will likely be filled with prodigies from other sects. Competing with them at our current level might be difficult.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°So, I was wondering... You once mentioned that as an Outer Sect disciple, I would receive Inner Sect-level treatment, and as an Inner Sect disciple, I would receive privileges akin to a True Disciple. Could I request the Life-Bound Beast Space Artifact, which only True Disciples are entitled to, as well as the sect¡¯s True Disciple Beast Taming Techniques?¡± Beside him, Ouyang gave a discreet thumbs-up. Lin Jing¡¯s phrasing was masterful¡ªasking for top-tier resources under the guise of preparing to better serve the sect. Elder Mo pondered this for a moment. ¡°If you¡¯re heading to the Hidden Dragon Academy, you¡¯ll need to prepare thoroughly. Even our sect master, armed with all the sect¡¯s True Disciple techniques, was beaten black and blue when he attended the academy unprepared. Going in without sufficient preparation is out of the question.¡± ¡°However, you¡¯re not technically a True Disciple. To grant you a Life-Bound Beast Space Artifact, I¡¯ll need to convene with the elders and discuss it. Wait for my message.¡± ¡°As for the True Disciple Beast Taming Techniques, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to teach you¡ªit¡¯s just that they all require advancing the Beast Taming Technique to the Foundation Establishment stage first.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°Having the Life-Bound Beast Space Artifact will be enough.¡± ¡°Let me think... While you can¡¯t learn the techniques yet, you can begin preparing for them.¡± Elder Mo continued, ¡°The Beast Taming Sect has three major True Disciple Beast Taming Techniques and ten Core Beast Taming Techniques.¡± ¡°The three major techniques are: 1. Fusion Secret Art ¨C Allows a contracted beast to merge with its tamer, transforming into a ¡®half-demon¡¯ state for a massive combat boost.¡± Ouyang¡¯s eyes gleamed. This would let him and Red¡¯er fight even more closely together. 2. Immortal Rebirth ¨C If a contracted beast dies in battle, as long as the blood contract remains intact, the tamer can resurrect it. However, each resurrection causes a significant loss in cultivation for both the tamer and the beast, severely draining their vitality. 3. Beast-Weaponization ¨C Enables the tamer to transform their contracted beast into living artifacts, such as armor or weapons, to assist in combat. ¡°Each technique has specific requirements: Fusion demands a strong physique, Immortal Rebirth requires a resilient spirit and soul, and Beast-Weaponization hinges on high levels of spiritual energy and refined Beast Taming Qi. If you have a preference, start training accordingly.¡± ¡°As for the ten Core Beast Taming Techniques, they¡¯re available in the Inner Sect¡¯s Scripture Pavilion. Each one enhances pets of a particular element¡ªgold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, thunder, ice, yin, or yang¡ªtemporarily raising their cultivation level.¡± ¡°With proper mastery, it¡¯s not difficult to boost your beast by a minor realm during battle.¡± ¡°These techniques form the foundation of our sect and were developed by the third sect master, who refined the original Beast Taming Technique to create them.¡± After Elder Mo finished, the Pine Leaf Mouse tugged at Lin Jing¡¯s sleeve. It had no interest in fusing or becoming a weapon. Immortal Rebirth, however, sounded appealing¡ªit wanted more lives. Lin Jing smirked and communicated mentally, ¡°You¡¯ve gotten picky now, huh? Fine. When we encounter a strong enemy, I¡¯ll run, and you can stall them. I¡¯ll revive you later.¡± Hello, "Beast Tamer Ascension" fans! We, the BOTI Translator Team, work hard to bring you these translations. Please consider giving us a 5-star rating on NovelUpdates. Thank you ???????? Chapter 44: The Black Chili Pepper Chapter 44: The Black Chili Pepper The Beast Taming Sect possessed three major inheritance techniques and ten core secret techniques, all of which Lin Jing was already somewhat familiar with. In addition, the sect had dozens of ordinary beast-taming spells, most of them created by the third-generation sect master. The first generation founded the sect, the second reformed it, and the third created its techniques¡ªeach generation of sect masters was incredibly talented. However, Lin Jing had no intention of cultivating the ten core techniques for now. As someone with the Longevity Body, his cultivation level was still too low to keep up with his beast companion. Even if he learned them, the improvement for the Pine Leaf Mouse would be minimal. Instead of investing his energy there, it would be more worthwhile to study mechanization techniques or alchemy, both of which would better enhance both himself and the Pine Leaf Mouse. As for the three major inheritance techniques, those were non-negotiable. Whether it was the Fusion Secret Art or Beast-Weaponization, both significantly boosted a cultivator¡¯s strength. In particular, the Beast-Weaponization technique reminded Lin Jing of a certain mythical figure¡ªYang Jian summoning the Howling Celestial Dog. In literary terms, it was often described as "summoning" the dog. Similarly, once Lin Jing mastered Beast-Weaponization, he could ¡°summon the Pine Leaf Mouse!¡± ¡°Elder Mo, after I return, I will focus on tempering my body, honing my soul, and refining my qi,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°So, you want to learn it all!¡± Elder Mo remarked. ¡°No matter, you¡¯ve got plenty of time ahead of you, and sooner or later, you¡¯ll have to learn everything.¡± ¡°Since you both seem to have nothing else to discuss, you should hurry back and train. I¡¯ve got work to do as well,¡± Elder Mo continued. ¡°Elder Mo!¡± Lin Jing added, ¡°I¡¯ve acquired a seed of a Malignant Plant. I¡¯d like Elder Black Bear to evaluate its effects later.¡± Elder Mo paused before replying, ¡°Has it offended you recently...? Testing it on yourselves could be dangerous, but I¡¯ll have it seek you out later.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been through a lot, even if it hasn¡¯t done much good, so remember to leave me a piece of it alive.¡± --- After their visit with Elder Mo, Lin Jing and Senior Brother Ouyang parted ways¡ªone returning to his cave, the other leaving the sect to carry out the "investigate missing beasts" mission he had just accepted. On his way back, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse passed by the spot known as the Leap of Tiandu. The Pine Leaf Mouse was still fixated on its desire to leap over the clouds. Completing a feat that even its ancestors had failed to achieve¡­ If it succeeded, it would earn its own page in the family annals! ¡°With just your physical strength, it¡¯s impossible unless you awaken a beast king''s bloodline. I told you to practice the Flying Leaf Technique, but you didn¡¯t listen. Regretting it now, aren¡¯t you?¡± Though the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Crimson Flying Leaf Technique was indeed formidable, it relied heavily on the mystique of the red flying leaves. Its ability to control the leaves depended on the strength of its mental power, which had room for improvement. If the Pine Leaf Mouse had trained regularly, increasing its mental strength, its speed and control over the flying leaves would undoubtedly improve, making such a leap feasible. ¡°Squeak¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse shed its cumbersome robes, signaling its resolve to start practicing immediately. ¡°Since there¡¯s pressure at that spot, when we return, I¡¯ll use Thousand Transformations Illusions to simulate a beast king¡¯s aura and help you train your mental strength,¡± Lin Jing said with a smile. ¡°But before that, let¡¯s head back and mature the Fire Cloud Pepper seeds!¡± --- S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The inner peaks¡¯ Spirit Qi was indeed far richer than that of the outer peaks. Whether in terms of cultivation speed or the growth rate of spiritual plants, the inner peaks were leagues ahead. Lin Jing was particularly relieved that Elder Yu hadn¡¯t cut off his access to the outer sect dining hall despite his promotion to the Inner Sect. Meals continued to be delivered daily by Heavenfeather Cranes, significantly lightening the burden on both Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Time flew by, and the Fire Cloud Pepper, a first-rank Malignant Plant, was successfully matured by the Pine Leaf Mouse. However, the yield was low¡ªeach pepper plant produced only twenty fiery red peppers. ¡°Spiritual plants already turn fierce upon fusion; can you imagine what a malignant plant will become after fusion?¡± Black Bear Monster arrived as promised, bringing along the same ninth-stage Qi Refining white mouse it had used previously. Upon seeing the vibrant red peppers, the white mouse fainted before even taking a bite. Opposite him, Lin Jing addressed Elder Black Bear. ¡°As extremes meet, I believe malignant plants could very well transform into spiritual plants.¡± ¡°Go ahead, Xiao Song, use your Glazed Immortal Eyes,¡± Lin Jing instructed the Pine Leaf Mouse. Facing the pile of Fire Cloud Peppers, the mouse took a deep breath, removed its cooling bamboo-leaf blindfold, and activated its Glazed Immortal Eyes! Most of the fiery red peppers disappeared, replaced by¡­ a pitch-black pepper. The eerie color made Elder Black Bear cast a skeptical glance at Lin Jing. This is what you call a spiritual plant? It¡¯s blacker than me! Luckily, it had the foresight to bring the white mouse. Shaking the mouse awake, it pointed to the black pepper. ¡°Little white, see that black pepper? Eat it. If you survive, I¡¯ll reward you with a big opportunity!¡± The white mouse, trembling with fear, couldn¡¯t resist the coercion of a Monster Core Stage beast. It reluctantly crawled toward the black pepper, shaking all the way. ¡°Don¡¯t worry! It¡¯s just a mutated first-rank Malignant Plant. You¡¯re at the ninth stage of Qi Refining¡ªwhat¡¯s there to fear? Regular peppers only produce mundane flames, weaker than a commoner¡¯s cooking fire. Even if it mutated, it shouldn¡¯t be that strong!¡± the Black Bear Monster reassured it. Encouraged, the white mouse mustered up its courage, shut its eyes, and swallowed the black pepper in one gulp. The cave grew silent. Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the Black Bear Monster all stared intently at the white mouse, waiting for its reaction. The next moment, the white mouse turned to the Black Bear Monster, opened its mouth, and startled it. But nothing came out. ¡°Ha! A failed mutation?¡± The Black Bear Monster laughed, relieved. ¡°Looks like even rare beast abilities can fail sometimes.¡± Before it could laugh further, its expression shifted dramatically. It felt a scorching heat in its soul. As it quickly inspected itself, it found black flames burning within¡ªflames that didn¡¯t harm the body but ignited the soul, intangible yet terrifying. ¡°Nether Ghostfire! The magic flame that burns souls, used by Nether Hall demon cultivators!¡± it cried, hurriedly extinguishing the flames. Fear filled its eyes. ¡°This is the godforsaken Death Pepper!¡± ¡°Destroy it! Destroy it all now!¡± it exclaimed, pulling up the pepper plants and burning the remaining Fire Cloud Peppers. ¡°You two better not mess with this again! This is ghostfire, the core technique of Nether Hall! If the Demon-Slaying Bureau mistakes us for colluding with demon cultivators, we¡¯ll all be in trouble! Our Beast Taming Sect doesn¡¯t exactly have a stellar reputation with them already.¡± Watching the Black Bear Monster¡¯s panic, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were stunned. Ghostfire? ¡°Elder Black Bear, can this ghostfire be used for alchemy?¡± Lin Jing asked curiously. ¡°Alchemy? Are you planning to use it for the living or the dead?¡± the Black Bear Monster glared. ¡°I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t cultivate this thing anymore! Even if we aren¡¯t demon cultivators, getting caught with it will cause a lot of problems. Unless you¡¯re planning to infiltrate the demon sects yourself.¡± ¡°You want special flames for alchemy, right? I¡¯ll find you a Beast Flame to use instead. Please, don¡¯t grow this thing again,¡± it pleaded earnestly. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a malignant plant¡ªit¡¯s a demonic one! Using it would make us look like demon cultivators.¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse nodded obediently. If it was that dangerous, they wouldn¡¯t grow it anymore. Absolutely not. The Black Bear Monster looked at the still-alive white mouse and declared, ¡°Not bad. I hereby appoint you as the personal test subject of Lin Jing, the future holy son of the Beast Taming Sect. Quite the opportunity, isn¡¯t it?¡± Chapter 45: The Natal Treasure Chapter 45: The Natal Treasure A future Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect with a test subject child under his command¡ªhearing this, the white mouse spirit froze momentarily. It thought deeply about the proposition. After two trial experiences, though terrified at first, it realized neither had caused lasting harm to it. The only reason it had been so frightened was the ominous demeanor of this great monster. Looking back, during the first test, it had transformed into a bone dragon, frightening the great monster instead. In the second, it spat out an invisible black flame that similarly scared the great monster. Reflecting on these abilities, the white mouse spirit found them incredibly powerful. If becoming a test subject child meant gaining such capabilities, perhaps it wasn¡¯t such a bad deal! Just as it was about to agree, believing this to be a great opportunity, a sudden pang struck its heart. The black chili pepper hadn¡¯t been spicy when it entered, just bitterly unpleasant. But after a few seconds, an overwhelming heat surged through its body, as though its soul were being roasted by ghostfire. The white mouse spirit convulsed on the spot, its eyes bloodshot, and dark red tears¡ªpossibly blood¡ªstreamed from its eyes. ¡°Sssss!¡± It desperately called for water. Its steps grew unsteady, as if an invisible weight dragged it down, and even its form seemed distorted by the fiery pain. Seeing this, Elder Black Bear took a cautious step back. ¡°I knew it! Your creations can¡¯t possibly have no side effects on the eater. Look, you¡¯ve got your test subject bawling from the spiciness.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, unwilling to let the white mouse die from the heat, pulled out a mechanical water gun from its pack. ¡°But your water flow settings are too limited. Its pressure might be ineffective,¡± Lin Jing stopped it and instead produced a more advanced mechanical bamboo turtle. The bamboo turtle crawled forward at a deliberate pace, and a gentle stream of water for nourishing spiritual plants spouted from its nozzle. The white mouse immediately opened its mouth wide to drink. It took a long while before the white mouse finally recovered. Dazed, it glanced at the Black Bear Monster, signaling that this opportunity might be too overwhelming for it to handle. Its life was short; it just wanted to go home. ¡°Spineless!¡± The Black Bear Monster snorted and blew the white mouse away with a gust of black wind. ¡°Go back and think it over. I¡¯ll give you another chance to decide next time.¡± After sending the white mouse off, the Black Bear Monster patted Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Forget about the chili peppers. I¡¯ll find you a suitable beast flame for alchemy.¡± With that, it turned and left. Lin Jing glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°When will your Immortal Eyes come with an identification function?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse said nothing, instead pulling out its red leaves, determined to practice the Flying Leaf Technique and secure its place in the family annals. ¡°Fine.¡± Since ghostfire alchemy was prohibited, Lin Jing decided to start with mundane flames. Though the success rate would be low, the worst-case scenario was wasting some basic materials. But seeing the Pine Leaf Mouse''s resolve to train, he chose to accompany it instead. The Thousand Transformations Illusions was equally crucial. To enhance the Pine Leaf Mouse''s control over the leaves, they needed to fortify its mental strength. Without delay, Lin Jing transformed into one of the Pine Leaf Mouse''s ancestral predators¡ªa towering, ten-meter-tall giant weasel! Also known as Huang Dashian or Yellow Weasel! Draped in massive, flowing yellow robes, it emanated an aura that blanketed the skies with overwhelming authority. ¡°Ah!!!¡± Upon completion of the transformation, the Pine Leaf Mouse froze momentarily before emitting a sharp, piercing shriek akin to ultrasonic waves. The sound disrupted its brain, leaving it unable to think or react. Flooded with chaotic thoughts, its bloodline stirred up ancient fears of predators that had been preserved over countless generations. Overwhelmed by this primal terror, the Pine Leaf Mouse instinctively reached into its storage pouch and pulled out a mechanical bamboo rifle, aiming it at Lin Jing. ¡°What the¡ªwhat are you doing?!¡± Lin Jing was startled, quickly using their contract to suppress the Pine Leaf Mouse''s actions, fearing it might actually shoot him. He wasn¡¯t as resilient as those Snow Plains Cultivators; even a single Spiritual Bean could kill him. Once restrained by the contract, the Pine Leaf Mouse''s eyes cleared somewhat. Lin Jing sighed. ¡°I only unleashed a Foundation Establishment level aura, and you¡¯re already scared stiff? Your willpower is weak! If it had been the aura of a beast king targeting you, wouldn¡¯t you have fainted on the spot?¡± ¡°Squeak squeak squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse unloaded the rifle''s magazine, insisting that it hadn¡¯t been scared. Its mouth, at least, remained resolute. ¡°Regardless, your weapon is confiscated,¡± Lin Jing declared. ¡°Relying on firepower to face your fears won¡¯t help temper your resolve.¡± ¡°Only when you can remain calm and composed, even unarmed, in the face of absolute terror, will you succeed.¡± ¡°For the next few days, whether you¡¯re sleeping or training, I¡¯ll occasionally transform into a monster to appear before you.¡± Watching Lin Jing take away its storage bag, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s face fell. --- Over the next few days, Lin Jing focused on practicing the Illusionary Path, frequently transforming into creatures that were ancestral predators of the Pine Leaf Mouse, such as the Hawk of Erlang, Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, and Xiangliu Serpent Demon, to frighten it. The constant pressure left the Pine Leaf Mouse restless. It couldn¡¯t sleep well, eat comfortably, or relax at all. Even when it reminded itself the illusions weren¡¯t real, it still couldn¡¯t shake its fear. Unlike previous untargeted illusions, Lin Jing''s transformations deliberately exploited creatures imprinted as predators in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline. Concentrating the illusion''s aura directly on it without dissipating the pressure naturally made it impossible for the Pine Leaf Mouse to stay calm. Yet the training was undeniably effective. After several days, the Pine Leaf Mouse could remain undisturbed under the aura of a Foundation Establishment beast. Thankfully, the Thousand Transformations Illusions had not reached its limits. Monster Core Stage and Beast King Stage auras could still escalate the training. Finally, just as the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s nerves were nearing their breaking point, Elder Mo arrived with good news. ¡°Come with me to the Treasure Pavilion and retrieve your natal beast space treasure!¡± Elder Mo had successfully secured a natal space treasure for Lin Jing, even though he wasn¡¯t yet an inheritance disciple. ¡°Natal treasures can be bonded with a drop of blood, making them impossible for others to steal. They possess some growth potential, improving slightly as the user¡¯s cultivation increases.¡± ¡°The beast space treasure not only functions as a storage pouch but also allows living creatures to enter. However, it¡¯s limited to the contracted beasts of the treasure''s owner.¡± ¡°The space within also offers superior cultivation conditions compared to the inner peaks, further accelerating training!¡± Elder Mo guided Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse to the peak of the Treasure Pavilion, which housed most of the sect¡¯s treasures. Unlike the spiritual artifacts and magic tools meant for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples, treasures of this caliber were typically used by Golden Core cultivators. Only disciples who had become inheritance disciples and taken a Golden Core elder as their master had access to these treasures. At the pavilion¡¯s top floor, Elder Mo gestured toward seven treasures floating on glowing pedestals. ¡°These are the seven remaining beast space treasures of the sect. Each has a unique appearance. Choose the one you like, and I¡¯ll teach you how to refine it.¡± ¡°Thank you, Elder Mo,¡± Lin Jing expressed his gratitude before examining the treasures with the Pine Leaf Mouse. As Elder Mo had said, the treasures varied in form but seemed to be crafted using similar methods with different materials. The types included: a cloth pouch, a stone ring, a jade bracelet, a meditation staff, a precious orb, a gourd, and a scroll. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 46: Refinement Chapter 46: Refinement Lin Jing scanned the available options: a cloth pouch, a stone ring, a jade bracelet, a treasure orb, a gourd, and a scroll. They all seemed relatively normal¡ªexcept for the peculiar addition of a meditation staff. Isn¡¯t this a Buddhist artifact? What is it doing in the Beast Taming Sect? ¡°You¡¯re wondering why the sect crafted a spatial treasure into a meditation staff?¡± Elder Mo asked, noting Lin Jing¡¯s expression. ¡°Yes,¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°It¡¯s tied to an old story, one that isn¡¯t recorded officially but passed down through oral tradition.¡± Elder Mo chuckled, picking up the meditation staff and holding it in his hand. ¡°During the time of the second sect master, a fearsome demon beast wreaked havoc in the Great Wasteland Domain. This beast was a rare kind, possessing extraordinary abilities that made it nearly impossible to kill¡ªeven by those a level or two higher in cultivation.¡± ¡°No cultivator in the Great Wasteland could handle it.¡± ¡°Eventually, a guest elder from the Demon-Slaying Bureau arrived to help. This elder was a Buddhist monk with exceptional skills in the Dharma. With the help of four Great Wasteland cultivators, including our second sect master, he used special methods to seal the demon beast away.¡± ¡°Sealed, not slain.¡± ¡°To this day, the demon remains imprisoned underground in the Great Wasteland, restrained by four Buddhist pagodas connected to dragon veins. Each pagoda is now under the care of one of the four top sects in the region.¡± ¡°After the battle, the second sect master became friends with the monk. For a time, many of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s spatial treasures were crafted as Buddhist artifacts. This meditation staff has been here for quite some time.¡± ¡°But over the years, its unusual design has made it unpopular¡ªfew inheritance disciples choose it, even if they know the story behind it.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how it is,¡± Lin Jing mused. ¡°I never thought our Beast Taming Sect would share the responsibility of guarding a demon-suppressing pagoda.¡± After all, the sect was more like a monster sect than a traditional one. ¡°You¡¯re not planning to pick the meditation staff, are you?¡± Elder Mo asked. ¡°No,¡± Lin Jing replied decisively. ¡°It doesn¡¯t match my elegant and free-spirited demeanor.¡± Elder Mo was momentarily speechless. He hadn¡¯t expected Lin Jing to be so self-absorbed, but upon closer inspection, he admitted the young man did bear a resemblance to his own youthful handsomeness. Perhaps that explained the confidence. ¡°Elder, I choose this one,¡± Lin Jing said, pointing to the red gourd. The Pine Leaf Mouse was startled. It clearly preferred the cloth pouch, which seemed more convenient to carry. Lin Jing ignored it. The space treasure was meant to house the Pine Leaf Mouse, so its portability wasn¡¯t Lin Jing¡¯s concern. Besides, all treasures of this level could change size, making them easy to carry in any form. ¡°Other spatial treasures have distinct signs of post-crafting refinement. This one, however, seems more like an innate creation. If I¡¯m not mistaken, it¡¯s the Suspended Gourd, a rare plant that naturally contains space within,¡± Lin Jing observed. ¡°Not bad¡ªyou¡¯ve done your homework,¡± Elder Mo said approvingly. ¡°The other six treasures are crafted from various spatial materials, but this gourd underwent minimal modification, making it the most primitive of the lot.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s not the only reason you chose it, is it?¡± ¡°Correct. It¡¯s a plant, and the Pine Leaf Mouse has a wood attribute. They should have good synergy,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°Elder, if I manage to acquire more Suspended Gourds in the future, do you think the Pine Leaf Mouse could use its Glazed Immortal Eyes to fuse them?¡± Compared to the other six treasures, the gourd¡¯s plant-based properties were the key factor for Lin Jing. ¡°That¡¯s certainly possible,¡± Elder Mo confirmed. ¡°However, Suspended Gourds are incredibly rare. This one was a fortunate find by an ancestor. Even if you encounter more, affording them before achieving significant cultivation progress will be nearly impossible.¡± ¡°At least it¡¯s something to aim for,¡± Lin Jing said with a smile. ¡°Elder, I¡¯ll go with the gourd.¡± S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That meditation staff is intriguing, though. Once I reach the Foundation Establishment stage and contract a second beast, could I apply for another spatial treasure? It wouldn¡¯t do to have multiple beasts sharing one space, right?¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Elder Mo finally lost his temper. These treasures represented the sect¡¯s heritage, not some common stockpile! ¡°I don¡¯t have the authority to grant you another one. If you want that privilege, aim to become the young sect master. Then you can pick whatever you like¡ªeven let each beast have two treasures!¡± After choosing the Suspended Gourd as his natal beast space treasure, Lin Jing followed Elder Mo¡¯s instructions to refine it by imbuing it with a drop of his vital blood. Once refined, Lin Jing found the treasure lived up to its status as a tool for Golden Core cultivators. The internal space was far larger than his former courtyard at the sect¡¯s outer peaks. Finally, the Pine Leaf Mouse wouldn¡¯t have to struggle with storage limitations. Previously, its two storage pouches could only hold rare synthesis items, while sacks of ordinary spiritual rice and beans had to pile up in the courtyard. Now, those space issues were resolved. Although the Suspended Gourd was Lin Jing¡¯s natal treasure, it served as the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s residence. This arrangement didn¡¯t hinder the mouse from embracing its hoarding tendencies. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, seeing Lin Jing fiddling with the gourd, eagerly reached out to touch it. ¡°Answer me if you dare,¡± Lin Jing teased, aiming the gourd at the bewildered mouse. Before it could react, the mouse was sucked into the space treasure with a swift whoosh. Though confused at first, the Pine Leaf Mouse quickly began exploring the new space. Taking a deep breath, its eyes sparkled with excitement. So spacious! Looking around, it found the gourd¡¯s interior vast and expansive. The boundaries were shrouded in green spiritual mist, perfect for cultivation. Standing amidst the mist, the Pine Leaf Mouse decided it was time to renovate the place into its new den. ¡°Squeak¡­¡± It began counting on its fingers, planning areas for sleeping, storing food, training, more storage, eating, and¡­ even more storage. ¡°How does it feel?¡± Elder Mo asked Lin Jing with a smile. ¡°Now that you have a natal beast space treasure, doesn¡¯t it seem like you¡¯re truly a beast-taming cultivator?¡± ¡°It certainly does,¡± Lin Jing replied, rotating the gourd in his hands. It shrank slightly and hung from his waist. The red gourd complemented his white robes, adding to his refined and handsome appearance. ¡°It suits you,¡± Elder Mo noted. ¡°When you¡¯re traveling, if a demonic cultivator mistakes you for an ordinary lone wanderer and tries to rob you, imagine their shock when you summon your beast companions. Truly satisfying.¡± Elder Mo¡¯s nostalgic grin revealed his past experiences. After all, one of the greatest joys of being a Beast Taming Sect disciple was the ability to gang up on enemies. Chapter 47: The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda Chapter 47: The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda After receiving his natal beast space treasure, Lin Jing once again expressed his gratitude to Elder Mo and pledged his undying loyalty to the Beast Taming Sect. ¡°Alive, I am a disciple of the sect; dead, I am its ghost. Even if reincarnated into the animal realm, I will still serve the sect as a beast.¡± His fervent declaration left Elder Mo momentarily speechless. ¡°Alright, I understand your devotion,¡± Elder Mo sighed. ¡°But for someone with the Longevity Body, you¡¯re surprisingly lacking in composure. Let me send you back.¡± ¡°Thank you, Elder Mo, but we can return on our own,¡± Lin Jing replied. He had plans to pass through Cloud Cultivation Peak and test the Pine Leaf Mouse''s progress from their recent training. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± Elder Mo said, waving his hand. With the power of a Golden Core cultivator, transporting them was as effortless as the Black Bear Monster blowing away the white mouse earlier. ¡°In that case, could you drop us off at Cloud Cultivation Peak?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Cloud Cultivation Peak?¡± Elder Mo raised an eyebrow. ¡°What business do you have there¡­ Oh, is this about the Squirrel¡¯s Leap of Tiandu?¡± Realizing something, he continued, ¡°I had nearly forgotten about that spot. Do you know the history of the Pine Leaf Mouse clan and their connection to the sect¡¯s guardian deity?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°The last time Senior Brother Ouyang and I passed through Cloud Cultivation Peak, the Pine Leaf Mouse attempted the leap but failed. It has since undergone rigorous training, and I wanted to bring it back for another attempt.¡± ¡°Is that so...¡± Elder Mo¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Very well, let me take you there.¡± With a wave of his hand, Lin Jing felt a dizzying shift in his vision. The next moment, they were standing at the Squirrel¡¯s Leap of Tiandu, with Elder Mo by their side. ¡°Go ahead,¡± he gestured, seemingly intent on observing. Unbothered by the audience, Lin Jing summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse, which was busy building its new den in the Suspended Gourd. ¡°After all that training, can you earn your place in the family annals? Let¡¯s try again!¡± Lin Jing encouraged. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Squeak?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse blinked, surveying its surroundings. Realizing it had returned to Cloud Cultivation Peak, its emerald eyes lit up with renewed confidence. After enduring relentless mental training against terrifying illusions, its once fragile willpower had been honed to a state of tranquility. Feeling invigorated by its growth, the Pine Leaf Mouse launched itself into action. With a swift motion, it summoned its largest red leaf, leaping onto it. A flash of red light followed as it soared skyward. Elder Mo, observing calmly, nodded to himself. He already knew the mouse¡¯s capabilities well. ¡°A leap is still a leap, I suppose¡­¡± he muttered, unlike Senior Brother Ouyang, who had underestimated the mouse''s abilities. Unfortunately, despite reaching slightly higher than before, the Pine Leaf Mouse was again overwhelmed by the formidable pressure in mid-air. Teeth gritted, it tumbled back down, spinning along with the red leaf like a flaming wheel. ¡°Elder Mo! Catch it!¡± Lin Jing called out in alarm. Elder Mo casually intercepted the dazed mouse, placing it beside him. Another failure. The Pine Leaf Mouse, groaning and retching, looked as though it had been struck by lightning¡ªnot because it couldn¡¯t achieve the leap, but because it dreaded the continuation of its grueling training. ¡°Failed again?¡± Elder Mo shook his head. ¡°Even for a rare beast, this challenge seems insurmountable. What was the second sect master¡¯s old friend thinking? Is it truly possible for a Pine Leaf Mouse to succeed?¡± ¡°Perhaps it will, once it advances to Foundation Establishment and evolves a Beast King bloodline,¡± Lin Jing suggested. ¡°Or, Elder Mo, does the sect have a specialized location for mental strength training?¡± Lin Jing had noticed diminishing returns from their illusion-based training. The Pine Leaf Mouse, aware they were only illusions, had begun developing resistance after repeated exposure. Illusion techniques were most effective in their first use. ¡°A place to temper the mind...¡± Elder Mo paused before nodding. ¡°There is one¡ªone I mentioned to you before.¡± ¡°The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda?¡± Lin Jing guessed. ¡°Precisely,¡± Elder Mo confirmed. ¡°To thank the four sects for their assistance and guardianship of the pagoda, the Buddhist guest elder from the Demon-Slaying Bureau left behind a unique ability.¡± ¡°The pagoda consists of multiple levels, each with formations that draw upon the sealed demon¡¯s power to keep it perpetually weakened, unable to cultivate or resist.¡± ¡°This demonic power is converted into demonic pressure on specific levels, creating a formidable test for those who enter.¡± ¡°But it isn¡¯t the pressure itself that trains the mind. Surviving it activates the Buddhist elder¡¯s gift¡ªa sacred light that bathes the soul, significantly strengthening mental fortitude.¡± ¡°This was intended to help the four sects cultivate more demon-slaying cultivators, arming them with the courage and resolve to face demonic threats.¡± The prospect intrigued Lin Jing. ¡°Elder Mo, may the Pine Leaf Mouse and I enter?¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Elder Mo''s beard twitched. ¡°The demonic pressure in the pagoda is not something a Qi Refining cultivator can endure. I¡¯ve told you before¡ªof the sect¡¯s three major secret techniques, Immortal Rebirth requires extraordinary soul strength. Only disciples who have reached Foundation Establishment and become inheritance disciples are permitted to enter the pagoda to prepare for learning it.¡± ¡°If the mouse only faces Foundation Establishment-level pressure, it should manage,¡± Lin Jing reasoned. ¡°And as for me, I should be fine as well.¡± Lin Jing demonstrated by transforming into a towering Buddha-like figure, seated on a lotus throne. The majestic illusion exuded divine serenity, with 42 radiating beams of holy light connecting north and south, illuminating the entire peak. ¡°Elder Mo!¡± The Buddha¡¯s eyes opened, and an oppressive aura descended upon Elder Mo, causing a bead of cold sweat to form on his forehead. ¡°I am a Buddha of the Celestial Realm, ambushed and forced to reincarnate in this world. I am but 50 Spirit Stones away from reopening the ascension path. Help me return, and I shall reward you greatly!¡± the Buddha¡¯s voice boomed. Startled, Elder Mo hesitated, but the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s giggling gave it away. He quickly realized, ¡°This is your Illusionary Path technique from the Bodhi Cavern Heaven! Such realism¡ªit rivals the aura of the sect¡¯s ancestors.¡± ¡°Elder, try pressuring me,¡± Lin Jing invited. Elder Mo complied, releasing his Golden Core pressure. Yet Lin Jing¡¯s illusion, reinforced by intricate Purple Qi, rendered the pressure ineffective, as if it fooled not only the observer but the caster as well. ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± Elder Mo was stunned by the effectiveness of Lin Jing¡¯s illusionary art. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, you two truly could enter the pagoda to strengthen your minds. Ordinary demonic pressure won¡¯t affect you.¡± Reverting to his normal form, Lin Jing grinned. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! By the way, Elder, this demon has been sealed for so long¡­ Are you sure our entry won¡¯t destabilize the seal?¡± ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Elder Mo was firm. Chapter 48: The Demon Chapter 48: The Demon At Lin Jing¡¯s request, Elder Mo, observing their ability to withstand pressure with ease, decided to take them to the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. The Buddhist elder¡¯s blessing was a rare opportunity for disciples of the four sects to strengthen their mental resilience. Gaining access to it during the Qi Refining stage would provide unparalleled benefits for their future Foundation Establishment. ¡°Come with me. Due to the unique nature of our sect¡¯s techniques and the second sect master¡¯s friendship with the Buddhist elder, Beast Taming Sect disciples can enter the pagoda with their contracted beasts to jointly endure the demonic pressure and receive the blessing of Buddhist light.¡± ¡°Use your illusions to shield yourself and protect your beast. Both of you can benefit from this chance!¡± Elder Mo said, sweeping Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse with him toward the Clear Pool Peak of the sect. On the way, Lin Jing mused about the privileges of connections. While disciples of other sects braved the tower alone, the Beast Taming Sect allowed its members to bring their beasts along¡ªthis was excellent! The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, despite its name, had a concealed entrance within a serene pool, a precaution to prevent anyone from attempting to release the sealed demon. ¡°Who goes there?¡± A deep voice resounded as the surface of the pool rippled. As Lin Jing had expected, the tower¡¯s guardian was not human but a Beast King, emerging partially from the water. Elder Mo immediately bowed respectfully, ¡°Greetings, Ancestor.¡± ¡°You again,¡± the guardian grumbled. ¡°Ancestor, I have brought a disciple to train in the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.¡± ¡°Lin Jing, this is Ancestor Wang Batian, one of the sect¡¯s guardian ancestors,¡± Elder Mo introduced. The guardian appeared as a massive terrestrial tortoise, its ancient presence imposing. Lin Jing quickly saluted. ¡°A Qi Refining brat?¡± The tortoise shot a disapproving glance at Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, then turned to Elder Mo. ¡°Are you trying to turn them into fools? If their minds collapse under the demonic pressure, what will you do when they lose their sanity?¡± ¡°Ancestor, Lin Jing is one of our sect¡¯s rising stars, even chosen by the Cavern Heaven. I am confident in his ability to handle this challenge,¡± Elder Mo reassured. ¡°Fine, do as you wish,¡± the tortoise muttered, closing its eyes. It had lived long enough to see three sect masters pass and had grown indifferent to most matters. Stationed beside the pagoda, its demeanor was thoroughly "Buddhist." With the guardian¡¯s consent, Elder Mo turned to Lin Jing. ¡°One thing I forgot to mention: the pagoda doesn¡¯t allow physical entry. Everything here is an astral projection, including your mind, soul, and intent. Physical items and treasures can¡¯t be brought in, and high-level cultivators are barred from entering to prevent sabotage of the seal.¡± ¡°Your spells will work, but not your tools or weapons. Is that sufficient?¡± Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse looked alarmed at the thought of leaving behind its precious red leaves and explosives. Lin Jing, however, nodded. ¡°It¡¯s enough.¡± As long as Thousand Transformations Illusions could be used, he could resist the demonic pressure. ¡°Once ready, leave a spiritual mark on this stele,¡± the guardian instructed. ¡°The mark will allow us to monitor your progress. If it flashes, it indicates danger, and I¡¯ll immediately summon your consciousness back to avoid getting lost in the pagoda.¡± Lin Jing pressed his hand on the ancient stone stele, which glowed as it etched a blurry image of a small squirrel. ¡°The pagoda connects the four sects. Should you encounter disciples from other sects, avoid unnecessary conflict,¡± the guardian added. With that, the pagoda entrance opened within the pool, rippling to reveal the inverted reflection of a black pagoda. Before Lin Jing could process it, his vision blurred as though he were drowning. When he opened his eyes again, he stood before a massive gate surrounded by black water. The intricately carved door bore ancient symbols and runes, glowing faintly with a mysterious blue light that exuded an air of profundity and danger. ¡°This must be the pagoda¡¯s interior,¡± Lin Jing said, reaching instinctively for his mechanical bamboo rifle, only to find his storage pouch reduced to an ordinary bag. The Suspended Gourd was similarly inaccessible. The Pine Leaf Mouse sighed. It had already endured training without its tools in the sect, but even here, its storage pouch was sealed¡ªthis was getting unbearable. Nudging Lin Jing, it gestured for him to assume the Buddha form for protection. ¡°The Buddha form requires too many effects and drains too much qi,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°A simpler Buddhist monk will do.¡± With that, he used Illusionary Path Qi to craft a familiar image from his memory: a monk clad in a luxurious red-and-yellow kasaya, wearing a golden monk¡¯s hat. One hand gripped a golden staff, and the other held a violet-gold alms bowl. His white eyebrows and beard gave him an austere, solemn presence. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Amitabha, I am Fa Hai,¡± Lin Jing declared, prompting the Pine Leaf Mouse to blink in confusion. It couldn¡¯t fathom why Lin Jing¡¯s mind was filled with such peculiar characters. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lin Jing said, holding the staff and beads as he pushed open the pagoda door. He had considered transforming into Tang Monk, but that figure was famously hapless against demons and would likely falter under the pressure. To master the essence of illusion, one had to first convince oneself. Fa Hai, the demon-slaying monk, was the perfect choice! As the door creaked open, a demonic gale swept out, its pressure equivalent to that of a Foundation Establishment demon, almost tangible in its force. It slammed into Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse like a storm. However, with the protection of illusion qi, Lin Jing remained unaffected. Even the Pine Leaf Mouse, after its rigorous training, resisted the pressure with sheer willpower. Step by step, they advanced into the pagoda, where the black energy from the walls condensed into the shape of a terrifying serpent skull. Its fangs glistened as it hissed menacingly. The hissing turned streams of water into countless venomous snakes that slithered up Lin Jing¡¯s body. The Pine Leaf Mouse, perched on his shoulder, grew increasingly uneasy. Knowing the snakes were illusions created by the pressure, it still couldn¡¯t help but feel its scalp tingle, especially without its trusty tools. It began climbing higher¡ªtoward Lin Jing¡¯s bald, illusionary monk head. ¡°Tricks of the trade,¡± Lin Jing muttered, ignoring the snakes as he pressed forward. In his illusionary field, he had fully assumed the identity of a high monk. The demonic pressure couldn¡¯t affect his mind, let alone create illusions powerful enough to harm him. Seeing the Pine Leaf Mouse struggling, Lin Jing let out a cold snort. His monk persona unleashed an overwhelming wave of holy force, shattering the demonic energy and dissipating the illusions. The snakes vanished in an instant. Deeper in the tower, the sealed demon roared. ¡°Damn Buddhist aura! A bald donkey has come! Curse them! Curse them! I want to devour them!¡± The demon paused, its thoughts spinning. ¡°Wait¡­ if this monk is so powerful, they might be able to break the seal. I must find a way to make them free me!¡± It schemed, its mind muddled by years of imprisonment, failing to realize it was being deceived by Lin Jing¡¯s illusion. Chapter 49: The Treasure Chapter 49: The Treasure The demonic pressure on the first level of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda had little effect on Lin Jing, who felt it wasn¡¯t even as disorienting as a Bewilderment Pill. He walked toward the staircase leading to the second level, expecting the promised Buddhist light to descend and strengthen his mental fortitude. However, despite waiting for a while, nothing happened. Instead, the walls of the floor began to emit stronger waves of demonic energy, causing Lin Jing to frown. The Pine Leaf Mouse, sensing something amiss, poked its head out from Lin Jing¡¯s monk¡¯s hat and nudged him. This wasn¡¯t what Elder Mo had described¡ªwhere was the fortuitous encounter? Could Lin Jing¡¯s pessimistic prediction about trouble really be coming true? Impossible¡­ Lin Jing hesitated and stepped back slightly, considering retreating. Perhaps it was better to cultivate steadily and progress one step at a time. ¡°Let¡¯s go back,¡± he said. The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded in agreement, and Lin Jing resolutely turned to leave, suppressing his curiosity. Unfortunately, just as he began to retreat, the demonic energy condensed into a small snake-like figure¡ªa black eel that appeared so feeble it looked on the verge of death. ¡°Wait, great monk!¡± the black eel called out. Lin Jing stopped mid-step, his face grim as he turned to look at it. Great monk? Me? Lin Jing mulled this over and decided to probe. ¡°It seems the seal on this tower may need reinforcing after all.¡± ¡°Great monk!¡± The black eel panicked. ¡°This little demon knows its wrongs. Please give me a chance to repent!¡± ¡°The seal on this tower is still very strong! The fact that I could leak out even a sliver of consciousness came at an immense, painful, and irreversible cost. It poses no threat!¡± ¡°After being imprisoned here for years, I have genuinely repented. I beg the great monk to undo the Buddhist seal. I am willing to serve you as a demon servant, faithfully following you, and will turn over a new leaf.¡± Lin Jing narrowed his eyes at the creature, letting a smug expression slowly spread across his face. ¡°Bold demon! Still trying to deceive me!¡± Lin Jing declared, his voice resonating with authority. ¡°This does not demonstrate the sincerity of your repentance.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, hidden in the hat, felt its heart race. Beast Tamer, what are you doing? The eel hesitated but then gritted its teeth. ¡°I understand. I will reveal the location of my treasure to prove my loyalty!¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing¡¯s interest piqued, though his face remained impassive. ¡°Where is this treasure?¡± ¡°It lies at Tianyin Mountain, on the border between the Wasteland Domain and the Empty Domain. However, only I can open the entrance. If the great monk retrieves it, please return and accept me as your servant. I will dedicate everything I obtained from the Cavern Heaven as tribute!¡± Before Lin Jing could respond, a golden light suddenly pierced through the walls of the pagoda, illuminating the entire floor. The eel screamed in agony as the Buddhist light condensed into a phantom figure¡ªa handsome, young monk in white robes. The monk surveyed the snake-like demon with a calm expression before turning to Lin Jing. ¡°You¡­ you¡­ you!¡± The eel was struck with terror at the sight of the monk, but the latter merely sighed. ¡°After all these years, Undying Black Serpent, your senses have deteriorated to such an extent?¡± ¡°You expended so much effort to leak a fragment of consciousness, only to beg for help from a ¡®great monk¡¯ who is actually a Qi Refining cultivator using illusions?¡± ¡°If your former subordinates knew, they would laugh themselves to death.¡± The monk waved his hand, dispersing the Illusionary Path Qi that surrounded Lin Jing. With the illusion dispelled, the once-mighty high monk was revealed as a youthful Beast Taming Sect disciple. The black eel rolled over in the pool, and the room fell into awkward silence. ¡°A Beast Taming Sect cultivator¡­¡± ¡°At Qi Refining¡­¡± ¡°ARRRGHHHH!¡± the eel exploded with rage, its fury uncontainable as it glared at Lin Jing. ¡°Damn you, Beast Taming Sect! Damn you! Why is a beast tamer practicing illusion arts? Curse you!¡± ¡°Damn it! Damn it! Just you wait¡ªwhen I get out, I will tear you limb from limb and obliterate your sect!¡± the eel howled before being purified by a beam of Buddhist light, leaving Lin Jing standing there, looking completely innocent. Heaven help me, Lin Jing thought, I¡¯m just an innocent bystander. All I did was talk for a bit¡ªwhy so much hate? ¡°He was desperate because of your illusionary monk aura,¡± the white-robed monk explained. ¡°This seal can only be broken by Buddhist techniques, and your illusion gave him hope. After all, you¡¯re only the second ¡®Buddhist cultivator¡¯ to enter this tower in centuries.¡± Lin Jing winced. Why, oh why, did I choose to transform into Fa Hai? ¡°Junior Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect greets Senior,¡± Lin Jing said, bowing deeply. ¡°No need to be nervous,¡± the monk replied. ¡°For a Beast Taming Sect disciple to achieve such mastery of illusion arts, the outside world must have changed greatly. My consciousness was sealed here for this very moment.¡± ¡°Centuries ago, that serpent was a fearsome demon, fearless of heaven or earth. Yet now, to escape, it grovels before a Qi Refining cultivator. How pitiful.¡± Lin Jing had no response. Who wouldn¡¯t go mad after being sealed for thousands of years? Even the Monkey King was only trapped for 500. ¡°Junior, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?¡± the monk asked, smiling faintly. Lin Jing tensed, sensing something ominous. ¡°Senior, I¡¯ll take the bad news first.¡± ¡°The bad news is that my consciousness is tied to the seal. Unsealing my consciousness slightly weakens the tower¡¯s overall structure, making the demon¡¯s containment less effective.¡± ¡°This failsafe was meant to trigger far into the future when the demon could pose a genuine threat. But now, due to your illusion, we¡¯ve all had a bit of a fright.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s face darkened. So the pagoda¡¯s seal really is loosening? ¡°That¡¯s decades away. There¡¯s no need to worry. Simply report this truthfully to your sect. The demon¡¯s abilities are unusual but not particularly powerful¡ªit is easily suppressed, especially with the Demon-Slaying Bureau involved.¡± ¡°And the good news?¡± Lin Jing asked cautiously. ¡°The treasure the Undying Black Serpent mentioned¡ªit is real. Long ago, it killed many sect prodigies and looted seeds of rare plants from a Cavern Heaven. These treasures may prove useful to your sect.¡± ¡°Thank you for the guidance, Senior,¡± Lin Jing said, relieved that it wasn¡¯t all bad news. ¡°You entered the pagoda seeking the Buddhist light, did you not?¡± the monk said, smiling. ¡°I cannot let you leave empty-handed. This light strengthens the soul. You have a karmic connection to Buddhism, so accept this boon as a token of our meeting.¡± Without waiting for a response, the monk invoked a radiant shower of Buddhist light, enveloping Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Chapter 50: The Guardian of Tiandu Chapter 50: The Guardian of Tiandu Under the radiant Buddhist light, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse felt as though they were being reborn. At first, the sensation was blissful, but gradually, Lin Jing noticed something unusual. While his mental strength was undeniably strengthened, he couldn¡¯t shake an inexplicable feeling that something else had changed. Even after opening his eyes, he couldn¡¯t identify the source of this strange sensation. Outside the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, Elder Mo stared intently at the evolving squirrel image on the stone stele. ¡°Stop staring!¡± the guardian ancestor Wang Batian barked. ¡°He¡¯s just a Qi Refining cultivator. Even if he manages to pass the first level, it¡¯ll take him ages to adjust.¡± ¡°Ancestor, how about a bet?¡± Elder Mo grinned like a child with a scheme. ¡°I bet he¡¯ll quickly pass the first, second, third¡­ all the way to the ninth level!¡± The tortoise ancestor burst out laughing. ¡°Have you gone mad? A Qi Refining brat withstand Nascent Soul-level demonic pressure? Back in my day, even we Beast Kings cowered under that weight!¡± ¡°Do you dare to bet?¡± Elder Mo asked, his confidence in Lin Jing unwavering after betting on him being a rare beast companion owner. ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s bet!¡± The two turned their attention back to the stele and the pagoda¡¯s reflection in the pool. Before they could discuss the stakes, the reflection suddenly trembled violently as if the entire pagoda was on the verge of collapse. Though it didn¡¯t fall, the shaking was enough to alarm both of them. The tortoise ancestor leapt out of the pool in panic. Moments later, Lin Jing¡¯s astral projection returned to his body. Slowly, he stood up. ¡°Ancestor? Elder? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lin Jing asked, confused by their wide-eyed stares. ¡°What happened inside?¡± Elder Mo asked, his voice tight. Lin Jing had exited after just the first level, an extremely rare occurrence. ¡°Elder, I told you the seal on the pagoda is weakening!¡± Lin Jing said, his expression pained. ¡°We barely entered before encountering a demon trying to escape!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Elder Mo and the tortoise ancestor exclaimed. ¡°Thankfully, the legendary Buddhist elder left a contingency behind. His sealed consciousness subdued the demon.¡± The two visibly relaxed. ¡°Unfortunately, according to the elder, the seal will only hold for a few more decades before losing its effectiveness.¡± Their faces darkened again. ¡°At least it¡¯s not an immediate crisis,¡± Elder Mo tried to reassure himself. ¡°The Demon-Slaying Bureau has plenty of experts. If we report this in advance, they¡¯ll have someone ready when the time comes. Besides, after being sealed for so long, the demon must be significantly weakened.¡± ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m not fighting that thing,¡± Wang Batian muttered. ¡°Additionally, I learned something potentially valuable,¡± Lin Jing continued. He then relayed the treasure cave information provided by the demon. After a brief exchange of glances, the two elders decided to convene a sect meeting to discuss the matter. ¡°For now, let¡¯s seal the pagoda. It¡¯s no longer suitable for training,¡± Elder Mo concluded, fearing Lin Jing might have been shaken by the experience. He promptly escorted Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse back to their quarters. After Lin Jing left, the tortoise ancestor turned to Elder Mo. ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that the seal loosened the moment he entered? Could that brat be a cursed Heaven¡¯s Calamity Star?¡± ¡°Impossible!¡± Elder Mo retorted. ¡°He has the Longevity Body, destined to outlive generations of ancestors. He¡¯s just a Qi Refining cultivator¡ªwhat could he do? The fact that he stayed composed and reported everything clearly shows his remarkable potential.¡± ¡°Longevity Body?!¡± The tortoise ancestor¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That brat is going to outlive me?!¡± Back at Danxia Peak, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse sat at the entrance of their cave dwelling, taking deep breaths to calm their nerves. ¡°Let¡¯s avoid places like that in the future,¡± Lin Jing muttered. ¡°How do you feel?¡± he asked the Pine Leaf Mouse about the Buddhist light¡¯s effects. In response, the mouse pulled out one, two, three¡­ until seventy red leaves floated into the air. Lin Jing gasped at the sight of the dazzling display. ¡°Next time you meet a sword cultivator, you can show off with your own Ten Thousand Blades Return to the Sect.¡± Before the Buddhist light, the Pine Leaf Mouse, at Qi Refining seventh level, could only control fourteen leaves. Now, its mental strength was so formidable that it could command seventy with ease. Even if the Buddhist light had some peculiar side effects, they were willing to overlook them! Lin Jing himself noticed that constructing Purple Qi for his Illusionary Path techniques had become easier and more efficient. ¡°But if I had to name something strange¡­¡± Lin Jing mused, ¡°the images of Buddhist figures like Fa Hai and Buddha have grown sharper in my mind, as if the ¡®Buddhist essence¡¯ has taken root.¡± ¡°Could the light have altered something deeper?¡± he wondered aloud. ¡°I should find an expert to examine me.¡± Shaking off the thought, he turned to the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Want to try the Leap of Tiandu again?¡± Returning to Cloud Cultivation Peak, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, now fortified by the Buddhist light, prepared for another attempt. This time, the Pine Leaf Mouse ascended effortlessly. Riding a single red leaf, it soared through the sky, pushing through the oppressive pressure with ease. Soon, it reached the summit and gazed down upon Tiandu Peak. The view was breathtaking: an expansive mountaintop crowned by an ancient divine pine tree. Unlike ordinary pines, this one glowed with a crystalline emerald hue. Its trunk shimmered with spiritual energy, its branches golden-green, radiating an air of majesty and mystery. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse froze, its gaze locked on the Tiandu Divine Pine. Then it noticed something alarming¡ªthe tree extended a branch toward it. The summit was devoid of other living creatures, making it clear that the guardian deity of Tiandu was not a beast but a sentient plant spirit¡ªa pine tree! It was over! The Pine Leaf Mouse quickly called for Lin Jing¡¯s help. After all, it had eaten countless pine cones since birth. Who would have thought that the sect¡¯s guardian deity¡¯s natural enemy was actually me? No wonder no Pine Leaf Mouse had ever succeeded in making this leap. My ancestor died unjustly! Chapter 51: The Demonic Technique! Chapter 51: The Demonic Technique! At the summit of Tiandu Peak, the Pine Leaf Mouse trembled under the shade of the majestic golden-green Divine Pine. There was nothing more terrifying than realizing your food had developed intelligence¡ªand far more power than you. Even when faced with Lin Jing¡¯s illusions of eagles and snakes, the mouse hadn¡¯t felt this shaken. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s paws twitched as it straightened its robe, pressed its palms together, and knelt in a bow. The Beast Tamer was right¡ªcultivation must proceed one step at a time. Rushing ahead only leads to unpredictable disasters... ¡°Squeak... Pine Leaf Mouse of the Beast Taming Sect pays its respects to the sect¡¯s ancestral deity!¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming to help!¡± Lin Jing yelled as he scrambled up Tiandu Peak. Having received the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s plea for help, he ignored the peak¡¯s status as a restricted area for ordinary disciples. Since the mouse had reached the summit through legitimate means, Lin Jing figured there was no harm in following. Thankfully, the mountain¡¯s suppressive aura didn¡¯t seem to target humans. Reaching the summit quickly, Lin Jing was stunned silent by the sight of the Divine Pine. If his memory served correctly, before the Celestial Alliance Era, plants could indeed develop intelligence. However, during the fall of the Immortal Palace, the rules of the Celestial Continent were rewritten to eliminate rebellion. This change made it nearly impossible for vegetation to gain sentience. While there were many beasts capable of cultivation, intelligent plant spirits were now rarer than one in ten thousand. And yet, the guardian deity of Tiandu Peak was a pine tree that had achieved sentience! ¡°Lin Jing, future Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, greets the honored ancestor,¡± Lin Jing said, bowing alongside the Pine Leaf Mouse. (As for who had named him Holy Son, one could ask the Black Bear Monster.) ¡°Be at ease,¡± a neutral voice echoed across the mountain. ¡°I was once bound by a contract with your sect¡¯s second sect master. I will not harm you.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse exhaled in relief, grateful that its food wouldn¡¯t eat it in return. ¡°Honored ancestor, we came after hearing the tale of the Squirrel¡¯s Leap of Tiandu,¡± Lin Jing explained, justifying their intrusion. ¡°A Pine Leaf Mouse¡­¡± The Divine Pine¡¯s unseen gaze settled on the trembling mouse, making it shift uncomfortably. ¡°After all these years, a Pine Leaf Mouse with the potential of a Beast King has finally appeared. Your ancestor¡¯s efforts have not been in vain.¡± The Divine Pine seemed reflective. ¡°I will honor my promise to pass down teachings.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± The Divine Pine paused. ¡°You possess a Longevity Body?¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The revelation startled Lin Jing. Despite wearing the pendant Elder Mo had given him to hide his physique, the Divine Pine had seen through it instantly. ¡°No wonder this Pine Leaf Mouse is so exceptional¡ªit has signed a blood contract with a Longevity Body, altering its fate.¡± The Divine Pine turned to the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°What technique do you desire?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse froze. Was it really about to be taught? Lost in thought, it glanced back at Lin Jing before turning back to the Divine Pine with resolve. It wanted... Longevity Arts! As the Divine Pine had said, Lin Jing possessed a Longevity Body, but the Pine Leaf Mouse was not a long-lived species. Over time, it had grown used to cultivating alongside Lin Jing. To remain by his side, it begged the Divine Pine for a technique to extend its life. But was such a technique possible? ¡°That is not difficult. I have a demonic technique that, if modified, can be granted to you,¡± the Divine Pine said. The words sent shockwaves through Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Demonic technique?! ¡°Honored ancestor... our sect is a righteous one,¡± Lin Jing ventured cautiously. ¡°The demonic nature applies to me,¡± the Divine Pine explained calmly. ¡°The technique in question harvests the essence of vegetation to extend life. As a sentient plant, using it against my kind makes it a demonic technique. For humans or beasts, however, it¡¯s just another method.¡± Understanding dawned on Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. At the same time, they gained a deeper understanding of Tiandu Peak¡¯s guardian deity: a plant spirit, and from the perspective of its kind... a demonic cultivator. No wonder the Divine Pine remained calm in the presence of a Pine Leaf Mouse that had eaten countless pine nuts¡ªit had done far worse. With a flash of green light, a technique name appeared in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mind: The Green Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art! Absorbed in the wonder of the technique, the Pine Leaf Mouse closed its eyes. The Green Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art allowed the user to absorb spiritual energy and convert it into Green Emperor Qi, which could be used to control plants or drain their life essence to extend lifespan. However, the art had a cap on the lifespan it could provide at each level. As one advanced, ordinary plants would no longer suffice¡ªonly high-grade spiritual plants or even celestial flora would do. ¡°The technique has been passed on. Do you have any other requests? If not, you should leave,¡± the Divine Pine said. Lin Jing quickly bowed. ¡°Honored ancestor, do you know of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and the Buddhist light within it?¡± ¡°We trained there and gained strength from the light, but it left us with an uneasy feeling.¡± The Divine Pine fell silent briefly. ¡°I am familiar with it and its creator.¡± ¡°You need not worry; the Buddhist light is harmless.¡± ¡°It is a manifestation of his Buddha Core Technique, designed to unlock potential in low-level cultivators. Its primary effect is granting recipients a minor affinity for Buddhist arts.¡± ¡°Back then, those monks entered the Ancient Celestial Kingdom intending to spread their teachings. When forbidden from doing so openly, they adopted this indirect method¡ªoffering ¡®fortuitous opportunities¡¯ to foster ties with Buddhism.¡± ¡°After exposure to the Buddhist light, practicing Buddhist techniques or spells will become significantly easier for you. That¡¯s all. The monks hoped some cultivators would eventually switch to their faith.¡± Lin Jing nodded in understanding. ¡°So it¡¯s a subtle recruitment tactic.¡± ¡°If you dislike Buddhism, I can remove the Buddhist affinity from you,¡± the Divine Pine offered. Lin Jing clasped his hands. ¡°Thank you, honored ancestor. Knowing it¡¯s harmless is enough. Personally, I view Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or even demonic arts as tools. I hold no special biases.¡± As a modern individual, Lin Jing¡¯s philosophy was simple: whether praying to Buddha or the Dao, as long as it didn¡¯t cost money, he was open to all beliefs. Daoist techniques, Buddhist techniques, or even demonic techniques¡ªif they got the job done, that was all that mattered. ¡°You¡¯re not concerned about being subtly converted to Buddhism?¡± the Divine Pine asked. ¡°Honored ancestor, with my Longevity Body, I could outlast their attempts and ascend as a Buddha myself.¡± The Divine Pine was silent. ¡°You may leave,¡± it finally said, deciding that this Longevity Body¡¯s irreverence was too aggravating. In its time, it had created demonic techniques to cling to life, while this human could effortlessly transcend as a Buddha or Daoist. Truly infuriating. Descending from Tiandu Peak, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were overjoyed with their gains. However, before they had gone far, they heard a mournful cry from the summit¡ªa magpie¡¯s dirge. Many figures rushed toward the Mission Hall. Lin Jing stopped a fellow Inner Sect disciple to ask, ¡°Senior Brother, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°The magpie¡¯s cry signals tragedy. An inner disciple encountered danger during a mission outside the sect. It¡¯s said to be Senior Brother Ouyang Hao, the task fanatic. He¡¯s been brought back, but his life is hanging by a thread!¡± Hearing this, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s faces fell. Senior Brother Ouyang?! Hello, readers! A fresh chapter is waiting for you! Love what we do? Cheer us on with a 5-star rating for BOTI Translator Team on NovelUpdates. Your support fuels us! ???????? Chapter 52: The Protector Chapter 52: The Protector In the Inner Sect Mission Hall, Senior Brother Ouyang Hao and his fox spirit lay unconscious on a warm jade bed, their condition critical. Ouyang Hao¡¯s body was covered in frost, his skin pale as snow, and his hair had turned into icy threads that emanated a chilling aura. His fox spirit companion, likewise, was entirely white, its fur frozen stiff as it lay comatose. No matter how much the Mission Hall elder tried to nourish them with spiritual energy or call out to them, neither showed any response. Nearby, the magpie spirit responsible for issuing the mission was weeping bitterly, blaming itself for failing to bring good fortune to the disciples sent on external tasks. --- ¡°How is Senior Brother Ouyang?¡± Many Inner Sect disciples crowded around, deeply concerned. Seeing his grave condition, they asked the magpie spirit anxiously, ¡°Elder Magpie, what mission was Senior Brother Ouyang on? How could someone of his strength end up like this?¡± Lin Jing also arrived at the hall and heard the magpie spirit¡¯s response. ¡°The Great Wasteland Domain, Snow Moon City,¡± the magpie spirit began, anger flickering in its tear-filled eyes. ¡°Our sect manages a Beast Valley near the city, where we rear many snow rabbits, a core industry of the sect. ¡°A few months ago, disciples in the valley reported snow rabbits mysteriously disappearing. Beyond that, many ice beasts in Snow Moon City have also vanished under strange circumstances. To investigate, the sect issued a mission.¡± ¡°Many disciples went to Snow Moon City, and Ouyang Hao was among them. But barely after arriving, this happened to him!¡± ¡°Stealing our spiritual beasts and harming our disciples¡ªthis enmity cannot go unavenged!¡± --- Examining Ouyang Hao, Elder Shen from Danxia Peak, an expert in alchemy and medicine, furrowed her brows deeply. Despite her best efforts, including feeding him and the fox spirit red elixirs, there was no improvement. ¡°This injury is unusual and appears to result from a strange technique. My spiritual energy cannot counteract it. If it weren¡¯t for their abundant Yang energy, they¡¯d already be frozen corpses,¡± Elder Shen said grimly. At that moment, Elder Mo arrived, his urgency palpable. Even though Lin Jing had brought back critical intelligence from the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, Elder Mo had temporarily set that matter aside to address Ouyang Hao¡¯s plight. ¡°Elder Shen, is there no way to treat this frost injury?¡± Elder Mo asked, his face dark. Elder Shen shook her head. ¡°If I had more time, I might devise a solution. But in their current state, time is a luxury we don¡¯t have.¡± S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the ancestor!¡± Elder Mo said, quickly taking Ouyang Hao and the fox spirit to seek aid from the guardian ancestor Wang Batian at Clear Pool Peak. With most of the sect¡¯s elders accompanying the sect master on external missions, the tortoise ancestor was one of the few left in the sect. The Inner Sect disciples, now witnessing the dire severity of Ouyang Hao¡¯s injuries, dispersed in fear. The mysterious injury that even a Nascent Soul elder couldn¡¯t cure left them deeply wary of the Snow Moon City investigation mission. --- ¡°We need to check on them,¡± Lin Jing said, worry etched on his face. Ouyang Hao was one of his closest friends in the sect, and he couldn¡¯t sit idly by. The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded, and together they headed to Clear Pool Peak, where the tortoise ancestor was also at a loss. ¡°This injury appears to be the work of demonic techniques,¡± Wang Batian said. ¡°It¡¯s similar to the Nether Ghostfire of the Netherworld Hall, which is notoriously difficult to heal with conventional methods. This frost may be a variation.¡± Elder Mo, growing increasingly desperate, could only pace. Ouyang Hao was a disciple he had personally mentored and someone the sect master had great hopes for. He refused to see such talent perish. ¡°Honored ancestor, is there truly no way to save them?¡± Lin Jing asked, stepping forward. ¡°His survival is tenuous,¡± Wang Batian explained. ¡°As a Primordial Yang Body, his Yang energy is counteracting the frost damage, and the fox spirit survives due to its bond with him and its own Yang-based cultivation. But the frost is spreading, and their condition won¡¯t hold for long.¡± Determined, Lin Jing approached Ouyang Hao and the fox spirit. Gently picking them up, he turned to Elder Mo. ¡°Elder, please take me to Tiandu Peak. I wish to seek help from the guardian deity there.¡± ¡°What?¡± Elder Mo glanced at Lin Jing in surprise. ¡°You succeeded in meeting that being?¡± Lin Jing nodded firmly. Having just received guidance from the Divine Pine, he knew it might be his only hope, even if asking for help so soon was presumptuous. ¡°Very well!¡± Elder Mo, desperate for a solution, agreed. ¡°Perhaps the guardian deity can provide aid.¡± Even the tortoise ancestor was stunned. ¡°That monster is willing to see people now? Not even successive sect masters could meet it easily¡­¡± --- At Tiandu Peak, Lin Jing carried Ouyang Hao and ascended without resistance. Standing before the Divine Pine, he wasted no time in explaining. ¡°Honored Divine Pine, this is Ouyang Hao, a disciple of the current sect master. He was injured during a mission outside the sect. His wounds are beyond the abilities of our elders to heal. I beg you, please lend your aid.¡± ¡°I made an agreement with your second sect master to assist only in matters of life and death for the Beast Taming Sect. I am not obliged to save individual disciples,¡± the Divine Pine replied flatly. ¡°Squeak squeak squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse chimed in, pleading earnestly. The Divine Pine, however, remained unmoved. ¡°I understand¡­¡± Lin Jing said after a moment, his voice resolute. ¡°My most valuable possession is my Longevity Body. I am willing to trade blood from my Longevity Body for your assistance in saving them. Please, grant us this chance.¡± The Divine Pine fell silent, then replied, ¡°There is no need for such a sacrifice. Even I cannot fully heal them. This is no ordinary frost injury but the result of a poison technique. Such a poison is extremely rare and cannot be eradicated through cultivation alone. You must locate the poison¡¯s source to treat them.¡± Lin Jing frowned, sensing the enormity of the task. However, he couldn¡¯t let Ouyang Hao die. --- Returning to Cloud Cultivation Peak, Lin Jing descended with Ouyang Hao, meeting a concerned Elder Mo. ¡°What did the guardian deity say?¡± Elder Mo asked urgently. ¡°The Divine Pine cannot cure the poison but identified it as stemming from a rare toxic technique,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°The only way to counter it is to find the poison¡¯s origin.¡± ¡°A poison technique?¡± Elder Mo muttered. ¡°Many in Snow Moon City cultivate ice-based techniques, but poison techniques¡­¡± His face darkened. ¡°Whoever is behind this is undoubtedly the culprit responsible for the disappearance of the snow beasts. Ouyang Hao must have uncovered a lead and was silenced. Curse them!¡± Turning to Lin Jing, he saw the young disciple bowing solemnly. ¡°Elder, I request permission to take over Ouyang Hao¡¯s mission. I will go to Snow Moon City, investigate the case, and find the poison source to save him.¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Elder Mo rejected instantly. ¡°The Enforcement Hall and the sect elders will handle this. You¡¯re just a Qi Refining cultivator¡ªit¡¯s too dangerous. As a Longevity Body, you should focus on cultivating in safety!¡± Lin Jing shook his head, his resolve unyielding. ¡°Elder, Ouyang Hao once saved my life, rescuing me from the Yin Corpse Sect. He has helped me countless times in the sect. I cannot sit idly by.¡± ¡°I understand your concern for my safety, but some things must be done personally. If I ignored this, I would regret it forever.¡± ¡°And what meaning does longevity have if one¡¯s life is filled with regrets?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse crossed its arms, its robe billowing as it stood firmly by Lin Jing¡¯s side. Elder Mo sighed, recognizing the determination in Lin Jing¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re as stubborn as a mule. Very well. But I can only allow this because of the Divine Pine¡¯s protection.¡± ¡°Protection?¡± Elder Mo blinked. ¡°The Divine Pine agreed to aid you?¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°The Divine Pine promised to act as my protector during this mission. With its strength, we should be safe. It also said the poison is highly unusual, and even it would need the source to attempt a cure.¡± Elder Mo stared at Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, both radiating determination, and finally relented. ¡°Very well. Go. Ouyang Hao is fortunate to have a friend like you¡± Chapter 53: First Time Leaving the Sect! Chapter 53: First Time Leaving the Sect! The Longevity Body was leaving the sect, and no one could stop him. However, with the Divine Pine accompanying him as his protector, the elders were quite reassured about Lin Jing''s safety. Elder Mo handed over the information the sect had gathered about the mission, passing it to Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse as they packed their things. "Snow Moon City is already on lockdown. That demonic cultivator should still be in the city," Elder Mo said. "I suggest not launching a large-scale operation just yet," Lin Jing said as he accepted the report. "If the sect''s Law Enforcement Hall and elders all mobilize, it will likely alert the enemy. The demonic cultivator might go into hiding and cease any further actions. It''s better if I go alone. The sect just needs to ensure no one leaves Snow Moon City secretly." "How do you plan to investigate?" Elder Mo asked. "Several inner sect disciples went to Snow Moon City to investigate the ''beast disappearances,'' but only Senior Brother Ouyang fell victim. As you said, he must have discovered something significant. I plan to start with his movements in the city," Lin Jing explained. "But considering how little we know, any clues might already be hard to find. At this point, we can only rely on the Divine Pine''s abilities. Given its cultivation realm, it should be able to detect any anomalies immediately." Lin Jing browsed through the information. Based on reports from Beast Valley in Snow Moon City, Senior Brother Ouyang had only visited three places after his arrival: 1. The City Lord''s Manor. 2. Beast Valley. 3. Lotus Pavilion. Senior Brother Ouyang went to the City Lord''s Manor to gather more information about the spirit beast disappearances. Apart from the Beast Taming Sect issuing a mission, the City Lord''s Manor had also posted a bounty. Reportedly, the City Lord of Snow Moon City, Tang Qinghan, had personally received Ouyang Hao after learning that he was highly regarded by the Beast Taming Sect Master and might become a true disciple of the sect master. "City Lord Tang Qinghan: early Golden Core stage, possesses the innate Ice Spirit Body, practices the ''Frost Soul Art,'' and has ruled Snow Moon City for sixty years. The Tang family is deeply rooted in Snow Moon City, holding a dominant position but maintaining a stellar reputation and enjoying the love of the populace." Continuing, Lin Jing read about Beast Valley, a property of the Beast Taming Sect, renowned for raising snow rabbits with exquisite meat. Using unique secret techniques, the sect raised these rabbits to supply the entire Great Wasteland Domain, making Beast Valley one of the sect''s primary sources of income. The missing beasts that prompted Ouyang Hao''s mission came from reports of snow rabbit disappearances there. "Valley Master He Xu: late Foundation Establishment stage, third disciple of Elder Jiang, and an expert in nurturing pet beasts." Lastly, there was Lotus Pavilion, the largest merchant association in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, with operations extending even beyond to Qingzhou and Martial Emperor City. The Lotus Pavilion branch in Snow Moon City was small. Senior Brother Ouyang only visited the branch to purchase yang-nourishing pills and was warmly received by the branch master, thanks to an introduction from the City Lord. "Lotus Pavilion Branch Master Hua Qiandao: late Foundation Establishment stage, possesses the innate Fire Spirit Body, practices the ''True Fire Lotus Scripture,'' and has been the branch master here for ten years." The most popular product of the Lotus Chamber of Commerce was medicinal pills. "These three individuals are the most prominent figures Senior Brother Ouyang encountered in Snow Moon City. Let''s rule out the Valley Master... As for the City Lord and Hua Qiandao, given their strength and status, it seems unlikely they''d engage in such petty and disgraceful acts. It appears Senior Brother Ouyang had additional movements we¡¯re unaware of." Lin Jing pondered. "The intelligence is indeed insufficient," Elder Mo sighed. "No problem," Lin Jing said with a smile. "I have another plan. I¡¯ll use the ''Thousand Transformations'' technique to disguise myself as a snow rabbit, move into Beast Valley, and then transform into various rare ice spirit beasts to wander around. Since the culprit loves ice beasts, I''ll bait them by becoming an ice beast myself." Elder Mo was speechless. "..." This was your real plan from the start, wasn¡¯t it?! Once the culprit appeared, the Divine Pine would handle it. --- Although Lin Jing planned to go alone, the sect made adequate preparations. To ensure his journey was swift, they provided a Heavenfeather Crane for him and the Pine Leaf Mouse. The crane would enable him to reach Snow Moon City within half a day. The Divine Pine, however, would guard him from the shadows. "This huge... package." The Heavenfeather Crane, a creature Lin Jing was already familiar with, turned out to be the very same crane with a unique accent that delivered resources throughout the sect. It had even reached the early Foundation Establishment stage. Lin Jing retrieved the Pine Leaf Mouse and seated himself atop the crane. Watching Elder Mo see him off, he nodded. "Return safely," Elder Mo said. "Elder Shen will look after Ouyang Hao''s remains for now." "Let''s go. Please get me to Snow Moon City as quickly as possible," Lin Jing said with a deep breath, gazing at the distant clouds. This was his first time leaving the sect. "You got it!!!" the crane bellowed as it soared skyward at an incredible speed. Lin Jing closed his eyes and began cultivating as they ascended into the clouds. The crane flew faster and faster, and Lin Jing began to feel the chill in the air. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Great Wasteland Domain bordered the Snow Plains, and several cities near the plains were perpetually blanketed in snow. Snow Moon City was one of them. The recent incidents in Snow Moon City were possibly the work of demonic cultivators or Snow Plains cultivators. "Damn!" The Heavenfeather Crane suddenly exclaimed, jolting Lin Jing from his meditation. "What¡¯s wrong, Brother Crane?" Lin Jing asked. "Someone just zoomed past me at incredible speed!" "So?" Lin Jing asked curiously. "Do you think I¡¯d let them outpace me?" "You read my mind." With that, the crane surged forward at an even greater speed, leaving Lin Jing''s lips quivering in the cold. Before long, a black dot appeared ahead¡ªa white colt with dragon horns galloping through the sea of clouds. On its back lay a young man in black robes, sound asleep. "How can someone sleep at that speed?" Lin Jing muttered incredulously. As the Heavenfeather Crane closed in, the white colt glanced at it and silently picked up speed. Not to be outdone, the crane matched its pace. The intense turbulence finally woke the black-robed youth, who leaned over the cloud¡¯s edge and vomited. "Ugh¡­" After emptying his stomach, the youth glanced around in confusion before noticing the Heavenfeather Crane and Lin Jing atop it. "Brother, where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?" he asked. Lin Jing responded, "Shouldn''t I be asking you that?" The black-robed youth nodded. "Fair point. I am indeed in a hurry. I''m from the Demon-Slaying Bureau. My name is Gao Sheng. I¡¯ve heard rumors of demonic activity in Snow Moon City and came to investigate. If I¡¯m late, more innocent people and cultivators might suffer. So, I can¡¯t waste any time." Lin Jing smirked. "Since when can someone at the ninth stage of Qi Refinement become a Demon-Slaying Guardian?" He eyed the youth¡¯s Foundation Establishment steed¡ªa white dragon-horse¡ªand couldn¡¯t help but feel envious. Whose privileged child was this, coming out to "experience life"? Lin Jing¡¯s gaze lingered wistfully on the magnificent "white dragon-horse." Chapter 54: No Clear Truth Chapter 54: No Clear Truth As the two conversed, a powerful aura surged ahead, and a silver-armored cultivator stopped them in their tracks. "Snow Moon City is on lockdown. Entry is forbidden!" Both the Heavenfeather Crane and the white dragon-horse halted. Gao Sheng took out a token and declared, "Gao Sheng of the Demon-Slaying Bureau, here to exterminate demonic forces in Snow Moon City." Lin Jing also retrieved his token, adding, "Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect, here to investigate the beast disappearances." The silver-armored cultivator looked at the two¡ªriding Foundation Establishment mounts despite being only at the ninth and fourth levels of Qi Refinement¡ªand was at a loss for words. Gao Sheng glanced at Lin Jing. You''re here for demon hunting too? You think I¡¯m weak... but you¡¯re only at the fourth level! "Greetings. Your horse is truly magnificent," Lin Jing commented. "This is a dragon-horse. Don¡¯t get any ideas, you from the Beast Taming Sect," Gao Sheng replied defensively. After inspecting their tokens, the silver-armored cultivator reported their arrival. Before long, a middle-aged man with a face covered in thick, snow-white whiskers personally came to meet them. Lin Jing recognized the man from portraits: Tang Qinghan, the City Lord of Snow Moon City. Lin Jing was momentarily stunned. He hadn''t expected to receive the same treatment as Senior Brother Ouyang¡ªpersonally greeted by a Golden Core cultivator! "Young Master Gao¡­ Why are you here? How is your esteemed father?" the City Lord asked warmly, ignoring Lin Jing entirely. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "City Lord Tang, let¡¯s not confuse matters. I am Gao Sheng of the Demon-Slaying Bureau, not simply the son of the Gao family. I am here to solve this case and eliminate demons," Gao Sheng replied sternly. "This is my first case with the bureau, so I ask for your full cooperation." "Snow Moon City will fully support the Demon-Slaying Bureau," the City Lord assured him. Only then did he turn to Lin Jing. Lin Jing looked skyward, while the Heavenfeather Crane chimed in, "Beast Taming Sect! We¡¯re from the Beast Taming Sect!" "Oh, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect¡­ It is my dereliction of duty that your Senior Brother Ouyang Hao met his end in my city. I promise to find the culprit within a month and give your sect a proper explanation," the City Lord declared solemnly. "Thank you, City Lord. We¡¯re here to assist with the investigation," Lin Jing replied. "I am a disciple of Danxia Peak. I¡¯ve studied toxicology under my master for over two decades. The sect''s patriarch determined that Senior Brother Ouyang was poisoned, so I¡¯ve been sent to investigate." "Very well. Please, both of you, follow me into the city," the City Lord said as the snow fog dispersed, revealing towering walls ahead. --- At the City Lord¡¯s Manor, the City Lord intended to extend his hospitality to the two guests. However, Gao Sheng waved it off. "Let¡¯s skip the formalities. City Lord, I¡¯ve already gathered enough information about Snow Moon City¡¯s situation and have a preliminary idea of who the culprit is!" Gao Sheng proclaimed. "What?!" The City Lord was taken aback. Lin Jing, too, was surprised. Could this brother really have figured it out so quickly, even before the Divine Pine sensed anything? "First, Snow Moon City¡¯s property has been damaged, and a major sect disciple was attacked. These incidents create serious security concerns. Who suffers the most from this? The answer is obvious¡ªCity Lord Tang. If these issues worsen, your political career will undoubtedly take a hit," Gao Sheng explained. "Thus, while this may appear to be the work of demons, it¡¯s also possible that one of your enemies is disguising themselves as a demonic force!" "I conducted a detailed investigation before coming here. Lotus Pavilion¡¯s Branch Master, Hua Qiandao, came to this desolate city only to see his business severely hindered by your policies. His promotion prospects are dim. Just now, Brother Lin of the Beast Taming Sect mentioned that Senior Brother Ouyang was poisoned¡­ and Lotus Pavilion primarily deals in medicinal pills. Only they have sufficient knowledge of poisons!" Gao Sheng concluded confidently, "City Lord Tang, I urge you to arrest Lotus Pavilion¡¯s Branch Master Hua Qiandao immediately!" He fanned himself with an air of elegance as he spoke. City Lord Tang¡¯s expression turned odd. "Young Master Gao, while it¡¯s true that I had past disagreements with Hua Qiandao, we¡¯ve since reconciled. Snow Moon City and Lotus Pavilion have established deep cooperation through formal contracts. If I were to fall, so would he. We now share the same fate." Gao Sheng fell silent, continuing to fan himself. "Well¡­ just pretend I didn¡¯t say anything." Lin Jing cupped his hands and excused himself. He was beginning to doubt this Demon-Slaying Bureau operative¡¯s usefulness. "Senior Divine Pine¡­ is there anything unusual about the City Lord¡¯s Manor?" Lin Jing asked once outside, opening his palm to reveal a pine cone. A voice emanated from the pine cone. "No anomalies detected. The City Lord himself is not the problem. However, I now know what poison afflicted your Senior Brother." "What is it?" Lin Jing asked, startled. "Follow my guidance," the Divine Pine instructed. Lin Jing quickly complied, following the pine¡¯s directions until he reached a snowy grassland. He brushed aside the snow, uncovering several purple plants. "What do you see?" the Divine Pine asked. Lin Jing stared at the plants, lost in thought. After rifling through his mental compendium of botanical knowledge, he suddenly noticed red spots forming on his hand. "Split petals, serpentine leaves, causing rashes upon contact¡­ This is Feathered Insect Grass." "Correct," the Divine Pine affirmed. "Do you know where it thrives?" "In areas abundant with venomous insects, particularly near the Yunhai Mountain Range. Are you suggesting that my Senior Brother was harmed by venomous insects?" "Not just any venomous insects. The poison affecting him isn¡¯t something that would stump a Golden Core elder or a Nascent Soul patriarch," the Divine Pine explained. "This poison¡­ it belongs to the Gu God Sect. Only their peculiar Gu insects could produce something this insidious. Your Senior Brother must have been poisoned by a Child Gu. Find the Mother Gu, and the Ice Gu poison can be neutralized." --- "Brother Lin!" Gao Sheng suddenly appeared, catching up to Lin Jing. Lin Jing stashed the pine cone and regarded the privileged youth. "Brother Gao, what brings you here?" "I¡¯ve had a new revelation! So I ran away from the City Lord¡¯s Manor," Gao Sheng replied, looking anxious. "I suspect the culprit may be the Gu God Sect! My father once mentioned that the sect has been increasing its influence in our region by using Gu poison to control people. City Lord Tang might already be their puppet! After all, his cultivation technique and the Ice Gu poison seem to align suspiciously. The mastermind behind everything could be him!" Lin Jing: ? "Brother Gao, do you have any evidence?" Lin Jing asked. "None." "Then why are you even saying this?!" Lin Jing sighed. "If the City Lord were breeding Gu insects with beasts, given the Tang family¡¯s resources in Snow Moon City, would he need to steal snow rabbits from the Beast Taming Sect?" "Uh¡­ Brother Lin, you have a point," Gao Sheng muttered, falling deep into thought again. "Brother Lin, do you think it¡¯s possible¡­" He suddenly eyed Lin Jing warily, taking a step back. "Let me guess. You¡¯re about to suggest that the Beast Taming Sect, often dubbed the ¡®Beast Demon Sect,¡¯ might have internal collusion with demonic sects, harming itself to eliminate suspicion and cry wolf?" Gao Sheng was stunned. "How did you know?!" "Brother Gao, perhaps you should just go home and inherit your family¡¯s legacy!" Lin Jing retorted. Chapter 55: Baiting the Enemy Chapter 55: Baiting the Enemy ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t think I can solve this case?¡± Gao Sheng was visibly upset at Lin Jing¡¯s dismissive attitude. ¡°If you¡¯re also investigating this matter, let¡¯s see who cracks the case first!¡± he declared before storming off, leaving Lin Jing bewildered. ¡°He seems earnest about solving the case, but I have a feeling he¡¯s not cut out for it,¡± Lin Jing remarked. The Divine Pine interjected, ¡°He¡¯s a young human fledgling and still needs to grow. However, having a heart devoted to exterminating demons and defending justice is commendable, even if I am technically a demonic cultivator.¡± ¡°Senior Divine Pine, could you refrain from your hellish jokes?¡± Lin Jing replied dryly. Then, focusing back on the case, he said, ¡°So, Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s poisoning and the disappearance of spirit beasts in Snow Moon City¡ªthis isn¡¯t the work of people?¡± ¡°It¡¯s likely the work of an unclaimed Gu insect,¡± Divine Pine confirmed. ¡°The missing ice-elemental spirit beasts were probably devoured by the Gu insect. If a Gu Master were controlling it, there¡¯d be no reason to stir trouble in Snow Moon City. There are plenty of unowned ice beasts on the Snow Plains. Inviting conflict with the Beast Taming Sect and Snow Moon City would be suicide.¡± ¡°As for Senior Brother Ouyang, he was probably just unlucky¡­ Maybe his yang energy was so strong that it irritated the ice Gu, causing a reaction. Yang and yin energies clashing, perhaps?¡± ¡°Or maybe, since ice Gu are yin-aligned, it tried to balance itself by absorbing his yang energy,¡± Lin Jing mused. ¡°You¡¯re on par with Gao Sheng,¡± Divine Pine quipped. Lin Jing protested, ¡°I¡¯m at least a bit stronger, right?¡± ¡°Either way, if this is an unclaimed Gu insect, it¡¯s much easier to handle. Be it a regular insect or a Gu, they¡¯re not known for high intelligence,¡± Lin Jing said confidently. ¡°Senior Divine Pine, can you locate it?¡± ¡°If I couldn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t have accompanied you,¡± Divine Pine replied. ¡°But your method of finding it might be faster than mine.¡± --- Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before long, a snow-white rabbit with blue eyes was hopping through the snowy terrain. It was none other than Lin Jing, transformed using the Thousand Transformations technique. The snow rabbits raised in Beast Valley were generally at the first level of Qi Refinement and lacked sentience. Such rabbits were sufficient to attract the ice Gu, but Lin Jing upped the stakes. Though he had disguised himself as a Qi Refinement rabbit, this rabbit had a faint wound on its leg, exuding a subtle aura of longevity blood. For beasts, this blood was an irresistible temptation. For Gu insects, it was no different. ¡°Hop~ hop~¡± Lin Jing sang softly as he bounced around in the snow. Through a night of icy winds, Lin Jing¡¯s face turned purple from the cold. He glanced into his Beast Space and saw the Pine Leaf Mouse resting comfortably, polishing its Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, completely at ease. ¡°Come out,¡± Lin Jing grumbled, dragging the Pine Leaf Mouse out. Using illusions, he disguised it as another rabbit. ¡°You¡¯re not going to need to fight with Senior Divine Pine around. At least help me play bait.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse emerged reluctantly, its face filled with complaint¡ªit disliked both extreme heat and cold. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t long before reality spared them further misery. After Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse played the role of a legendary pair of rabbits for some time, Divine Pine stirred. ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Snowflakes drifting from the sky suddenly coalesced into white threads, resembling serpentine strands, and began reaching toward Lin Jing¡¯s rabbit form. Before the threads could touch him, the pine cone Lin Jing carried emitted a gold-green spiritual energy pulse. A golden resin emerged, enveloping and consuming the incoming threads, suspending them midair. ¡°Senior Divine Pine, how¡¯s that?¡± Lin Jing asked, staring at the resin trapping the intricate white threads. ¡°Huh? Threads only?¡± ¡°We failed,¡± Divine Pine admitted. ¡°As expected, this is no ordinary Gu insect.¡± ¡°It hasn¡¯t been born yet.¡± ¡°An unformed entity cannot be captured.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse squeaked in disbelief, suspecting Divine Pine was just making excuses for its failure. An unborn Gu can eat snow rabbits? Ridiculous! ¡°Do you know how a Gu insect is created?¡± Divine Pine asked. ¡°You place several venomous insects in a container and let them fight until only one survives, absorbing all the others¡¯ toxins. The last one standing becomes the Gu,¡± Lin Jing recited the basic process. ¡°Correct. Gu insects are not born naturally; they are cultivated by human hands. This is why their forms vary widely. Among the countless Gu insects created by the Gu God Sect, ten are considered extraordinary.¡± ¡°These rare Gu insects take the form of venomous creatures but are composed entirely of elemental energy. They are immortal¡ªeach time one is destroyed, it doesn¡¯t truly die. After centuries, it can regenerate in a location rich in its elemental affinity.¡± ¡°Although they lose all memories during rebirth, akin to reincarnation, their bloodline power remains intact. Each one is a king among Gu insects. If my judgment is correct, an ice-elemental rare Gu is about to be born here,¡± Divine Pine revealed. ¡°The white threads are its initial organs, absorbing nutrients to transform from formless to physical.¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were awestruck. No wonder the Gu God Sect managed to survive the Great Demon Purge that eradicated many other demonic sects in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. ¡°What should we do? Wait for it to be reborn and then capture it?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°That¡¯s the only option. But for now, you should focus on finding the real culprit behind your Senior Brother¡¯s injury,¡± Divine Pine advised. Lin Jing froze, suddenly realizing something was amiss. ¡°An unborn Gu insect only possesses primal instincts for feeding. Gu poison, however, is a deliberate attack mechanism of a matured Gu.¡± ¡°Could there be a Gu practitioner here waiting for the Gu¡¯s birth? Was my Senior Brother indeed harmed by a demonic cultivator?¡± Lin Jing speculated. ¡°Not necessarily a Gu God Sect practitioner, but definitely someone knowledgeable about Gu techniques,¡± Divine Pine replied. ¡°Newborn Gu insects seek a host to parasitize, entering a dormant state to grow stronger. Few cultivators would willingly become such a host due to the immense drawbacks.¡± ¡°But for those willing to endure the consequences, a Gu¡¯s power can be harnessed. This mutual dependency gave rise to Gu Masters. While this practice isn¡¯t inherently evil, most Gu Masters resort to using others as hosts, unwilling to part with the Gu¡¯s power.¡± ¡°Each type of Gu insect requires a specific parasitic environment. If someone knew a rare Gu would be reborn here, they could prepare their body to suit the ice Gu¡¯s needs, becoming its ideal host.¡± ¡°Furthermore, if this person obtained the method to refine a lesser Gu related to the rare Gu, they could first host the lesser Gu to improve compatibility with the ice Gu. The rare Gu¡¯s birthplace would also be the perfect site to refine its lesser counterpart.¡± ¡°An ideal host for an ice Gu¡­¡± Lin Jing immediately thought of the City Lord¡¯s innate Ice Spirit Body. Could Gao Sheng have been right? No, something didn¡¯t add up. While the ice Gu and Ice Spirit Body were compatible, why would the City Lord target Senior Brother Ouyang? As a Golden Core cultivator, he could easily defeat him. Furthermore, it was the City Lord¡¯s people who discovered the injured Ouyang and treated him promptly. ¡°Could the optimal host for an ice Gu actually have fire or yang attributes?¡± Lin Jing wondered aloud. ¡°If a cultivator with such a physique learned of the rare Gu¡¯s imminent rebirth and saw Senior Brother Ouyang as a threat to their suitability as a host, they might use a lesser Gu to harm him preemptively.¡± ¡°Could Gu insects be playing some yin-yang balancing game? Or is it simply that fire-aligned hosts don¡¯t freeze to death too quickly, giving the Gu a stable home?¡± Hey there, fans! The new chapter is out! Please support BOTI Translator Team with a 5-star review on NovelUpdates if you¡¯re enjoying our work. Thank you for being amazing! ???????? Chapter 56: I鈥檓 Really Not a Demonic Cultivator Chapter 56: I¡¯m Really Not a Demonic Cultivator The night was silent and still. Lin Jing stood outside the closed doors of the Lotus Pavilion in Snow Moon City. Inside resided Hua Qiandao, the Pavilion Master¡ªa cultivator with a Fire Spirit Body. Thinking back, it was strange for someone cultivating fire-element techniques to come to a freezing city like Snow Moon City for business. It suggested ulterior motives. Moreover, Senior Brother Ouyang had purchased yang-nourishing pills from this man, meaning they¡¯d had direct contact. Coupled with the current situation, Hua Qiandao was the prime suspect. While it was unclear how he¡¯d learned about the rare Gu or obtained methods for refining its lesser offspring, everyone had their own fortuitous encounters, making him the most likely culprit. ¡°Senior Divine Pine¡­ any findings?¡± Lin Jing asked. The Divine Pine scanned the area with its spiritual sense but didn¡¯t detect Hua Qiandao¡¯s presence. However, something else caught Lin Jing¡¯s attention¡ªa young man riding a white dragon-horse aimlessly through the snow. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Gao Sheng asked, trotting closer. ¡°I should be asking you the same thing,¡± Lin Jing retorted. ¡°I still think the Lotus Pavilion is suspicious,¡± Gao Sheng said, frowning. ¡°My father is Nascent Soul, my maternal grandfather is Soul Formation, and my entire family are Golden Lotus-tier customers of the Lotus Pavilion. While I personally don¡¯t care, every time I visit a city, the local Pavilion Master always comes to greet me. But Hua Qiandao hasn¡¯t even shown his face. What¡¯s he so busy with? Suspicious¡ªvery suspicious.¡± ¡°Even the Golden Core City Lord isn¡¯t as busy as him!¡± Gao Sheng laid out his reasoning, pointing out Hua Qiandao¡¯s peculiar behavior. ¡°For once¡­ that makes sense,¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°You agree this time?¡± Gao Sheng said, surprised. ¡°Well, if your grandfather is Soul Formation, everything you say must be right,¡± Lin Jing quipped, astonished by the extent of Gao Sheng¡¯s background. ¡°And frankly, I¡¯m starting to suspect Hua Qiandao myself.¡± ¡°Finally, we agree!¡± Gao Sheng beamed. ¡°Also, I¡¯ve investigated¡ªHua Qiandao is nowhere to be found tonight. I suspect he realized his scheme was about to be exposed and fled upon hearing that a genius investigator like me had arrived.¡± ¡°Fleeing seems unlikely. More likely, his plan has reached its final stage,¡± Lin Jing said, gazing at the moon. As snow continued to fall, countless thread-like lines began descending from the clouds, resembling a vast spider web weaving itself across the sky. Gao Sheng looked up and gasped, his mouth slightly agape. ¡°Spiders¡ªso many spiders!¡± On the white web spanning the entire city, fist-sized spiders began hatching, each radiating significant demonic energy. The spiders dropped from the web and attacked any living being they encountered. Several lunged at Lin Jing and Gao Sheng without warning. ¡°What the hell are these things?¡± Gao Sheng exclaimed, brandishing his fan. With a powerful wave, a terrifying gust obliterated the incoming spiders. ¡°These are¡­ parasitic Gu,¡± Lin Jing muttered, pulling out his Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. With a thunderous shot, the spiders attacking him were blasted to pieces. ¡°Whoa, Brother Lin! What kind of treasure is that?¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes lit up, captivated by the weapon. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be more concerned about what these things are?¡± Lin Jing shot back, scanning the area. The number of spiders was staggering¡ªthousands, perhaps tens of thousands, swarmed the streets. This was just what he could see at a glance; the entire city was likely overrun. ¡°You mentioned parasitic Gu earlier?¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s expression darkened. Parasitic Gu were a rank below lesser Gu. If lesser Gu were commanders, parasitic Gu were soldiers. They typically appeared en masse when a Gu King was about to emerge, siphoning nutrients to support the newborn Gu King. ¡°There really is a Gu King¡­¡± Gao Sheng muttered. At that moment, a beam of icy light streaked across the sky. City Lord Tang Qinghan descended beside Gao Sheng, his face grim. ¡°Young Master Gao, are you all right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Gao Sheng replied. ¡°City Lord Tang, a Gu King is about to emerge in Snow Moon City!¡± The spiders, seemingly sensing that Lin Jing and Gao Sheng were formidable, redirected their attacks elsewhere, scattering through the city. ¡°There¡¯s likely a Gu God Sect demonic cultivator hiding in the city!¡± Gao Sheng declared. ¡°Their goal must be to refine the Gu King.¡± His expression shifted as he recalled his earlier suspicions¡ªTang Qinghan was the most probable suspect. He subconsciously retreated behind his dragon-horse. ¡°Fear not, Young Master Gao. I will protect you,¡± Tang Qinghan reassured, though his scalp tingled with dread. His political career felt as fragile as the spider silk above. Nevertheless, he prioritized Gao Sheng¡¯s safety, dispatching his guards to contain the chaos in the city. ¡°It¡¯s the rare Gu preparing to be reborn,¡± Divine Pine informed Lin Jing through spiritual communication. ¡°Hua Qiandao is likely hiding, waiting for the Gu to emerge so he can absorb its power and escape.¡± ¡°Senior Divine Pine, can you locate him?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°He¡¯s only at the Foundation Establishment stage. Even if he absorbs the Gu, he shouldn¡¯t be a match for you.¡± ¡°With you here, he won¡¯t be able to absorb it,¡± Divine Pine said, chuckling. Lin Jing¡¯s expression turned peculiar as an unsettling thought crossed his mind. Suddenly, dazzling blue light surged through the spider web above. Directly overhead, a tiny spider, no larger than a fingernail and made entirely of ice crystals, began to form. Though small, its aura radiated extreme cold, freezing even the raging blizzard and making time itself seem to slow. ¡°Is that¡­?¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s pupils shrank. ¡°Could it be the Ice Soul Gu, one of the ten legendary rare Gu of the Gu God Sect? It was thought to have vanished for a thousand years. Why is it reborn here?¡± ¡°The Ice Soul Gu?¡± Tang Qinghan¡¯s expression turned grim. Each of the Gu God Sect¡¯s ten rare Gu was a calamity. If it fell into the hands of a demonic cultivator, it would become an unparalleled threat. ¡°Where¡¯s the Gu God Sect¡¯s demonic cultivator?!¡± Tang Qinghan barked, on high alert. But before anyone could react, the Ice Soul Gu shot downward like a streak of icy light, piercing directly into Lin Jing¡¯s body. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Damn, I¡¯m going to turn into a demonic cultivator!¡± Lin Jing inwardly screamed. ¡°Even if a Fire Spirit Body or Primordial Yang Body were suitable hosts, nothing compares to a Longevity Body,¡± Divine Pine said, amused. ¡°With your life force and nutrients, the Ice Soul Gu would naturally choose you over any other prepared host.¡± ¡°Let it enter your body. It¡¯s the key to resolving the Ice Gu poison affecting your Senior Brother. Don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll seal it inside you, preventing it from absorbing your energy. This is also an opportunity for you. Didn¡¯t you once say all techniques, even demonic ones, are just tools? Once you¡¯re strong enough, you can refine it. I¡¯ll handle the Demon-Slaying Bureau.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it literally!¡± Lin Jing snapped as bone-chilling cold erupted from his body. The ice energy rivaled Foundation Establishment levels, transforming his hair to snow-white and his eyes to icy blue. Gao Sheng staggered back in shock. ¡°So it¡¯s you! You¡¯re the Gu God Sect demonic cultivator! The Gu King merged with you!¡± ¡°Demonic cultivator my !¡± Lin Jing growled through gritted teeth. Moments later, a pine cone-shaped seal appeared on the back of his hand, stabilizing the energy. His hair and eyes reverted to their original state. Meanwhile, in a hidden cavern elsewhere in the city, Hua Qiandao watched the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s rebirth with joy¡ªuntil it failed to choose him as its host. His face turned red, and he spat blood before collapsing. ¡°My Gu! My ten-years-in-the-making Gu! The Gu manual lied! Why didn¡¯t it choose my Fire Spirit Body?!¡± Chapter 57: The Cold Moon Sword Immortal Chapter 57: The Cold Moon Sword Immortal The atmosphere outside the Lotus Pavilion turned awkward. Lin Jing no longer had the energy to explain himself. Witnesses: Tang Qinghan, the City Lord of Snow Moon City. Evidence: The Ice Soul Gu. And now, another "brilliant mind" was accusing him of being a demonic cultivator. He felt utterly exhausted. Considering Divine Pine¡¯s jokes about being a "demonic cultivator" and its teachings to the Pine Leaf Mouse about "demonic arts," Lin Jing figured his current situation was ironic yet fitting. He had almost become a demonic cultivator himself. "Detective Gao, stop speculating. I¡¯ll explain everything later. For now, we need to capture the real Gu practitioner behind all this..." Before Lin Jing could finish, everyone¡¯s attention shifted to the sky. At some point, a massive bronze ancient sword had appeared, blocking the moonlight as it hovered in the air. Standing atop the sword was a woman dressed in pure white, her cascading hair tied up with a simple jade hairpin. Under the cold moon, her robes fluttered gently in the wind, giving her the appearance of an immortal untouched by worldly dust. Her gaze, sharp and focused, swept over the endless parasitic Gu spiders infesting Snow Moon City. Then, her lips moved slightly, her words dissipating into the snowy wind. Without further delay, she reached for the white sword hanging at her waist. The sword hummed faintly, emitting a soft green glow. Hum! In the next instant, the surrounding air seemed to freeze. Thousands of sword lights burst forth from her blade, forming a dazzling array of icy swords that illuminated the heavens. "Go!" she commanded. The sword light rained down like a meteor shower, piercing the night sky with overwhelming power. Each strike obliterated the spiders on the ground. The Gu insects shrieked and writhed but were ultimately reduced to icy fragments that scattered into the wind. In mere moments, the cultivators clearing out the Gu insects in Snow Moon City realized the threat had vanished. They gazed upward in awe and disbelief. Even Gao Sheng was stunned as he stared at the figure on the ancient bronze sword. His expression turned grim. "I¡¯m doomed." As he spoke, the white-robed sword immortal descended gracefully. Her cold voice rang out, "Gao Sheng, you did not pass the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s assessment, yet you stole a Demon-Slaying token. Do you understand your crime?" "I¡¯ve been instructed to take you into custody." "Nooo!" Gao Sheng shouted. His dragon-horned white horse, sensing the game was up, sighed heavily and trudged off into the blizzard. "Could you be... the Cold Moon Sword Immortal, Feng Ning?" Tang Qinghan asked cautiously. "City Lord Tang, I will need a detailed report on the cause of this calamity in Snow Moon City," she said coolly. Tang Qinghan nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Sword Immortal, for intervening. Without your help, the city would have suffered immense losses in this Gu disaster." "Sister Feng, wait! Don¡¯t arrest me¡ªarrest him!" Gao Sheng pointed desperately at Lin Jing. "The Ice Soul Gu was reborn and entered his body!" Lin Jing, feeling increasingly wronged, raised his hand obediently. "I already said it¡¯s a misunderstanding," he muttered. His eyes turned to Feng Ning, recognizing her instantly. On the Tianji Pavilion¡¯s Celestial Rankings, Feng Ning, the Cold Moon Sword Immortal, ranked third on the Earth List of the Heaven-Earth-Human rankings. She was a peak Golden Core cultivator and the senior disciple of the Heavenly Sword Gate, the top sword sect in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Moreover, she was a member of the Demon-Slaying Bureau and had once single-handedly destroyed a demonic cultivator stronghold, slaying a Nascent Soul-stage demonic cultivator. The blood-soaked battlefield had earned her the moniker Blood Moon Sword Immortal. She was a true prodigy of the cultivation world, standing at its pinnacle. In comparison, Lin Jing, a minor talent of the Beast Taming Sect, was not even in the same league. Lin Jing couldn¡¯t fathom why such a legendary figure would come to the barren Great Wasteland Domain. He glanced at Gao Sheng and thought, So that¡¯s why a Qi Refinement-level disciple managed to infiltrate the Demon-Slaying Bureau. He stole an identity and now he¡¯s about to pay for it. Still, Lin Jing knew that if he didn¡¯t clear his name soon, he might also get arrested. "I¡¯ll give you a chance to explain," Feng Ning said, her gaze sharp as her sword. "Thank you, Immortal," Lin Jing said, meeting her eyes with a faint smile. "I¡¯m not trusting you. I just trust him less," Feng Ning replied, glancing disdainfully at Gao Sheng, whose face fell. "Am I really that unreliable?" he muttered. "Wise judgment, Immortal. Allow me to introduce myself¡ªI am Lin Jing, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. I came to Snow Moon City to investigate the disappearance of spirit beasts as part of a sect mission," Lin Jing began. "Upon arrival, I discovered the growth of ¡®Feathered Insect Grass¡¯ beneath the snow. As you all know, this poisonous plant thrives in areas teeming with venomous insects." "My Senior Brother, Ouyang Hao, was previously poisoned while investigating this case, the nature of which stumped even the sect¡¯s experts. This led me to suspect a rare Gu insect might be involved. Only a blend of multiple potent toxins could create such an intractable poison." "To identify the Gu, I used illusion techniques to bait it out. This revealed that the culprit was indeed one of the Gu God Sect¡¯s ten legendary rare Gu¡ªthe Ice Soul Gu." "When I found it, the Ice Soul Gu hadn¡¯t yet fully formed. Its poison had not developed, and it acted purely on instinct. This led me to deduce that a demonic practitioner had already prepared a lesser Gu and cultivated a compatible physique, hiding in Snow Moon City to absorb the rare Gu upon its rebirth." "My Senior Brother¡¯s Primordial Yang Body made him a likely host, and I suspect this person targeted him out of fear that the Gu would choose him instead. However, they couldn¡¯t predict that my Longevity Body, which far surpasses even their Fire Spirit Body, would be more appealing to the Gu." "And so, as you saw, the Gu chose me. I am completely innocent," Lin Jing concluded. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gao Sheng gaped in astonishment. "So that¡¯s the truth behind the beast disappearances and your Senior Brother¡¯s poisoning?" "Was it Hua Qiandao?" Tang Qinghan asked, his expression darkening. "But why would a Fire Spirit Body be suitable for the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s parasitism? Wouldn¡¯t my Ice Spirit Body be a better fit?" "The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s intense cold nearly froze itself to death during its creation. To counteract this, the Gu God Sect imbued it with an innate preference for yang-rich, heat-intensive environments to balance its own nature," Feng Ning explained. After Lin Jing¡¯s detailed explanation, Feng Ning seemed convinced. Her icy demeanor softened slightly as she studied him with interest. "Even so, a mere Qi Refinement fourth-level cultivator achieving all this¡ªoutmaneuvering a demonic practitioner¡¯s years of planning¡ªdefies logic. I¡¯m curious how you attracted the rare Gu and remained unharmed as its host," Feng Ning remarked. "Immortal, please don¡¯t take such casual interest in people," Lin Jing replied with a wry smile. "As the future Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, I must have some hidden talents, no?" "He¡¯s right, Sister Feng! This guy is no ordinary disciple. A Qi Refinement cultivator with a Foundation Establishment mount and Golden Core-grade treasures? If you told me he secretly has a Nascent Soul guardian, I¡¯d believe it. That¡¯s the kind of setup I should have!" Gao Sheng declared, spinning yet another theory. Chapter 58: Demon-Slaying Bureau Chapter 58: Demon-Slaying Bureau Cold Moon Sword Immortal Feng Ning cast a glance at Gao Sheng. For once, his wild guess wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. She did sense a faint, enigmatic presence of someone powerful lurking around Lin Jing. It was likely that someone truly formidable was secretly protecting him. ¡°The Hua Pavilion Master you mentioned¡ªis it this person?¡± From afar, a figure stumbled through the air. City Lord Tang Qinghan immediately recognized him. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Hua Pavilion Master?¡± Hua Qiandao appeared unconscious, his eyes wide open as if in disbelief. He wasn¡¯t flying under his own power; a small yellow bird carried him by the collar, dragging him to the group. The bird, clearly not a living creature, vanished into Feng Ning¡¯s sword upon completing its task, revealing itself to be a sword spirit. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That¡¯s him!¡± Tang Qinghan confirmed, glancing at the unconscious Pavilion Master. ¡°But¡­ what happened to him?¡± ¡°Probably fainted from rage,¡± Gao Sheng said gleefully. ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t? Losing a rare Gu King is probably more infuriating than losing a wife to another man. And with his Fire Spirit Body, he¡¯s even more prone to blowing up!¡± Now that the true culprit was captured, Lin Jing suggested, ¡°I believe everything is clear now. How about this: I¡¯ll take the Ice Soul Gu to cure my poisoned Senior Brother, while Sword Immortal Feng and Brother Gao take the Gu practitioner for interrogation. Everyone gets what they want¡ªdoesn¡¯t that sound fair?¡± Gao Sheng brightened at the mention of credit. ¡°From the moment we met, I knew you were a good person, Brother Lin.¡± ¡°Feng Ning, since the matter is resolved, let Brother Lin go save his Senior Brother. Saving lives comes first,¡± Gao Sheng urged. ¡°As for the Pavilion Master, let me handle the interrogation! I actually noticed something was off about him the moment I arrived. Didn¡¯t I, City Lord Tang?¡± Tang Qinghan wiped his brow nervously. Pure dumb luck. You got the result right, but your reasoning was way off. Feng Ning gave Gao Sheng a long, critical look. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll escort him to the Beast Taming Sect myself.¡± ¡°City Lord Tang, Gao Sheng, I¡¯ll leave the Gu practitioner to you for questioning,¡± she added, summoning the sword spirit back. The little yellow bird chirped as it reappeared, then spoke in a sharp, clear voice: ¡°If you two won¡¯t interrogate him, I¡¯ll do it myself. I love using torture for questioning¡ª9,999 sword strikes, and not one is fatal!¡± --- The colossal bronze sword took to the skies once more, now carrying Feng Ning and Lin Jing. The two stood side by side against the cold wind, both dressed in white. While the sword was fast, Lin Jing found himself missing the warmth of the Heavenfeather Crane¡¯s back. He glanced at Feng Ning, understanding she was "escorting" him primarily to monitor the Ice Soul Gu residing within him. ¡°Senior, are you going to reveal yourself now?¡± Feng Ning suddenly asked, directing her words at Lin Jing. As she spoke, the golden-green glow of the pine cone in Lin Jing¡¯s pocket intensified. Slowly, a figure materialized¡ªa hazy, humanoid silhouette formed entirely of spiritual energy, with no discernible features. Feng Ning regarded the apparition with respect. ¡°How should I address you, Senior?¡± ¡°Some call me the Demon Pine, others call me the Divine Pine. But those names are from the past. Now, I am his protector. You may call me Guardian Pine,¡± the figure said in a calm yet teasing tone. ¡°Senior, are you intending for him to host the Ice Soul Gu?¡± Feng Ning asked, ignoring the playful name. ¡°Why not? The Demon-Slaying Bureau deals with rare Gu in a similar way, sealing them in trusted hosts to prevent their misuse by the Gu God Sect,¡± Guardian Pine replied. ¡°I recall a certain Bureau cultivator, Liu Gongzhuo, who carries the Heavenly Flame Gu within his body.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Feng Ning admitted. ¡°But he¡¯s only at Qi Refinement stage. Hosting the Ice Soul Gu might put him in grave danger if the Gu God Sect learns about it.¡± ¡°No matter. He possesses the Longevity Body and Beast Taming techniques. If he bonds with a fire-elemental pet beast carrying a demon king¡¯s bloodline, he can counterbalance the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power. In fact, even without the Gu, the demonic sects wouldn¡¯t leave him alone. He¡¯s already a natural target. Why not leverage their infighting to weaken their forces?¡± ¡°You can let him join the Demon-Slaying Bureau,¡± Guardian Pine suggested. ¡°That way, the Ice Soul Gu remains under your supervision.¡± Lin Jing, standing to the side, felt his frustration bubble over. Are these people even human? ¡°Longevity Body¡­¡± Feng Ning murmured, her surprise evident. She now understood why the Ice Soul Gu had chosen Lin Jing over its preordained preferences. ¡°My constitution should already be recorded with the Bureau,¡± Lin Jing said with a wry smile. ¡°I see¡­¡± Feng Ning gave him a thoughtful look. After a pause, her lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Longevity Body, Ice Soul Gu¡­ This senior is right. Would you like to join the Demon-Slaying Bureau? I could use a teammate.¡± Lin Jing rolled his eyes. ¡°Sword Immortal, are you planning to use me as bait to lure out demonic cultivators? You¡¯re a Golden Core powerhouse asking a Qi Refinement cultivator to be your teammate¡ªdoes that make sense?¡± Feng Ning cleared her throat, her cool demeanor faltering for a moment. ¡°Of course not. I simply admire your talents. You showed remarkable abilities during the Snow Moon City incident.¡± She handed Lin Jing a jade token. ¡°This token is rare. With it, you can contact me anywhere in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Being a sect disciple doesn¡¯t conflict with serving as a Demon-Slaying Bureau operative. Think it over.¡± Feng Ning clearly believed Lin Jing was destined to clash with the demonic sects. With the Longevity Body and a rare Gu in his possession, he was practically a walking demonic bait. Lin Jing accepted the token reluctantly. Joining the Bureau sounded like a death sentence. He¡¯d rather enroll in a quiet academy like Hidden Dragon Academy and study in peace. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about my low cultivation level¡ªI¡¯m worried about yours. If you were at the Dao-Seeking stage, I¡¯d gladly team up with you, even as a mortal,¡± Lin Jing quipped. Feng Ning: ??? From his gourd, the Pine Leaf Mouse perked up, sensing familiarity in Lin Jing¡¯s tone. Why does this sound like something he¡¯s always said to me? And now he¡¯s using it on a Sword Immortal?! --- Meanwhile, Hua Qiandao had been revived and was undergoing brutal interrogation. Under the threat of "9,999 sword strikes," he confessed everything. As a youth, he¡¯d stumbled upon a cave and inherited the legacy of a deceased Gu Master. The inheritance included information about the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s rebirth, the method to refine its lesser Gu, and techniques to transform oneself into its ideal host. Hua Qiandao had painstakingly cultivated a Fire Spirit Body and eliminated all potential rivals. But in the end¡­ ¡°I refuse to accept this!¡± he wailed. ¡°Refuse my !¡± Tang Qinghan roared, removing his shoe and smacking Hua Qiandao across the face repeatedly. ¡°I vouched for you, and this is how you repay me? My career is ruined!¡± ¡°City Lord, take it easy. Don¡¯t kill him,¡± Gao Sheng chimed in, grinning. ¡°This case is a huge success for me. My first mission with the Bureau, and I broke a major case. As expected of me!¡± Tang Qinghan remained silent, knowing full well most of the credit belonged to Lin Jing. ¡°Of course, Brother Lin deserves recognition. He¡¯s talented. If only he joined the Bureau as my teammate¡­ But I can¡¯t shake the feeling he¡¯s eyeing my dragon-horse. Beast Taming Sect disciples¡ªthey don¡¯t chase beauties, but rare beasts? They can¡¯t resist.¡± Chapter 59: Offering Myself in Gratitude Chapter 59: Offering Myself in Gratitude Above the Great Wasteland Domain, a bronze ancient sword streaked across the sky. With astonishing speed, it arrived outside the Beast Taming Sect. Its formidable aura prompted many elders to emerge from their caves, raising their heads in unison. They gazed towards the clouds, unexpectedly seeing a familiar figure atop the ancient sword. After a slight bow towards the Sword Immortal of Lingyue, Lin Jing leaped off the sword, determined to make haste in detoxifying Senior Brother Ouyang. ¡°Pine Leaf Mouse, catch me!¡± As Lin Jing descended, unable to fly or land steadily on his own, he summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse. Layers of crimson leaves appeared beneath his feet, cushioning him as he stepped lightly. With hands clasped behind his back and robes billowing, he descended gracefully onto Danxia Peak, each step exuding elegance like lotus blossoms blooming beneath his feet. ¡°The Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect?¡± The Sword Immortal of Lingyue had no intention of lingering in the Beast Taming Sect after dropping Lin Jing off. Although the Ice Soul Gu still resided in Lin Jing¡¯s body, she judged that his protector, even in an avatar form, possessed Nascent Soul cultivation. The protector¡¯s true body was likely strong enough to suppress the Ice Soul Gu. Her main mission in the Great Wasteland Domain was to escort the troublesome Gao Sheng back to his sect. This individual, relying on the influence of his maternal grandfather in the Demon-Slaying Bureau, had wasted twenty years in debauchery, only to abruptly seek validation, causing considerable disruption in the process. ¡°Elder Shen!¡± Lin Jing arrived at Danxia Peak, stepping into the Veterinary Hall, where Elder Shen was attending to Senior Brother Ouyang. Due to the prevalence of spirit beasts in the Beast Taming Sect, injuries during disciples'' sparring often affected their companion beasts. Thus, the Veterinary Hall was established, serving as a treatment center not only for spirit beasts but also for Beast Tamers themselves. Here, ¡°beast¡± referred to both companion beasts and Beast Tamers. Inside the hall, aside from Elder Shen, there were several unfamiliar physicians. ¡°Lin Jing?¡± Elder Shen looked at Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse in surprise. ¡°You¡¯ve returned? And just now, that was¡­¡± ¡°A fairy from the Heavenly Sword Gate who brought me back,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°Thankfully, I¡¯ve located the source of Senior Brother Ouyang¡¯s poisoning. I request everyone here to vacate the room so I can concentrate on detoxifying him.¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The physicians were startled. A method to treat this rare poison? And brought back by a mere Qi Refining disciple? After a moment of hesitation, they bowed to Elder Shen and departed. Once the room was cleared, Lin Jing immediately examined Senior Brother Ouyang and asked, ¡°Senior Shen Song, what should I do next?¡± ¡°The poison from the Lesser Gu has now reached a stage where your Beast Taming Qi can neutralize it. As the host of the Ice Soul Gu, not only are you now immune to all poisons, but you can also cure countless rare poisons. I¡¯ll unlock a fraction of the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s seal, and you can use its power to expel the Gu poison,¡± Shen Song instructed. ¡°That simple?¡± Lin Jing nodded. Soon, the pinecone mark on the back of his hand glowed, and he felt a surge of power coursing through him. Drawing on his experience with the Purple Dragonbone Flower, Lin Jing recognized that this power was reshaping his Beast Taming Qi. He extended his hand, intending to unleash the refined Qi, but instead, several strands of white silk shot from his fingertips. Zzzzz¡­ The silk radiated an intense cold, appearing extraordinarily resilient. Lin Jing discovered he could maneuver it as flexibly as his own limbs. ¡°¡­¡± He froze, his mind racing. Have I become a spider demon? ¡°Pierce the silk into their bodies,¡± Shen Song instructed. Although feeling awkward, Lin Jing complied, threading the silk into Senior Brother Ouyang and the fox spirit Hong¡¯er. In that instant, Lin Jing sensed the invisible Gu poison entrenched deep within their souls. Surprisingly, he could now effortlessly absorb the toxins and command the Gu poison at will. Meanwhile, Elder Shen, watching Lin Jing wield the silk to detoxify, stood dumbfounded. What was¡­ this sorcery? In a short time, Lin Jing successfully extracted the toxins from both patients. Their complexions began to improve, gradually returning to normal. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Senior Brother Ouyang groaned in pain, but he had yet to regain full consciousness. ¡°The poison is neutralized. They¡¯ll recover after some rest,¡± Lin Jing reassured, retracting the silk. But no sooner had he spoken than a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him, and he collapsed. ¡°Squeak?!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse and Elder Shen panicked. Shen Song reappeared, manifesting through condensed spiritual energy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he explained. ¡°He¡¯s merely overexerted. Using the power of the Gu King at Qi Refining Stage Four is taxing. He just needs rest.¡± ¡°Tiandu¡¯s Guardian Deity!¡± Elder Shen exclaimed, bowing respectfully before realizing what had been said. ¡°Wait¡­ Gu King? What do you mean, using the Gu King¡¯s power?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse gave a subtle nod, as if to say: Yes, we now have our own demon cultivator in the Beast Taming Sect. Drip¡­ Drip¡­ Lin Jing stirred groggily, cold air hitting his face. ¡°This familiar sensation¡­ feels so familiar,¡± he muttered nonsensically. Thankfully, he wasn¡¯t in a damp prison. Instead, he found himself in an icy realm made of snow and spider silk. At the heart of this domain lay a spider entirely composed of ice. Majestic and regal, it exuded an aura of winter¡¯s sovereignty, its body bound by towering pine trunks inscribed with golden-green runes forming intricate sealing formations. ¡°The Ice Soul Gu¡­ is this¡­¡± Lin Jing murmured. ¡°This is your body¡¯s inner world. What you see now is just a sliver of your consciousness,¡± Shen Song appeared and explained. ¡°Senior Shen Song¡­¡± ¡°The Ice Soul Gu, often dubbed the embodiment of frost, is a fearsome Gu. While the Lesser Ice Soul Gu¡¯s poison in your senior brother was rare, the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s venom is even deadlier. Most Gu worms possess mind-controlling abilities, and the Ice Soul Gu is unparalleled in this regard,¡± Shen Song continued. ¡°Its poison can freeze a cultivator¡¯s Yin Spirit, transforming them into its puppet. Even if the cultivator¡¯s body is obliterated, the venom can preserve their Yin Spirit indefinitely, controlling their soul.¡± ¡°In essence, the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s capabilities surpass the corpse cultivation techniques of the Yin Corpse Sect and the soul manipulation techniques of the Nether Palace. Moreover, its extreme cold can instantly kill even those with innate frost physiques.¡± ¡°Hiss¡­¡± Lin Jing gasped at the chilling cold surrounding him. ¡°So¡­ am I really going to contract this thing?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s still in its infancy and sealed by me. As long as you contract a fire-type beast of significant bloodline power to counterbalance it, you¡¯ll be fine. For now, I¡¯ll teach you the Sacred Wood Seal to strengthen the bindings and allow you to harness some of its power in emergencies.¡± ¡°Thank you, Senior Shen Song.¡± ¡°Just remember your promise of Longevity Blood. If you renege, you¡¯ll learn what a demon pine truly is,¡± Shen Song warned. Lin Jing quickly assured, ¡°I won¡¯t¡­¡± Sometime later, Lin Jing awakened, finding himself in bed. Beside him sat a fox, a squirrel, and a frail figure keeping watch. Seeing him awake, the figure burst into tears, exclaiming, ¡°Brother! Thank you for saving me! If I¡¯m reincarnated as a woman, I¡¯ll offer myself to you!¡± ¡°Why¡­ does this feel like betrayal¡­¡± Lin Jing muttered weakly before passing out again. Chapter 60: Choosing a Fire Beast Chapter 60: Choosing a Fire Beast When Lin Jing woke again, Elder Yu, Elder Mo, and several others had come to visit. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During his rest, the story of the events in Snow Moon City had spread, thanks to the incessant embellishments of the Pine Leaf Mouse. It depicted itself heroically battling the Parasitic Gu Spider, supposedly at the cost of countless Spiritual Beans, and now it was requesting the sect to replenish its ¡°resources.¡± Elder Mo casually approved the request, more focused on the larger issue. No one had anticipated that the mission in Snow Moon City would involve the Lotus Pavilion and the Gu God Cult¡¯s Rare Gu. Even more surprising was how, in just a few days, an innocent Pine Leaf Mouse had grown so cunning. ¡°But hosting a Gu worm inside your body¡­ Is that really safe? Junior Brother, just don¡¯t end up turning into a demon cultivator for its sake,¡± Senior Brother Ouyang warned. Gu worms were notoriously difficult to manage, and the temptation to resort to questionable methods to sustain them often led cultivators astray. ¡°If you can¡¯t handle it, don¡¯t force yourself. Let it drain my strength instead; I¡¯ll bear the burden for you!¡± Ouyang offered earnestly. ¡°A Rare Gu like this¡­ it¡¯d be a shame not to keep it,¡± Elder Mo remarked. ¡°Who says Gu worms can¡¯t be beasts? Why can¡¯t they be tamed? If Senior Shen Song says it¡¯s fine and the Sword Immortal of Lingyue didn¡¯t object, then there¡¯s no issue.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Elder Yu chimed in. ¡°Plus, controlling puppets and mechanisms often uses Qi threads. With the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s silk, his mastery of mechanism techniques and control over mechanized beasts will only improve!¡± His mind was clearly preoccupied with thoughts of mechanism art. Lin Jing¡¯s lips twitched. Perhaps he could reconsider planting the black chili peppers Elder Black Bear had demanded he destroy. As Shen Song had said, ¡°Debts don¡¯t burden the debtor.¡± Now that he was a vessel for Gu worms, what harm could a few fiery experiments bring? ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. If I ever find it beyond my control, I¡¯ll stop,¡± Lin Jing assured them. ¡°But Senior Shen Song mentioned that to perfectly manage the Ice Soul Gu, it would be best to contract a fire beast after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, to balance its power. Does the sect have suitable fire beasts?¡± ¡°A fire beast would be perfect,¡± Elder Black Bear suddenly interjected from the doorway. ¡°With one, you¡¯d even have help refining pills!¡± His underlying meaning was clear: Lin Jing might not need the Beast Flame he had previously been promised. Elder Black Bear chuckled slyly. Even the Pine Leaf Mouse perked up. A fire beast would spare it from being forced to eat those dreaded chili peppers. ¡°Fire beasts¡­¡± Elder Yu pondered. ¡°The Fire Spirit Sparrow won¡¯t work. It¡¯s only of Spirit-level bloodline, and not even particularly strong within that rank. It¡¯s fine as a basic companion beast, but to balance the innate Gu King, the Ice Soul Gu? Impossible.¡± ¡°But does our Beast Taming Sect even have any fire beasts with Demonic King-level bloodlines?¡± Ouyang wondered aloud. ¡°Fire beasts with King-level bloodlines are rare throughout the Great Wasteland Domain.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t necessarily need a King-level bloodline,¡± Elder Mo said. ¡°The key is finding a beast with sufficiently powerful bloodline strength to suppress the Gu King.¡± ¡°Ordinary beasts won¡¯t do,¡± Elder Yu added. ¡°We need something from the dragon lineage!¡± Dragon lineage! Both Elder Yu and Ouyang nodded in agreement. In ancient times, before the decline of the demonic races, dragons were the pinnacle of the demon hierarchy. Their bloodline was unmatched in power, making them ideal for suppressing Gu worms. ¡°So, we just need a beast with fire attributes and dragon blood,¡± Elder Mo concluded. ¡°King-level bloodlines aren¡¯t strictly necessary because¡­ don¡¯t forget, if he studies at the Hidden Dragon Academy, he can learn the Hidden Dragon Secret Art. As Senior Cao said, it¡¯s the pinnacle method for cultivating dragon-blooded beasts.¡± ¡°With the Hidden Dragon Secret Art, a fire beast with dragon blood can evolve into one with King-level bloodlines!¡± Elder Yu exclaimed, finally remembering the potential. ¡°As long as the beast has fire and dragon attributes, the rest can be developed!¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I remember the most common dragon-blooded beast on Nine Dragons Peak is the Dragonblood Carp, but that¡¯s a water-type spirit beast.¡± The Dragonblood Carp wasn¡¯t one of the sect¡¯s five foundational spirit beasts. Its combat capabilities were minimal during the Qi Refining Stage, requiring aquatic environments to survive. Unlike other beasts like the Rain Frog, it couldn¡¯t function well on land. Only when a Dragonblood Carp ascended the Nine Dragons Waterfall, transforming into a Fish Dragon, would it become a coveted creature, even among Foundation Establishment disciples. However, such a transformation was exceedingly rare, with no recent successes in the sect¡¯s history. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Elder Mo reassured him. ¡°There are plenty of dragon-blooded beasts on Nine Dragons Peak. That¡¯s the dominance of dragon bloodlines for you.¡± ¡°In the ancient demon era, the dragon race thrived. Their powerful bloodline allowed them to propagate freely across species, leading to an abundance of dragon-blooded beasts on the Tianyuan Continent.¡± ¡°What other sects might consider rare, we don¡¯t lack in the Beast Taming Sect!¡± ¡°Moreover, our Fourth Sect Master contributed greatly to the diversity of our companion beasts. Let me consult Elder Jiang and see what¡¯s available!¡± Elder Mo promised, leaving swiftly. The Fourth Sect Master, though not as renowned as the Second Sect Master, who reformed the sect, nor the Third Sect Master, who developed numerous secret techniques, had nonetheless left an indelible mark. He had encouraged interbreeding among spirit and demon beasts, utilizing pills to enhance offspring bloodlines. His efforts resulted in many extraordinary companion beasts, albeit with some less successful outcomes. Overall, his contributions were deemed invaluable. The thriving dragon-blood beast population on Nine Dragons Peak was a testament to his legacy. Elder Mo didn¡¯t keep Lin Jing waiting long, soon returning with a list of three dragon-blooded fire beasts: Foundation Establishment Early Stage: Heavenfeather Crane. A mutated member of the crane family with Firefeather Dragon bloodline, its feathers could transform into white dragon flames. Favored by the sect leader¡¯s wife, it was highly sought after by disciples. Foundation Establishment Mid Stage: Dragon Lion. A wild fire lion mutated after consuming a dragon-blooded spirit plant. Now tamed, it serves as an outer sect guest elder, awaiting the right master. Qi Refining Stage Nine: Flaming Arm Monkey. A regression of the Battle Ape lineage, its ancestor was the sect¡¯s late demonic king, the Redscale Ape Monkey, companion beast of the Fourth Sect Master. It possesses Fire-scaled Dragon bloodline. Elder Mo handed the list to Lin Jing with a smile. ¡°Take your pick!¡± Chapter 61: Betting on a Long Shot Chapter 61: Betting on a Long Shot ¡°Thank you, Elder Mo.¡± Lin Jing accepted the list and skimmed through it, marveling at the depth of the Beast Taming Sect''s resources in rare and exotic beasts. Any one of these three would make an excellent Foundation Establishment companion beast. The Heavenfeather Crane could serve as a flying mount, offering convenience for travel. The Dragon Lion, a large and imposing beast, would project a commanding presence, far more majestic than his Pine Leaf Mouse companion. The Flaming Arm Monkey¡ªLin Jing¡¯s gaze lingered. Isn¡¯t this the fabled Monkey King? After reviewing the options several times, Lin Jing found himself torn. He looked up and asked, ¡°Elder Mo, the descriptions are rather brief. Do you have a recommendation?¡± Elder Mo cleared his throat. ¡°Ahem, all three are excellent choices, but each has its quirks. Let me explain, and you can decide for yourself.¡± ¡°For instance, the Heavenfeather Crane. It has a proud and aloof temperament and dislikes being ridden.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t let me ride it? Then what¡¯s the point of contracting it?¡± Lin Jing frowned. ¡°The Dragon Lion, on the other hand, didn¡¯t grow up in the sect and has little sense of belonging. It tends to bargain over Spirit Stones whenever asked to do something.¡± Lin Jing glanced at the dozing Pine Leaf Mouse beside his bed. With its ¡°asset-backed¡± loyalty, the Dragon Lion instantly lost its appeal. ¡°Looks like it has to be Monkey Bro,¡± Lin Jing mused. But Elder Mo dealt another blow. ¡°The Flaming Arm Monkey, due to its special status, has been rather pampered and indulged. It¡¯s known to have a penchant for luxury¡­ It may require some strict discipline in the future.¡± Lin Jing: ??? ¡°Elder, doesn¡¯t the sect have any normal companion beasts? It seems like all three are high-maintenance.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, now awake, blinked at Lin Jing, appearing increasingly agreeable in his eyes. ¡°There are plenty of well-behaved beasts,¡± Elder Mo chuckled, ¡°but meeting the dual requirements of dragon blood and fire attributes is a tall order.¡± ¡°Choosing a companion beast is much like finding a spouse in the mortal world. There¡¯s no such thing as perfection¡ªit¡¯s all about getting along and growing together over time.¡± Still unsatisfied, Lin Jing asked, ¡°Are these three really my only options?¡± After a moment of hesitation, Elder Mo replied, ¡°Not exactly. These three were chosen based on their innate potential and suitability for you.¡± ¡°However, according to Elder Jiang, who oversees the sect¡¯s myriad beasts, there is one more fire-type dragon-blooded beast. It¡¯s just¡­ unusual.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°It¡¯s a Dragon Carp from Nine Dragons Peak, mutated into a fire attribute carp.¡± ¡°Because of this mutation, it¡¯s¡­ not great at swimming. Instead, it prefers to lounge in hot springs like a salted fish.¡± ¡°This makes it unlikely to utilize the Nine Dragons Waterfall to achieve the legendary leaping through the dragon gate transformation that most Dragon Carps aspire to.¡± Lin Jing sighed, completely losing interest in finding a fire-blooded dragon beast within the sect. ¡°Elder, considering I¡¯m still far from reaching Foundation Establishment, I think I¡¯ll wait until I study at the Hidden Dragon Academy and explore external options. Perhaps I¡¯ll come across a warlike Stone Monkey or something similar.¡± Elder Mo suddenly paused and said, ¡°If you value temperament above all, the Dragon Carp might actually be your best choice.¡± ¡°Unlike the other three, this carp hasn¡¯t developed intelligence yet. It¡¯s like a blank slate¡ªperfect for a Beast Tamer to mold.¡± ¡°You can guide its growth however you wish.¡± ¡°And if you¡¯re concerned about potential, it¡¯s not lacking in that department either. Think about it¡ªnearly all Dragon Carps are water attribute, but this one developed fire attributes. This anomaly suggests its ancestor might have been a dragon with a powerful fire attribute. Otherwise, it couldn¡¯t have overcome generations of water-dominant bloodlines.¡± ¡°To put it grandly, its ancestor could¡¯ve been a True Flame Dragon. If you gamble on its bloodline and win, you might end up with a companion beast far superior to the other three.¡± Seriously? A gamble? Lin Jing thought, recalling the sect¡¯s tendency to experiment with rare constitutions and mutated beasts. This sect sure loves rolling the dice. ¡°Well? Care to take a bet?¡± Elder Mo asked with an enigmatic smile. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing smirked. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s one undeniable advantage to choosing the Dragon Carp.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Elder Mo asked, startled. ¡°It¡¯s easier to take care of.¡± ¡°Compared to the aloof Heavenfeather Crane, the indulgent Flaming Arm Monkey, and the mercenary Dragon Lion¡­ this carp seems much lower maintenance!¡± ¡°Elder Mo, I¡¯m in! Care to place a bet alongside me?¡± Lin Jing couldn¡¯t resist. The Dragon Carp¡¯s potential and malleability were indeed appealing. Besides, the idea of nurturing a carp to ¡°leap the dragon gate¡± and evolve into a legendary beast intrigued him. Elder Mo¡¯s breathing quickened. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! You truly are a disciple after my own heart!¡± Nearby, the Pine Leaf Mouse silently watched the two. Gambling addicts¡­ though I suppose my Glazed Immortal Eyes were also the result of a gamble. After Lin Jing made his decision, Elder Mo immediately arranged for the carp to be brought over. If Lin Jing had chosen the Heavenfeather Crane, Dragon Lion, or Flaming Arm Monkey, he might have had to negotiate for a contract. But this mutated Flame Dragon Carp was only at Qi Refining Stage Three, with even lower cultivation than Lin Jing. Lacking intelligence, it was entirely at the sect¡¯s disposal. Later that day, Elder Mo returned with the Dragon Carp. Using his spiritual energy, he levitated a circular glazed fish tank, within which the carp swam lazily. The Flame Dragon Carp lived up to its name, its fiery red scales dazzling like flames. However, its vacant expression confirmed that it had yet to awaken its intelligence. ¡°Elder Mo, why does it smell so good?¡± Lin Jing asked, noticing that the water in the tank was bubbling and steaming. It seemed the Flame Dragon Carp was¡­ breathing fire in the water. ¡°Elder Jiang said this creature hasn¡¯t mastered its flame powers yet. It often nearly cooks itself, so the water smells like fish soup,¡± Elder Mo explained. Lin Jing: ??? Wait, is it not just unintelligent but outright dumb? Was this carp destined to evolve into a rare beast like the Hundred Fragrance Rabbit, which famously mutated into the delicacy ¡°boiled fish¡±? Elder Mo warned, ¡°Keep an eye on your Pine Leaf Mouse, and don¡¯t even think about tasting it yourself. In our Beast Taming Sect, eating a fellow disciple¡¯s beast is a serious taboo!¡± ¡°That kind of behavior belongs to the demonic sects.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Elder. We¡¯re not that desperate,¡± Lin Jing replied wryly. Chapter 62: The Sect Leader Returns Chapter 62: The Sect Leader Returns The arrival of the Flame Dragon Carp brought new warmth to Lin Jing¡¯s residence. Where there had once been only him and the Pine Leaf Mouse, now there was a third occupant. Unfortunately, the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle, lacking intelligence, didn¡¯t add much to the lively atmosphere. Still, it didn¡¯t matter¡ªthe carp and the turtle shared the same unthinking demeanor, so they got along just fine. For the next few days, Lin Jing remained indoors, resting in bed. He was utterly exhausted, unsure if it was due to overusing his illusionary techniques or the aftereffects of tapping into the Ice Soul Gu''s power. His face had grown noticeably haggard. Though Lin Jing was frail, the Pine Leaf Mouse was unusually energetic. Inside its Suspended Gourd, it undertook massive construction projects, planting trees and cultivating crops. The gourd soon teemed with life: spiritual rice, spiritual beans, spiritual bamboo, and even the few chili seeds the mouse had secretly hidden were now flourishing. In just a few days, these spirit plants had fully matured. Peering into the gourd, Lin Jing saw the Pine Leaf Mouse draped in a Daoist robe, its vibrant emerald qi radiating outward. With a wave of its paws, the wind howled, and golden stalks of spirit rice shot up, growing as if on steroids. ¡°The Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art suits it perfectly,¡± Lin Jing muttered. The mouse had been cultivating the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art over the past few days, transforming its ordinary wood-element spiritual energy into Emperor Qi, which excelled in manipulating plants. Whether accelerating the growth of spirit plants or controlling the red leaves, this cultivation technique had proven invaluable. For a spirit beast, such a compatible technique was a rare treasure. To the Pine Leaf Mouse, this opportunity was akin to a full-scale bloodline evolution. With its Glazed Immortal Eyes complementing its cultivation, the mouse could become a resource-hoarding powerhouse. Even without a king-level bloodline, given enough time, it might someday challenge king-level beast cubs. Once Lin Jing recovered, he stepped out of his cave dwelling. Outside, the sky was a mosaic of dazzling colors, the warm sunlight spilling gently over Danxia Peak. He chose not to disturb the Pine Leaf Mouse, busy with its hoarding spree, and instead focused on finding more suitable food for the Dragon Carp. Feeding it spiritual rice for days had filled the air with the tantalizing aroma of fish and rice porridge. He feared his cave might soon be mistaken for a farmstead. The Pine Leaf Mouse was content with spiritual rice, but the Dragon Carp needed a diet of small shrimp or insects. In the end, Lin Jing spent a fortune at Nine Dragons Peak to procure a bag of shrimp raised in spiritual springs, said to be highly nutritious. ¡°Hurry up and eat~¡± he called, tossing the shrimp into the pond he had dug in his cave. The fish tank had become too cramped for the carp¡¯s daily activities, and the pond allowed it more freedom to move. Unless traveling, the tank would remain unused. As Lin Jing fed the carp, he began its "early education." ¡°Don¡¯t follow the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s example. It refuses to even transform into a weapon for me to use as a Beast Tamer.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take good care of you. Once you transform into a dragon, how about I use Beast-Weaponization to turn you into a spear?¡± He imagined himself donning silver armor, wielding a spear with the power of a dragon. But as the fantasy played out, the spear morphed into a sniper rifle. Lin Jing shook his head furiously. Determined to focus, Lin Jing retreated to his alchemy room to practice. The Dragon Carp, seemingly incapable of providing Beast Flame anytime soon, left him reliant on Earth Flame for refining pills. While Earth Flame produced lower-quality pills with reduced success rates, it was excellent for honing his fire control techniques. With ample spirit plants cultivated by the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing had a steady supply of materials for crafting Replenishing Pills and Misdirection Pills. The sheer volume of practice allowed him to sharpen his skills significantly. A month passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, the cultivation levels of Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the Dragon Carp remained stagnant. However, their foundational strength grew considerably. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse hoarded supplies with zeal, while Lin Jing amassed a sizable stockpile of Misdirection Pills through diligent alchemy practice. By now, his success rate for crafting Replenishing Pills and Misdirection Pills exceeded 90%. This was impressive for someone at Qi Refining Stage Four, using only Earth Flame and basic alchemical tools. With better equipment, he might achieve 100% success. Lin Jing also dabbled in mechanized techniques and alchemy, expanding his skill set further. Yet, he still had much to accomplish. Most pressing was mastering the Sacred Wood Seal, taught to him by Shen Song. The seal required wood-element power to function, something Lin Jing lacked. Thus, he and the Pine Leaf Mouse would need to practice together, their energies combining to cast it. This training could no longer be delayed, as it directly affected his ability to harness the Ice Soul Gu''s power. Closing the alchemy room, Lin Jing called out to the Pine Leaf Mouse within the Suspended Gourd, ¡°It¡¯s been a month. Let¡¯s practice the sealing technique together.¡± ¡°Once we¡¯ve made progress, you can focus on advancing your cultivation, and I¡¯ll work on mine.¡± He produced a bag of shrimp, the next target for their sealing experiments. Meanwhile, far away, a flock of celestial cranes descended upon the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s protective formation, carrying passengers into the sect. At the forefront sat a weathered man, flanked by young disciples¡ªmen, women, and others of androgynous appearance¡ªall exuding extraordinary auras. Surrounding them were fearsome Demonic Kings, their menacing expressions belying their role as protectors. ¡°The Sect Leader and the Ancestors have returned!¡± Many elders rushed out to greet them, puzzled by the early return of the sect leader and his party, who had gone out to train the sect¡¯s true disciples. Weren¡¯t they supposed to proceed directly to the Grand Celestial Gathering after the training? Within the grand hall atop the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s peak, the Fifth Sect Leader, Xu Xiaoyao, sat at the head of the assembly. Seated on either side of him were Golden Core elders. To everyone¡¯s surprise, rarely-seen Nascent Soul-level Demonic King ancestors had also arrived, either in person or via avatars. Elder Mo, eager to share his discovery of Lin Jing, could barely contain himself. To him, Lin Jing was a prodigy who could ensure the sect¡¯s prosperity for another ten millennia. With such a talent, the current imbalance¡ªwhere six Demonic Kings held greater power than the sect leader¡ªmight finally be addressed. However, Xu Xiaoyao¡¯s next words left the assembly in shock. ¡°Everyone, our Beast Taming Sect¡­ may need to disband temporarily. Soon, the sect¡¯s spiritual veins will be sealed.¡± ¡°The Sect Regulatory Office has issued a decree. Our sect''s demonic fortune has surpassed its human fortune, and the current balance no longer aligns with the nation''s destiny. They have ordered us to close the sect for a hundred years. If we cannot rectify the situation within that time¡­ the Beast Taming Sect may cease to exist.¡± Chapter 63: The End of the Beast Sect? Chapter 63: The End of the Beast Sect? The sect leader¡¯s announcement stunned the gathered elders. Their minds reeled as if ten thousand demonic beasts were stampeding through. What? The sect is ending? ¡°D*mn it! In what way is the Beast Taming Sect a demonic sect?!¡± A red-haired Golden Core Elder roared in frustration. Beside him, the six Demonic King ancestors nodded solemnly in agreement. ¡°Exactly!¡± One of the ancestors, a parrot demon king, squawked furiously, ¡°This is outrageous! The Sect Regulatory Office is targeting us just because the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s top fighters happen to be demonic kings!¡± ¡°Which of us hasn¡¯t shed blood for the sect? Which of us hasn¡¯t fought for the Ancient Celestial Kingdom? Just because Beast Tamers die young, they treat us as outcasts? This is blatant discrimination!¡± ¡°If it¡¯s so unfair, I might as well end it myself! Don¡¯t try to stop me¡ªnone of you!¡± The room fell silent. When no one moved to stop the parrot demon king, he awkwardly chose not to follow through on his threat. Another ancestor, a flood dragon, narrowed its eyes. ¡°We do occupy the sect¡¯s finest training caves and claim the most resources, but is that truly wrong? We¡¯ve fought alongside the previous sect leaders for centuries, some of us for over a thousand years. Don¡¯t we deserve such rewards? Should we starve ourselves to prove we¡¯re aligned with human prosperity?¡± The Golden Core elders remained silent. The demonic kings¡¯ contributions to the sect were undeniable, as was their claim to its best resources. But the Sect Regulatory Office cared only for Heavenly Fortune. The Ancient Celestial Kingdom, built on the principle of fortune alignment, prioritized human fortune over all else. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault, Xu Xiaoyao!¡± One ancestor, a demonic elephant, turned its ire toward the sect leader. ¡°If you¡¯d worked harder and reached Divine Transformation, none of this would have happened!¡± ¡°Blame me?!¡± Xu Xiaoyao shot to his feet. ¡°You¡¯re the ones parading around under the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s banner! The other sects in the Great Wasteland are tired of being bullied by a pack of demonic kings with a legitimate front. Of course, they reported us to the Sect Regulatory Office! Maybe instead of retiring in luxury, you should find a new Beast Tamer to contract with!¡± ¡°Fine! But who?¡± A stag ancestor retorted casually. ¡°There¡¯s not a single other Nascent Soul in the sect besides you. Tell me, who can contract us?¡± The grand hall descended into chaos as the ancestors and elders argued. Elder Mo, sitting near the back, trembled in his seat. He kept quiet about Lin Jing, afraid the young prodigy might end up as a snack for these agitated ancestors. --- ¡°The weather is wonderful today.¡± Lin Jing enjoyed climbing to the top of his cave dwelling to bask in the morning glow, breathing in fresh spiritual energy as he cultivated. The light bathed him in a celestial radiance, making him appear like an immortal descended to the mortal world. ¡°Life feels more hopeful every day. Once I reach Foundation Establishment, I¡¯ll officially be a true disciple.¡± ¡°Titles like ¡®future holy son¡¯ or ¡®junior sect leader¡¯ aren¡¯t for me. Let the younger folks have those. With my longevity, I¡¯ll be here to support the sect for far longer. Besides, becoming sect leader raises the question of when to step down. According to tradition, sect leaders only abdicate when near death. That¡¯s too much of a hassle.¡± He closed his eyes and focused on cultivating, his calm heart nurtured by his Longevity Body. Not long after, a flustered figure approached from the distance. ¡°Junior Brother! Something terrible has happened!¡± Senior Brother Ouyang, his face pale, grabbed Lin Jing by the sleeve as he descended from his dwelling. Seeing Ouyang¡¯s panic, Lin Jing frowned. ¡°Senior Brother, what¡¯s wrong? Weren¡¯t you attempting to break through to Foundation Establishment? Did something go wrong?¡± ¡°Forget that¡ªSect Leader Xu has returned.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that good news? With the sect leader here, your chances of a successful breakthrough should improve.¡± Ouyang¡¯s expression grew even grimmer. ¡°The sect leader brought news that¡­ the Beast Taming Sect may be disbanded!¡± ¡°Wait, what?!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s composure faltered. ¡°Senior Brother, you must be joking! I¡¯ve only been here for a year since you invited me to join, and now you¡¯re telling me the sect is disbanding? With all our resources and heritage, how could this happen?¡± Ouyang explained the Sect Regulatory Office¡¯s decree: a century-long sect closure for reform. If the Beast Taming Sect failed to meet the required adjustments, it would face permanent dissolution. The Sect Regulatory Office, an organization on par with the Demon-Slaying Bureau and Hidden Dragon Academy, wielded immense power in overseeing the Ancient Celestial Kingdom¡¯s sects. ¡°Seal the sect for a century? And if the reform fails, abolish it entirely?¡± Lin Jing stared blankly at the sky, struggling to process the sudden turn of events. ¡°Once the spiritual veins are sealed, our peaks will no longer be suitable for cultivation,¡± Ouyang said, his voice heavy with despair. ¡°The Sect Regulatory Office demands that human fortune outweigh demonic fortune. How can we achieve that when our sect has eight demonic king ancestors and only one Nascent Soul human? How many Nascent Souls would we need to balance the scales?¡± Ouyang sighed deeply. ¡°We can¡¯t exactly ask the ancestors to¡­ sacrifice themselves. Without them, the Beast Taming Sect would fall to a third-rate sect in the Great Wasteland.¡± ¡°Did the sect leader mention any plans?¡± Lin Jing asked after a moment of silence. ¡°He did.¡± Ouyang nodded. ¡°Sect Leader Xu intends to divide the sect into four groups and relocate the members.¡± ¡°First, the sect has always been on good terms with Hundred Flower Valley. The second, third, and fourth sect leaders were all married to its leaders. A portion of our members will take refuge there.¡± ¡°However, we¡¯re too large to move everyone. The second group will join the Demon-Slaying Bureau as part of our alliance.¡± ¡°The third group will leave the Ancient Celestial Kingdom entirely, heading to Qingzhou, where the sect leader¡¯s adopted daughter¡ªour senior sister¡ªhas already gone to explore new opportunities.¡± Lin Jing exhaled deeply. While technically not disbandment, these plans felt akin to dissolution. He reflected on Hundred Flower Valley, a second-rate sect with only female disciples who raised spiritual butterflies. Meanwhile, Qingzhou, outside the kingdom¡¯s jurisdiction, offered chaos but also greater opportunities for growth. ¡°Wait¡­ the sect leader has a daughter?¡± Lin Jing blinked in surprise. ¡°She¡¯s adopted. A girl he found as a baby years ago.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°And the fourth group?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°The ancestors plan to take on true disciples and personally protect them. These disciples will train wherever they deem suitable, guided by their Nascent Soul demonic king masters.¡± ¡°Senior Brother, why did you rush over to tell me all this?¡± Lin Jing asked. Ouyang hesitated before replying, ¡°I heard the ancestors are already arguing over how to divide the sect¡¯s resources. Everyone wants to bring as much heritage as possible to their new destination.¡± ¡°Even the sect leader suggested that emptying our centuries of accumulated resources might be the only way for the Beast Taming Sect to rise again after breaking.¡± ¡°I remember you¡¯re heading to the Hidden Dragon Academy, right? With Senior Shen Song as your protector, you may not need to rely on the ancestors. But you should ask him to advocate for you. You¡¯re the sect¡¯s future¡ªclaim as much as you can before it¡¯s all gone!¡± Lin Jing fell silent. Seriously? They¡¯re already splitting the family inheritance? Can¡¯t we at least try bribery or backdoor negotiations before giving up entirely? S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 64: The Sect Disbands Before the Journey to Immortality Is Halfway Complete Chapter 64: The Sect Disbands Before the Journey to Immortality Is Halfway Complete At Tiandu Peak, under Senior Brother Ouyang''s urging, Lin Jing visited again. Standing before the towering Divine Pine, he took a deep breath and said, "Senior Divine Pine... I apologize for disturbing you again." "You''re here about the sect sealing?" The Divine Pine''s glow flickered as if it had seen through everything. "You already know, Senior?" "Yes, I overheard their meeting." "?" Lin Jing fell silent. For the oldest guardian of the sect, eavesdropping seemed oddly unbecoming. The Divine Pine continued, its voice transmitted directly to his mind: "Back when I made a pact with your Second Sect Master, it was to protect the Beast Taming Sect from annihilation within the limits of my power." "But this matter exceeds my abilities." "The only way forward is for the human cultivators of the Beast Taming Sect to find a solution themselves." Lin Jing understood and clasped his hands in salute. "If the sect is sealed, will you also leave, Senior? I''ve already prepared to study at the Hidden Dragon Academy and hoped you might continue to guide and protect me on my path." "The Beast Taming Sect has many Demon King ancestors. I believe one of them will agree to protect you," the Divine Pine replied. "Don¡¯t ask me." "But I still have an unfulfilled contract with you, Senior," Lin Jing argued. "My body carries some of your treasures." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Wouldn¡¯t it be a bit improper to entrust me to someone else¡¯s protection?" "If they fail to safeguard me, and I perish, it¡¯ll be over for your belongings too!" "Even the Tianyuan Bank, with its excellent reputation, has occasionally lost cultivators'' deposits of Spirit Stones due to mishaps or embezzlement, hasn''t it?" "Shouldn¡¯t one always look after their own property?" Lin Jing reasoned earnestly, hoping to sway the Divine Pine. The Divine Pine remained silent. This Longevity Body... why was it so clingy? "Senior!" Lin Jing pleaded. "If not for me, then at least for your disciple, the Pine Leaf Mouse. It''s a rare beast and will easily attract covetous eyes!" "When did I ever accept it as my disciple? Don''t go spouting nonsense with that Longevity Body of yours," the Divine Pine grumbled, its bark rippling in protest. "Not a master and disciple, but closer than master and disciple," Lin Jing insisted. "Every night when it sleeps, it dreams of your teachings. It swears to repay your kindness once it attains power." "Say what you want; I won¡¯t become the protector of a Longevity Body." "Just a hundred years!" Lin Jing pleaded. "Senior, you only need to protect me when I''m in danger. I won¡¯t bother you with trivial matters otherwise." Lin Jing had little rapport with the other Demon King ancestors. If he had to choose a protector, he trusted the Divine Pine far more. He would beg and plead if that¡¯s what it took to convince this guardian to act. The Divine Pine fell silent for a long time before sighing. "Fine, one hundred years. After a century, regardless of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s fate, I will consider my agreement with your Second Sect Master fulfilled. After that, I will leave." Lin Jing froze. He wasn¡¯t sure what level his cultivation would reach in a century. "Senior Divine Pine, this is Sect Master Xu Xiaoyao requesting an audience," a voice called from outside Tiandu Peak. "Come up," the Divine Pine replied. Shortly after, Sect Master Xu arrived at the peak. Dressed in white, his expression was weathered. Upon seeing Lin Jing, he forced a smile and nodded in greeting. "Greetings, Senior Divine Pine." "This must be the Longevity Body disciple you favor, Lin Jing?" "Greetings, Sect Master," Lin Jing said, bowing. The Divine Pine addressed Xu Xiaoyao, "Fifth-generation Sect Master, what brings you here?" "I heard you had emerged, Senior, and even saved a disciple. I came to express my gratitude. Additionally, have you heard the Sect Regulatory Office¡¯s announcement?" "Of course," the Divine Pine said. "I can¡¯t do much about it. For the next century, I will act as this disciple¡¯s protector, shielding him as he grows. Consider it my final contribution to the Beast Taming Sect." Hearing this, Sect Master Xu Xiaoyao immediately expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Senior Divine Pine. With your assurance, I am relieved. Lin Jing may not have been with the sect for long, but he has won the favor of several elders. He¡¯s a good child. I entrust him to you." "At Hidden Dragon Academy, study diligently," he advised Lin Jing. "Your goal should be to become an Immortal Official." Lin Jing bowed. "I will follow the Sect Master¡¯s advice. I will dedicate myself to studying at the academy and work to restore the Beast Taming Sect." "I trust you," Xu Xiaoyao said with a smile. He had faith in Lin Jing. It was a pity, though. As a Longevity Body, Lin Jing''s cultivation speed was bound to be slow. Reaching Foundation Establishment within a century might even prove difficult. "Before you leave, make sure to memorize the sect¡¯s three core secret techniques. Begin learning them after reaching Foundation Establishment." "Is there anything else you need?" Xu Xiaoyao asked. Lin Jing seized the opportunity. "I¡¯d like to request a second Beast Taming Space artifact." "Hm?" Xu Xiaoyao hesitated briefly but didn¡¯t question the reason. Lin Jing¡¯s prepared excuses went unspoken. "Granted!" the Sect Master agreed without delay. ... In the end, Lin Jing made only that one request, receiving a Meditation Staff in return. Knowing when to stop, he refrained from asking for more. Back at his cave dwelling, however, Sect Master Xu still sent a Heavenfeather Crane to deliver 100,000 Spirit Stones. "Beast Taming Sect..." Lin Jing sighed again. The Pine Leaf Mouse emerged, quietly standing on his shoulder. It had already learned of the sect''s impending sealing. "Though I haven¡¯t been with the Beast Taming Sect for long, it¡¯s undeniable that now and in the future, we will remain its disciples." "As the sect treated us, so shall we cherish it." Holding the Pine Leaf Mouse in his hands, Lin Jing gazed at the glow atop Danxia Peak. "We¡¯ll stay for a few more days, then use our token to summon academy cultivators to retrieve us," Lin Jing said. "Squeak!" The Pine Leaf Mouse looked up, asking if they might one day return home. Lin Jing nodded. "We will." Their melancholy was interrupted as a pinecone flew over, carrying a voice. "With your current strength, even at Hidden Dragon Academy, you¡¯ll only get beaten up. The Hidden Dragon struggle is about fortune. Without strength, how will you compete?" "Longevity boy, stop holding back. Use your Longevity Blood to nourish your beasts already. If you¡¯ve raised Gu worms, why hesitate?" "I¡¯ll take you to the Great Wasteland to seclude yourselves for a year. There¡¯s a Malignant Plant there called Bloodsucking Vine. It absorbs beast blood to grow and evolve. Feed it your blood, then let the Pine Leaf Mouse use the ''Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art'' to absorb its essence. That¡¯ll help it master the technique more quickly!" "Understood, Senior." Lin Jing readily accepted the suggestion. As long as the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t directly consume his blood and flesh, he could manage. The vine would harm him, and the Pine Leaf Mouse would slay it. Wasn¡¯t this an example of a pet protecting its Beast Tamer? It wasn¡¯t demonic¡ªit was the light of righteousness. He had considered using alchemy to refine blood-based pills but lacked the skill for such an endeavor. Using the Divine Pine¡¯s method to leverage his physique seemed like a practical solution. "Senior, if I let regular mosquitoes drink my blood, and after they digest it, feed them to the dragon carp in my cave, that shouldn¡¯t make the dragon carp develop bloodthirsty habits, right?" Lin Jing proposed, attempting to refine the process further. "An excellent idea! It reminds me of my younger days," the Divine Pine approved. Chapter 65: The Westward Journey for Immortal Teachings Chapter 65: The Westward Journey for Immortal Teachings The following day, the Beast Taming Sect remained calm as usual. Ordinary disciples were still unaware of the Sect Regulatory Office¡¯s directive. Having learned of it early, Lin Jing had begun preparing to leave the sect again. Elder Divine Pine intended to take the Pine Leaf Mouse into the Great Wasteland to cultivate the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art, so Lin Jing dared not delay. Before departing, he visited familiar figures such as Elder Black Bear, Elder Mo, and Elder Yu¡ªelders who had always been kind to him. Who knew when he might see them again? However, upon returning, Lin Jing wore a strange expression. These elders didn¡¯t seem as upset as he had expected. ¡°They actually seem... happy?¡± A pinecone appeared from nowhere and said, ¡°Of course, those Golden Core elders wouldn¡¯t be sad. Ninety percent of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s resources have always been controlled by the Demon King ancestors. ¡°Now, due to the Sect Regulatory Office¡¯s directive, those Demon Kings are forced to allocate the sect¡¯s resources to cultivate human cultivators. ¡°They¡¯ve had no hope of breaking through to Nascent Soul, stuck at the peak of Golden Core for years. But now, with the sect¡¯s transformation, each elder is allocated a significant amount of resources. With enough opportunity, they might seize this chance to advance. Why should they be upset?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you also get 100,000 Spirit Stones and a space artifact?¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°True. It¡¯s the Demon King ancestors who should be upset, not the elders.¡± ¡°My beloved Tiandu Peak¡­¡± Elder Divine Pine sighed. ¡°I was so fond of that peak.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s no helping it. Even the top-tier immortal sects must heed the Sect Regulatory Office¡¯s commands. A few Demon Kings are powerless to resist. Now, it¡¯s up to the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s human cultivators to prove their worth.¡± Divine Pine glanced longingly at Tiandu Peak. ¡°Well, since your farewells are done, pack your things. It¡¯s time to set out. A hundred years is fleeting. Treasure the time I¡¯m here with you.¡± At Elder Divine Pine¡¯s words, Lin Jing immediately returned to his cave and picked up his brand-new artifact, the Beast Taming Meditation Staff. ¡°Hidden Dragon Academy is located in the ancient domain west of the Great Wasteland. This journey really is a westward quest for immortal teachings.¡± Lin Jing inspected the staff again. Typical meditation staffs were wooden, exuding a natural and serene aura aligned with the Buddhist ideal of purity and returning to nature. However, the Beast Taming Sect had no such aesthetic concerns. They used whatever materials were available. This staff was metallic, with a smooth, cool surface adorned with simple cloud patterns. The staff¡¯s head was composed of two interlocking rings, forming a spherical shape symbolizing perfection and inclusivity. Lin Jing looked at the dragon carp in his pond, scooped it up, and wedged it into the spherical staff head. The carp fit snugly¡ªan embodiment of the staff¡¯s motto of inclusivity and perfection. ¡°Alright, fish, spit fire!¡± he commanded, raising the staff high. After a month of training, the dragon carp had learned to respond to simple instructions. Hearing the word ¡°fire,¡± its dull eyes lit up. Opening its mouth, it unleashed a fiery jet. ¡°Fire Control Technique!¡± With the staff in one hand and a technique gesture in the other, Lin Jing manipulated the flame into a crude fire dragon that coiled in midair. He nodded in satisfaction. Unfortunately, the space artifact could only house contracted pets after being refined. The dragon carp couldn¡¯t move in just yet. Thankfully, since it had mutated into a flame carp, its dependence on water had diminished. Now, it treated the water as a hot spring for relaxation. The only downside was the occasional risk of it turning into fish soup. Besides soaking in the water, Lin Jing noticed it also enjoyed sunbathing, which minimized travel hassles. ¡°Squeak¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse emerged from the gourd, staring at the dragon carp lodged in the staff. It seemed to ponder whether this was a fortunate or unfortunate fate for the fish. After bidding farewell to the elders, Lin Jing also copied the three core secret techniques of the sect: the Fusion Secret Art, Immortal Rebirth, and Beast-Weaponization. He also acquired the complete Beast Taming Technique. These techniques would become critical for him to achieve powerful combat strength after Foundation Establishment. In the Qi Refining stage, Beast Taming cultivators focused on laying a foundation. Their strength depended entirely on their pets. But upon reaching Foundation Establishment, they could learn the core secret techniques, enabling the cultivators themselves to unleash formidable power. Lin Jing eagerly anticipated that day. ... ¡°The Longevity Body has departed.¡± Atop the sect¡¯s peak, Sect Master Xu Xiaoyao stood beside a snowy-white Immortal Crane. ¡°A Longevity Body joined the sect, and Elder Divine Pine emerged to protect it. Who would¡¯ve thought that so much could change while I was away? I¡¯m curious¡ªhas Elder Divine Pine¡¯s cultivation reached the Nascent Soul stage?¡± ¡°It¡¯s occupied Tiandu Peak for countless years. Every sect master has found it unfathomable. It¡¯s arguably the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s strongest force. With its protection, the Longevity Body brought back by Elder Mo should thrive,¡± the crane said. ¡°If Elder Divine Pine truly is at the Nascent Soul stage, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Demonic Fortune would be incredible. Wouldn¡¯t it bear full responsibility?¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That¡¯s unlikely. Let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s ahead. This is the sect¡¯s greatest transformation in a millennium. Whether it leads to decline or a return to glory depends on this century,¡± the fifth-generation sect master mused. In his gaze, Lin Jing, who had left the mountain gate, sat cross-legged on a cluster of red leaves, holding the dragon carp meditation staff as he ventured into the depths of the Great Wasteland. The Pine Leaf Mouse controlled the red leaves, their glow enhanced by Buddhist radiance and the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art. Its mastery over flora allowed it to maneuver a hundred leaves simultaneously. By combining dozens of leaves, it could barely manage to carry a person in flight for a short distance. ¡°Senior Divine Tree, which way is the Bloodsucking Vine?¡± Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, unfamiliar with the terrain, relied on Elder Divine Pine for guidance. The Divine Pine¡¯s voice echoed in their minds, filling them with anticipation. The Pine Leaf Mouse accelerated, their red glow streaking across the sky like a shooting star. The Great Wasteland loomed with its towering mountains and boundless terrain. Beyond it lay another region. But the wasteland¡¯s depths were teeming with ferocious beasts, malignant plants, and perilous grounds. Only high-level Golden Core cultivators could dream of traversing it. After taking breaks to rest, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse resumed their journey without incident. A few man-eating monsters emerged, but Lin Jing¡¯s subtle use of Illusionary Path sent them fleeing in terror. The Divine Pine didn¡¯t even need to intervene. Mist enshrouded the mountains as they arrived at a serene lake. Guided by Elder Divine Pine¡¯s voice, they stopped. The area teemed with demons, making it uncharted territory even for Beast Taming Sect disciples. The lake¡¯s edge bloomed with wildflowers, and verdant vines stretched from the water to the land. The tranquil setting seemed idyllic. Clear lake water attracted small beasts, but as they drank, vines snared them, dragging them into the depths. Moments later, crimson ripples spread across the surface. ¡°The Bloodsucking Vine,¡± Divine Pine remarked. ¡°A second-tier malignant plant capable of devouring even Foundation Establishment beasts when fully grown. Sadly, the times have changed. It now relies on instinct alone, unable to develop intelligence, which makes it less dangerous.¡± ¡°Do you know how to set up a Spirit Gathering Formation? Train here for a while. There are no powerful demons nearby, and the lake has plenty of mosquitoes that the vine likes. It¡¯s perfect for you.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°Everything has spirit, even flora. Except mosquitoes¡ªthose pests have none. I¡¯ll cultivate here and see which mosquito dares to drink my blood. Fish, you¡¯ll stand guard.¡± ¡°Blub...¡± The dragon carp¡¯s dull eyes betrayed its struggle to comprehend. Chapter 66: The Demon of the Deep Wasteland Chapter 66: The Demon of the Deep Wasteland In the depths of the Great Wasteland, after finding a suitable cultivation spot, Lin Jing began constructing a simple Spirit Gathering Formation using Spirit Stones, establishing a temporary cave dwelling. While the spiritual energy here wasn¡¯t as abundant as within the Beast Taming Sect, Lin Jing had a wealth of 100,000 Spirit Stones. Even if the ambient energy was lacking, this financial advantage allowed him to sustain a reasonable cultivation pace. With this many Spirit Stones, even the slow cultivation of a Longevity Body could be sped up. After all, what inefficiency couldn¡¯t be solved by throwing money at it? While Lin Jing set up the formation, the Pine Leaf Mouse eagerly grabbed a Bloodsucking Vine and began channeling its energy to absorb its wood essence. Although Bloodsucking Vines were considered deadly to most beasts, this particular vine wasn¡¯t fully mature. Moreover, the Pine Leaf Mouse, empowered by the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art, exerted a natural suppression over such malignant plants. The modified Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art had four stages: Entry, Minor Accomplishment, Major Accomplishment, and Perfection. Reaching Minor Accomplishment alone extended lifespan by 500 years¡ªthe average lifespan of a Golden Core cultivator. According to Elder Divine Pine, once the Pine Leaf Mouse achieved Minor Accomplishment, the resulting life-force transformation would enhance its ability to control plants. It would even be able to transform an ordinary mountain ginseng into a century-old spiritual ginseng in moments. "Finished setting up? If so, start bleeding," Elder Divine Pine urged. By the lakeside, the Pine Leaf Mouse clung to the vine, its innocent eyes wide open. Green energy swirled around it, draining the vine''s vitality. Lin Jing nodded and, with a small cut to his finger, let a drop of blood fall onto the vine. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Is that enough?¡± The Longevity Blood dripped onto the vine, which immediately began to convulse violently as if awakened by instinct. It absorbed the blood greedily, and within moments, the vine grew thicker and longer, swelling as if imbued with years¡¯ worth of power. It now wriggled like a massive green python. ¡°That¡¯s... intense.¡± Lin Jing took a cautious step back. It was his first time witnessing the effects of his Longevity Blood. This was just an ordinary drop, not even his essence blood, and the amount he had used was negligible. "Chirp!" The Pine Leaf Mouse, thrown into the air by the now revitalized vine, refused to let go. Instead, it bit down on the plant and continued siphoning its essence with the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art. As the essence coursed through its body, the Pine Leaf Mouse felt a profound change. The wood energy nourished its entire being, making it feel as if it had shed years off its young one-year-old age, returning to an almost prenatal state. A green seed seemed to germinate within its body, spreading vitality throughout, refining its organs, and suffusing it with life force. ¡°No wonder the Longevity Body can awaken such ¡®spirituality¡¯ in a Bloodsucking Vine in this era,¡± Elder Divine Pine remarked, its pinecone form floating nearby. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that it still can¡¯t grant true sentience to plants. Perhaps when your cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul stage, a single drop of blood might create plant spirits.¡± ¡°Are you feeling lonely, Senior?¡± Lin Jing asked, noting the scarcity of sentient plants in this age. ¡°I am. Back in my homeland, I devoured all the other plants that achieved spirit alongside me. It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve had a proper ¡®companion.¡¯ I hear there are more plant spirits in Qingzhou. I must visit someday,¡± the demonic pine muttered. ¡°...¡± Lin Jing stopped commenting and focused on observing the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s transformation. As the Pine Leaf Mouse drained the vine dry, Lin Jing offered another drop of blood. The process repeated, with the vine regaining its vitality, becoming even more vigorous than before. Day after day, this cycle continued. Unknowingly, the Pine Leaf Mouse reached the eighth layer of the Qi Refining stage. Its emerald eyes glowed more brilliantly, and each breath it took seemed to draw reverence from the surrounding plants. Meanwhile, Lin Jing sat cross-legged, cultivating the Beast Taming Technique while occasionally feeding blood to the plants. The lake was cleared of threats, so he allowed the dragon carp to enter the waters. The carp, besides feasting on small insects and shrimp, also nibbled on aquatic plants and fallen seeds. Occasionally, it even chewed on the weakened Bloodsucking Vine. The carp¡¯s favorite delicacy, however, seemed to be the mosquitoes that tried to drink Lin Jing¡¯s blood. Some mosquitoes, after sipping even a trace of Longevity Blood, began undergoing life-force transformations. The more gifted among them even reached the first layer of Qi Refining, becoming mosquito spirits. ¡°These mosquitoes have stumbled upon incredible fortune, consuming what even Demon Kings and Emperors would covet,¡± Elder Divine Pine marveled. ¡°Too bad their lives are so short.¡± Most mosquitoes were swatted away by Lin Jing or burned by the carp¡¯s fiery breath, becoming the fish¡¯s next meal. ¡°Blub¡­ blub¡­¡± The dragon carp bubbled contentedly, claiming credit for protecting its Beast Tamer from these terrifying ¡®monsters.¡¯ Over time, it had begun developing intelligence, albeit at a low level, comparable to the Pine Leaf Mouse in its early days. ¡°As expected of you. From now on, any beast that harms me is yours to deal with,¡± Lin Jing encouraged the carp, earning a spirited display of swimming from the fish. Turning to Elder Divine Pine, Lin Jing asked, ¡°Senior, can you discern this carp¡¯s bloodline?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s a dragon carp,¡± Elder Divine Pine said plainly. Lin Jing fell silent. While true, it wasn¡¯t particularly enlightening. ¡°Dragonblood creatures have a direct correlation between bloodline strength and physical prowess. If you want to know the potency of its dragon blood, observe its physical potential. Only carp capable of leaping over the Dragon Gate possess the strength to resist waterfalls.¡± ¡°Are you suggesting I begin body tempering with it now?¡± ¡°Indeed. Before that, however, I have a demonic technique that can test its physical limits.¡± Another demonic technique? ¡°I¡¯m joking,¡± Elder Divine Pine chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s merely a common-sense method in the cultivation world. For beasts with powerful bloodlines, extreme pain can stimulate their physical potential, pushing them to display extraordinary strength.¡± ¡°Beasts with no potential will grow weaker from pain, while those with latent talent will gain strength.¡± ¡°Many beasts achieve breakthroughs after life-or-death battles, driven by the pain of combat to unlock their hidden power. Do you understand?¡± The dragon carp, though newly intelligent, was not foolish. It dove to the lakebed, avoiding the conversation entirely. Clearly, it recognized the danger. Lin Jing shook his head. Such methods seemed too cruel. Instead, he pulled out several black peppers, intending to improve the carp¡¯s meals as a reward for its diligent service. ¡°Senior, care for one?¡± he offered, holding out a pepper as if passing a cigarette. Chapter 67: Ferocious and Ruthless Chapter 67: Ferocious and Ruthless Elder Divine Pine wasted no time, extending a twig from its pinecone form to snatch the black pepper, draining its essence in an instant. After savoring it, the pinecone remarked, ¡°It has a demonic flavor, with a powerful afterburn. It ignites a fire in me. You¡¯re full of surprises; I knew I didn¡¯t misjudge you all.¡± Lin Jing felt wronged but said nothing. ¡°Wait, were you planning to feed that pepper to the dragon carp? At its current stage, a whole pepper would probably turn it into spicy fish soup tonight.¡± ¡°Of course not! I¡¯m not that reckless,¡± Lin Jing replied, walking to the lakeside. ¡°I¡¯ll slice it into thin strips before feeding it. I¡¯m not irresponsible.¡± ¡°Ah, the precision of a demonic cultivator with a monk¡¯s heart. Not bad. It seems my words are sinking in. This pepper¡¯s soul-piercing spiciness might help us assess its physical limits,¡± Elder Divine Pine observed. Lin Jing extended his arm, luring a swarm of mosquitoes to himself. He swatted them, sliced some thin pepper strips, and mixed everything together in a dish, creating a fiery mosquito salad. ¡°It¡¯s colorful, aromatic, and deliciously spicy. I might have a hidden talent for immortal cooking,¡± he mused before calling the dragon carp. The carp hesitated but emerged, tempted by the aroma. ¡°The initial bite might sting, but you¡¯ll come to love it. Spicy hot pot is my favorite,¡± Lin Jing said. Hearing that it was a dish even its Beast Tamer enjoyed, the carp opened its mouth wide. Lin Jing poured the food in. At first, the dragon carp froze, savoring the taste. Then the heat hit. Its body grew feverishly hot, flames of spiritual energy erupting within it. The carp darted frantically around the lake, a streak of fire flowing through the water. ¡°Blub!¡± The carp swam faster and faster, doubling its usual speed. Soon, the delayed spice fully kicked in, its heat scorching even the soul. The carp thrashed wildly, caught between pain and exhilaration. Its reaction was far more intense than the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s earlier experience. Unable to contain its energy, the dragon carp lashed its tail against the water. Boom! A massive explosion rocked the lake, sending waves several meters high cascading outward. The carp leaped over ten meters into the air, its fiery red eyes burning with ferocity. ¡°What power,¡± Lin Jing marveled, taking a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s strong enough to challenge a waterfall already.¡± ¡°That strike was far stronger than anything you or the Pine Leaf Mouse could muster together,¡± Elder Divine Pine observed. ¡°Its latent bloodline is impressive. You¡¯re fortunate; the pets you¡¯ve chosen have excellent potential. Raise it well, and it won¡¯t disappoint when it transforms into a dragon.¡± As it descended, the dragon carp underwent another change¡ªblack flames erupted from its body, blazing fiercely. Splash! It plunged back into the water, its swollen, red mouth giving it the appearance of a demonic fish freshly emerged from hell. ¡°Bloodlines truly matter,¡± Lin Jing muttered, recalling how the same black pepper had nearly knocked the Pine Leaf Mouse unconscious with pain. Yet for the dragon carp, the spice unlocked tremendous physical potential. As a fire-aligned beast, it seemed uniquely capable of absorbing the pepper¡¯s energy, temporarily converting it into strength. This unexpected synergy made Lin Jing grateful for Elder Mo¡¯s recommendation of the carp. ¡°How¡¯s the taste?¡± Lin Jing asked. The carp nodded enthusiastically, puffing steam and signaling that it was painful yet utterly satisfying. ... That day, Lin Jing decided on the carp¡¯s training regimen: following Elder Divine Pine¡¯s advice to stimulate its physical potential through controlled pain. They would start with mild spice and progress to moderate, extreme, and even diabolical levels. The stronger its physical body became, the higher the quality of its eventual transformation into a Beast-Weaponized Treasure. The carp¡¯s newfound ability to control ghost flames was a welcome bonus. However, Lin Jing lamented that, between the fire-breathing fish and the bug-storing gourd, only the Pine Leaf Mouse maintained any semblance of a righteous image in their group. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Senior, how strong do we need to be before we can head to Hidden Dragon Academy?¡± Lin Jing asked. Over several days, the Pine Leaf Mouse reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining, Lin Jing advanced to the fifth, and the dragon carp to the fourth. Though everyone had progressed, their collective cultivation still felt like a patchwork mess. ¡°There does need to be a standard,¡± Elder Divine Pine said after a pause. ¡°While I initially said not to worry about it, you represent the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s hope. As your guardian, I must set a proper benchmark.¡± With that, Elder Divine Pine manipulated the ground. A crack opened, and a wooden humanoid emerged. Standing over two meters tall, it was fully crafted from wood, with no facial features. It exuded a sense of invincible strength. ¡°This wooden figure maintains the combat strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It knows no spells, but its strength, defense, and speed surpass those of ordinary Foundation Establishment body cultivators. It is an excellent sparring partner.¡± ¡°When you can defeat it, you¡¯re ready to attend the academy.¡± ¡°The academy¡¯s students are the elites of their sects and clans. To compete with them for dragon fortunes and master the Hidden Dragon Arts, you¡¯ll need to be even more monstrous than they are!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Lin Jing replied, turning to the wooden figure with determination. He wanted to test it immediately to gauge their gap in power and adjust their training accordingly. ¡°Shall we try now?¡± he asked the Pine Leaf Mouse. The mouse glanced at the wooden figure, then at Lin Jing. They exchanged a look and instantly understood each other¡¯s plan: retreat while shooting! Both drew their Mechanical Bamboo Rifles and unleashed a barrage of water arrows and spirit beans as they backed away. Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! The attacks filled the air, but before they could land, the wooden figure vanished, moving faster than Lin Jing could follow. By the time he registered its movement, it was already in front of him, its fist creating a gust of wind as it swung toward him. Reacting quickly, Lin Jing shifted his rifle¡¯s mode and unleashed a torrent of water at close range. The recoil propelled him ten meters back, creating some distance between himself and the figure. However, the water stream didn¡¯t even slow it down. The figure advanced through the spray as if it weren¡¯t there. The Pine Leaf Mouse hurled several flying leaves at it, but they shattered on impact, leaving only faint scratches on the wood. Whoosh! The figure charged again, becoming a blur. Before Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse could react, they were both kicked into the lake, landing with painful splashes. ¡°Glug¡­ glug¡­¡± Elder Divine Pine watched and commented, ¡°Keep training. It won¡¯t be easy to defeat, but if you can beat it, you¡¯ll have a firm foothold at the academy.¡± ¡°The water¡¯s so hot¡­ but it smells nice,¡± Lin Jing muttered, spitting out soup. ¡°Chirp!¡± the Pine Leaf Mouse squeaked in agreement, equally drenched. The dragon carp, enjoying the show, swam lazily nearby. But the next moment, the wooden figure stepped onto the lake and delivered a powerful kick, sending the carp flying. It didn¡¯t spare anyone. Chapter 68: As Seasons Change Chapter 68: As Seasons Change Over the next two days, Lin Jing and his companions repeatedly challenged the wooden figure, only to fail every time. The Foundation Establishment wooden man seemed to enjoy kicking their butts¡ªliterally¡ªoften sending them splashing into the lake. By now, Lin Jing felt his backside had bloomed into a lotus flower. In the future, he mused, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t even need one to sit on to attain enlightenment. The wooden man also demonstrated exceptional combat experience. When they attempted to fly on leaves, it hurled stones at them with pinpoint accuracy. When Lin Jing summoned the dragon carp and used the Fire Control Technique to exploit its fire weakness, the wooden man countered by shaking water from the lake to douse the flames. Even the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art¡ªeffective against plants¡ªonly briefly immobilized it before the wooden man broke free. Ghostfire and illusions were even less effective, as the wooden figure had no soul to burn or mind to deceive. Had the wooden man been a true enemy, Lin Jing and his team would have perished countless times. Despite their losses, Lin Jing still saw hope. Based on its reactions during battle, the wooden man indeed feared fire. Otherwise, it would have withstood fire attacks as easily as it did their flying leaves and water arrows. Lin Jing analyzed their situation: - Increase the dragon carp¡¯s cultivation level. - Sharpen his control over the Fire Control Technique. - Help the Pine Leaf Mouse advance in the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art. While its magic already had some restraining effect, its limited power could only immobilize the wooden man for less than a second. Reaching Minor Accomplishment might allow it to hold the figure for longer. ¡°Let¡¯s train,¡± Lin Jing declared. With an ample supply of Spirit Stones and food, they threw themselves into grueling cultivation, testing their progress against the wooden man daily. Time blurred as they focused solely on growing stronger. Lin Jing did feel some regret that his Glazed Immortal Eyes weren¡¯t advanced enough to fully analyze the mutated Bloodsucking Vine, leaving its potential untapped. ... Spring passed into autumn, and three months flew by. The battles with the wooden man had grown increasingly fierce, though Lin Jing¡¯s group still couldn¡¯t achieve victory. By the lake, the wooden man stood immobilized. Over the past months, the Pine Leaf Mouse had reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining, and its magic had achieved Minor Accomplishment. However, its ability to absorb the Bloodsucking Vine¡¯s essence had diminished significantly, rendering the vine nearly useless. At this point, the Pine Leaf Mouse no longer favored the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle as a weapon, opting instead for a simple tree branch. Wearing a flowing robe, it channeled its enhanced magic to temporarily immobilize the wooden man. Then, using its Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art, it caused the branch to grow rapidly into a thick trunk, binding the wooden man tightly. Plant Manipulation! As the wooden man struggled against the bindings, Lin Jing stepped forward with the dragon carp staff, performing a hand seal. Flames erupted from the carp¡¯s mouth, now far more intense thanks to their training. In the three months, Lin Jing had advanced to the seventh layer of Qi Refining, while the dragon carp had reached the eighth. With their improved cultivation, the carp¡¯s flames had become hotter and more refined. Lin Jing compressed the fire into marble-sized fireballs, directing them to strike the wooden man through the gaps in its bindings. Boom! Boom! Boom! The fireballs exploded on impact, leaving visible scorch marks and causing some damage to the wooden man. However, to Lin Jing¡¯s dismay, the scorched figure broke free of the bindings and launched a counterattack. Despite being charred and having half its head blown off, it remained combat-ready, a relentless opponent unaffected by pain or fatigue. Exhausted and low on spiritual energy, Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the dragon carp were forced to retreat yet again. ¡°I¡¯m done!¡± Lin Jing groaned. After months of fighting, they had shifted their mindset¡ªless reliant on stockpiled resources and more focused on testing their raw abilities. The real reason, though, was the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s reluctance to waste supplies on training. ¡°Elder Divine Pine, I swear the wooden man¡¯s getting stronger. Are you secretly adjusting its stats?¡± Lin Jing accused, lying on the ground, panting heavily. The Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp, equally battered, nodded in agreement. ¡°So, you noticed,¡± Elder Divine Pine said. ¡°It¡¯s only natural for your opponent to grow stronger with time, just like you. If it didn¡¯t, how would you improve? Besides, its growth is slow compared to yours.¡± ¡°Cultivating as a demonic cultivator isn¡¯t just about surpassing your opponents briefly¡ªyou must grow faster than they do. Otherwise, the righteous path will crush you,¡± Elder Divine Pine added unapologetically. Lin Jing rolled his eyes, realizing something had felt off all along. ¡°Let me teach you another lesson: as a demonic cultivator, never trust anyone¡¯s words. You¡¯re too young to believe me so easily.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Lin Jing muttered, too tired to argue about not being a demonic cultivator. ¡°Give us a few more days. We¡¯re close to beating it,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Even if we master the Sacred Wood Seal, its preparation time is too long. During a fight, the wooden man wouldn¡¯t give us a chance to use it,¡± Elder Divine Pine pointed out. The Sacred Wood Seal, originally meant to seal the Ice Soul Gu, relied on spiritual imprints that imbued wooden constructs with divine properties. Though Lin Jing had strong mental strength and precise control, he lacked the ability to manipulate plants, requiring the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cooperation. Even then, casting the technique in battle was nearly impossible. ¡°What if we prepare dozens of pre-imbued wooden constructs before the fight?¡± Lin Jing proposed. Elder Divine Pine scoffed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wouldn¡¯t rely on stockpiled resources?¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Senior, as a demonic cultivator, I¡¯ve learned never to trust anyone¡¯s words¡ªincluding my own. I changed my mind.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ve changed my mind too,¡± Elder Divine Pine retorted. ¡°I¡¯m giving you a new challenge. Never argue with the one setting the rules¡ªonly your fists matter in the end.¡± Lin Jing: ??? ¡°Fine, fine. The old are always craftier,¡± Lin Jing grumbled. Elder Divine Pine continued, ¡°I¡¯ve sensed the emergence of a spatial-attributed spiritual plant in the Great Wasteland. It could benefit the Pine Leaf Mouse greatly. Go claim it.¡± ¡°Squeak?¡± The previously despondent Pine Leaf Mouse perked up, energy surging as it scrambled upright with renewed vigor. ¡°A spatial plant?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Yes, but several Nascent Soul beasts and Golden Core cultivators are also eyeing it. I won¡¯t intervene¡ªyou¡¯re on your own. Complete this task, and you can head to the academy.¡± ¡°Senior, on second thought, maybe we should just fight the wooden man,¡± Lin Jing suggested. Chapter 69: The Qualities of a Demonic Cultivator Chapter 69: The Qualities of a Demonic Cultivator ¡°The wooden figure is ultimately a fake. It¡¯s time to face a real challenge. A demonic cultivator turns the impossible into the possible,¡± Elder Divine Pine said, retracting the wooden man. Left with no target but his own frustration, Lin Jing muttered curses under his breath. ¡°Having Qi Refining cultivators fight Golden Core monsters isn¡¯t turning the impossible into the possible¡ªit¡¯s sending Longevity Meat Buns to feed the dogs. No one comes back from that!¡± The spatial herb might be tempting, but with Nascent Soul-level beasts around, and even Foundation Establishment-level monsters being too strong for them, success seemed out of reach. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse tugged on Lin Jing¡¯s pant leg, its intent clear: Let¡¯s do this! It had a hopeful gleam in its eye, as if the spatial herb might help fulfill the wish it couldn¡¯t achieve back at the Bodhi Heavens. ¡°You think it¡¯s that simple?¡± Lin Jing glared at the mouse. Using their Thousand Illusions technique to pose as a Nascent Soul demon king and fool the other monsters was a bold idea, but the risk was astronomical. Still, seeing Elder Divine Pine¡¯s unwavering stance, Lin Jing knew there was no room for negotiation. ¡°Alright, fine. Let¡¯s do it! We tricked the undying demon in the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda; why should we fear the beasts in this remote wasteland?¡± ¡°Senior, which direction?¡± ... After resting and regaining their energy, Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the dragon carp¡ªdisguised as a honeybee¡ªset out again. Black Wind Valley, the lair of a long-dead demon, lay shrouded in eerie, twisted trees. Their bare, gnarled branches rattled in the night wind like the wails of spirits. Once abandoned and devoid of life, the valley now pulsed with a sinister demonic aura. Scores of gleaming eyes stared out from the shadows, fixated on a delicate white sprout growing at the valley¡¯s center. The beasts didn¡¯t recognize the herb but were instinctively drawn to its overwhelming spatial energy and alluring fragrance. Despite their hunger, none dared act rashly. First, the herb wasn¡¯t fully mature. Eating it prematurely might yield no benefit. Second, the corpses strewn around the valley¡ªdozens of fallen beasts¡ªwarned them of the deadly cost of trying to claim it. ¡°Let¡¯s retreat. This herb feels like bait,¡± whispered a human cultivator lurking in the darkness. ¡°But it¡¯s a spatial herb! Rare and priceless. The Beast Taming Sect buys such treasures at high prices, no matter the type. If we get it, we won¡¯t have to worry about cultivation resources for the rest of our lives!¡± ¡°The Beast Taming Sect is gone! Doesn¡¯t that prove this herb is cursed?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true... This place is crawling with beasts; we¡¯re not in our element here. Let¡¯s go.¡± Unseen in the shadows, Lin Jing and his team observed the valley. Overhead, the oppressive demonic energy mingled with the dark, forested terrain. Lin Jing dared not move recklessly. ¡°Elder Divine Pine, are there Nascent Soul-level demon kings here?¡± ¡°If we¡¯re in danger, you¡¯ll step in, right?¡± Lin Jing asked nervously. Elder Divine Pine stayed silent for a long time before responding, ¡°This herb is known as Spatial Shift Grass, a fifth-grade spiritual herb. Its origin and growth process are mysteries. During its maturation, it frequently teleports to new locations, seeking diverse growth conditions. ¡°If you want it, act quickly. It could vanish at any moment.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t worry about its immaturity; use the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art to sustain it after harvesting,¡± it added. As Lin Jing mulled over this advice, a mole-like beast proficient in earth techniques tried to stealthily claim the herb. But it underestimated the hidden predators. Boom! A crimson beam shot from the darkness, piercing the ground. When the dust settled, the mole lay dead, a gaping hole in its chest. Seeing this, Lin Jing found himself missing the wooden man. ¡°We¡¯ll wait,¡± he decided. Patience was key. There was no guarantee that posing as a Nascent Soul demon king would fool the monsters, especially with so many hidden threats. As Lin Jing and his companions hunkered down, Elder Divine Pine watched them closely. ¡°Adaptability to environmental changes, calm vigilance, keen judgment, and the wisdom to act decisively in complex situations... These are the basic qualities of a demonic cultivator. Good luck, Longevity Kid.¡± ... One day passed. Two days. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Three days. Though Elder Divine Pine had warned that the Spatial Shift Grass might teleport away, Lin Jing waited. He remained hyper-alert, keeping his illusion intact and his presence concealed, avoiding detection by the hidden monsters. During this time, several more impatient beasts attempted to seize the herb, only to meet grisly ends. Their failures helped Lin Jing map out the positions of several lurking predators. Then, something unexpected happened. ¡°That¡¯s her?¡± Lin Jing murmured in surprise. A familiar figure entered the valley¡ªa woman in simple white robes, a long sword floating beside her. It was Ling Yue Sword Immortal Feng Ning, whom he had encountered in Snow Moon City. Feng Ning descended gracefully, her attention clearly focused on the Spatial Shift Grass. But, like the beasts before her, she quickly became a target. Multiple beams of demonic light shot toward her, but she was no ordinary cultivator. With a flick of her sword, she unleashed arcs of sword energy that annihilated the incoming attacks and struck down the hidden beasts with precision. ¡°Spatial Shift Grass?¡± Feng Ning murmured, stepping closer to the herb. But before she could claim it, more powerful monsters emerged from the shadows, their forms blotting out the sky. Without hesitation, Feng Ning¡¯s sword spirit activated, unleashing a storm of sword energy that obliterated the charging beasts. In an instant, the valley was littered with their corpses. As Feng Ning approached the herb, Lin Jing knew he couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Boom! A towering pine tree bathed in golden-green light entered the valley, exuding the overwhelming presence of a demon king. Each step it took revitalized the land, turning the autumn decay into vibrant greenery. Dead trees sprouted fresh leaves as if spring had returned. ¡°A demon king is here!¡± The terrifying aura, coupled with Feng Ning¡¯s presence, shattered the resolve of many hidden beasts, forcing them to flee. ¡°Damn it, who told you to use my form?¡± Lin Jing grumbled as he stepped forward. ¡°And why do I look so ugly? The hairstyle is all wrong!¡± Elder Divine Pine replied. Chapter 70: The Hidden Dragon Emerges (End of Book One) Chapter 70: The Hidden Dragon Emerges (End of Volume One) Lin Jing wasn¡¯t sure why Ling Yue Sword Immortal Feng Ning had appeared here, but he knew one thing¡ªthis was his chance! Disguised as the Tiandu Divine Pine, he radiated the might of a supreme demon king, sending shockwaves of fear through the hidden beasts as he strode confidently into the valley. ¡°We meet again. Do you remember me?¡± Elder Divine Pine¡¯s voice boomed through Lin Jing¡¯s illusion, heavy with authority. Feng Ning, her hand on her sword, paused before smiling. ¡°So, it¡¯s Senior Divine Pine.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Homeless and wandering. Young lady, this Spatial Shift Grass and I are fated. Might you let this old man have it? In return, I¡¯ll give you the demon cores of every hidden beast in this valley.¡± Lin Jing mimicked Elder Divine Pine¡¯s tone perfectly. The hidden beasts, already on edge, fled in a panic, not daring to linger. ¡°These beasts? I could slay them all myself,¡± Feng Ning replied, unimpressed. Her words, paired with the corpses of slain beasts littering the ground, painted a chilling picture. Within moments, the once-crowded Black Wind Valley emptied, leaving only Lin Jing¡¯s group and Feng Ning alive. ¡°For someone your age, you have quite the tone!¡± Seeing through his act, Feng Ning shook her head. ¡°Alright, you can stop pretending. The beasts have already fled.¡± Lin Jing dropped the illusion and grinned at Feng Ning. ¡°You recognized me from the start.¡± ¡°I visited the Beast Taming Sect before entering the wasteland. Your Sect Master Xu mentioned you had entered the Great Wasteland with Elder Divine Pine,¡± Feng Ning said. ¡°Why impersonate your elder? Where is the real Divine Pine?¡± Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°I was waiting for a chance to claim the Spatial Shift Grass. When I saw you, I thought I¡¯d lend a hand. Using the guise of a demon king, I scared the beasts off to ensure you wouldn¡¯t be overwhelmed.¡± ¡°As for Elder Divine Pine¡­ it called this a trial for me and refuses to interfere.¡± ¡°By the way, did you come looking for me?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Yes. I heard the Beast Taming Sect was sealed. Your Sect Master said he and a group of elders and disciples plan to join the Demon-Slaying Bureau. I thought you might join them¡ªit¡¯s safer to have allies.¡± ¡°Apologies, but I¡¯ve decided to attend Hidden Dragon Academy. The Hidden Dragon Arts are invaluable for raising my pets,¡± Lin Jing declined politely. ¡°I expected as much.¡± Feng Ning sighed but didn¡¯t press further. ¡°If you change your mind, my offer stands.¡± Looking at the Spatial Shift Grass, she said, ¡°If you want it, it¡¯s yours. It¡¯s not fully mature, and cultivating it to maturity would take significant effort. But with Elder Divine Pine as your protector, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll manage.¡± At that moment, Elder Divine Pine finally appeared, its pinecone avatar hovering in the air. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Young lady, I sent him to compete with those beasts for the herb as part of his training! A proper Demon-Slaying Guardian must develop exceptional qualities!¡± ¡°And now you¡¯ve ruined everything¡ªkilling the beasts for him, handing over the herb without effort. He¡¯s supposed to be a Longevity Body, not a freeloader! Look at him grinning¡ªthis was meant to be a trial!¡± Feng Ning retorted, ¡°Senior, things don¡¯t always go as planned. I came here to invite him and failed. Why should I be the only one disappointed? Now you can share in my frustration.¡± Elder Divine Pine fell silent, its plans thoroughly disrupted. Ignoring the squabbling, Lin Jing turned to Feng Ning. ¡°You visited the Beast Taming Sect. Has its spiritual vein been sealed? Have the members left?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Feng Ning confirmed. ¡°In fact, the spiritual vein didn¡¯t need sealing. The Sect Regulatory Office originally planned to give the sect a hundred years to reform. ¡°But the undying demon guarded by the Beast Taming Sect and three other sects showed signs of breaking free. To prevent disaster, the office partnered with the Demon-Slaying Bureau to fortify the pagoda and suppress the demon.¡± ¡°...¡± Lin Jing and his companions were left speechless. ¡°Well, since my business here is done, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Feng Ning summoned her ancient bronze sword and prepared to depart. Standing atop it, she glanced back at Lin Jing. ¡°The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s situation ties to national fortunes. The Ancient Celestial Kingdom thrives on these fortunes; no one can change that. ¡°If you won¡¯t join the Demon-Slaying Bureau and fight alongside me, work hard at the academy. You seem to think I¡¯m too weak, but I¡¯ll reach Nascent Soul soon. Then you won¡¯t have to worry about me protecting you from demons.¡± Lin Jing watched her leave, puzzled by her persistence. ¡°Sword Immortal, you¡¯re already a renowned genius. Why are you so fixated on slaying demons?¡± ¡°Also, you¡¯ve grown thinner since we last met. Please take care of yourself¡ªyour health is the foundation of cultivation.¡± Feng Ning smiled faintly, nodded, and flew away without answering. Once she was gone, Elder Divine Pine quipped, ¡°Are you trying to woo her? I¡¯ve never seen you this concerned about your pets.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp exchanged glances, both equally surprised. ¡°I just don¡¯t want her thinking about me all the time. I refuse to be bait for demon sects!¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°Why work so hard? Life should be easy and enjoyable...¡± He walked over to the Spatial Shift Grass and dug it up. ¡°Senior, have I passed the trial? Can I crush the Hidden Dragon Academy token now?¡± he asked cheerfully. ¡°Go ahead,¡± Elder Divine Pine replied wearily. It then extended its roots into the ground, absorbing the nutrients from the surrounding beast corpses. ¡°What are you looking at? After all this work, can¡¯t I enjoy a good meal?¡± it said, glaring at Lin Jing and the others. ¡°Of course, Senior. Please, enjoy,¡± Lin Jing replied. Taking out the academy¡¯s jade token, Lin Jing crushed it, activating the formation inside. A massive spatial vortex appeared, radiating powerful spatial energy. Moments later, a figure emerged from the vortex¡ªit was the same cultivator who had delivered the token. Stepping out, he froze, taking in the bloody scene around him. Where was this? He turned his gaze to Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse on his shoulder, and the dragon carp lodged in the meditation staff. Recognition dawned on his face. ¡°This token... I remember giving it to...¡± ¡°Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect,¡± Lin Jing said, clasping his hands. ¡°I humbly request your guidance to Hidden Dragon Academy.¡± ... Volume One: [The Beast Taming Sect] ¨C End Next Volume: [The Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate]. Book 2: Chapter 1: The Hidden Dragon Arts Vol 2 Chapter 1: The Hidden Dragon Arts In the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, one of its nine regions was the Ancient Domain. Within it lay Hidden Dragon City and the renowned Hidden Dragon Academy, a cradle of Immortal Officials. Cultivators who graduated from the academy often became influential Immortal Officials, blessed with dragon fortunes, and found their path to immortality smooth and prosperous. At the heart of the city, in a serene corner of the academy, stood an ancient pavilion. Its foundation was made of green stone, its frame of redwood, with elegant, curving eaves resembling a phoenix poised to take flight. The pavilion exuded an air of sophistication and dignity. In this pavilion, suffused with celestial light and rippling spatial waves, a white-robed instructor appeared, bringing a young cultivator and his spirit beasts through a teleportation portal. ¡°Welcome to Hidden Dragon Academy,¡± the instructor said, stepping out into the open and gazing at the blue sky and white clouds. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the Beast Taming Sect is currently under suspension. But as a Qi Refining disciple, that¡¯s none of your concern. Now that you¡¯re here, focus on learning.¡± The instructor, a cultivator named Cao, had guided Lin Jing from the Great Wasteland to Hidden Dragon Academy. He offered his kind advice, hoping Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t let sect matters weigh him down. Lin Jing forced a smile. He had thought the same¡ªuntil he learned the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s suspension was tied to disturbances in the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda! He and the Pine Leaf Mouse knew all too well why the pagoda¡¯s seal had weakened, though they¡¯d rather not admit it. Lin Jing felt guilty, knowing he couldn¡¯t waste the space artifact and 100,000 Spirit Stones the sect master had entrusted to him. ¡°Thank you, Senior Cao,¡± Lin Jing said, bowing alongside the Pine Leaf Mouse. The dragon carp, oblivious to the truth, still bore the shared guilt simply by association. ¡°Senior Cao, when can I start learning the Hidden Dragon Arts?¡± Lin Jing asked eagerly. Despite its unwitting involvement in past events, the dragon carp stood to gain the most from studying here. Carrying this ¡°burden¡± wouldn¡¯t impede its growth¡ªit might even elevate it. Cao Ziyu glanced at the dragon carp lodged in the meditation staff and smiled. ¡°You came prepared, eager to train your dragon-blooded beast with the Hidden Dragon Arts?¡± ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve heard the academy¡¯s Hidden Dragon Arts are the continent¡¯s best method for nurturing dragon-blooded beasts,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Indeed.¡± Cao nodded, hands clasped behind his back as he looked into the distance. ¡°The academy periodically recruits students. Normally, only those who pass rigorous exams can enter. ¡°But for you, it¡¯s different. Being chosen by the Cavern Heaven signifies that you possess great fortune. Hidden Dragon Academy extended a personal invitation to you. ¡°You¡¯re not alone. The other cultivators who entered the Cavern Heaven alongside you were also invited. They responded earlier and have already begun their studies here.¡± Lin Jing hadn¡¯t expected that the Literary Domain Scholar, the Alchemist from the Pill Cauldron Sect, and the Sword Cultivator from the Heavenly Sword Gate had all arrived before him. At least he had some familiar faces in the academy, though they likely bore a grudge against him. Still, Lin Jing focused on the good news: obtaining the Hidden Dragon Arts seemed easy! ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited,¡± Cao said, his tone calm. ¡°The exemption from the entrance exams is your privilege as a special recruit. However, obtaining the Hidden Dragon Arts isn¡¯t. Every student who enters the academy gains access to it immediately.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because the Hidden Dragon Arts are the foundation for attending lectures. Only students who¡¯ve begun practicing it are eligible to listen to the academy¡¯s teachings,¡± Cao explained. Taking out a stone seal, he showed it to Lin Jing. The seal depicted a coiled young dragon, brimming with divine energy. ¡°This is the Hidden Dragon Seal. Once imprinted on your body, it grants you access to the Hidden Dragon Arts,¡± he said. ¡°Do you know the core of the Hidden Dragon Arts?¡± Cao asked, looking at Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the dragon carp. Without waiting for a reply, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s not spiritual energy¡ªit¡¯s fame and reputation.¡± ¡°Squeak???¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse tilted its head, puzzled. ¡°In simple terms, the more renowned you are¡ªwithin the academy, Hidden Dragon City, the Ancient Domain, the Celestial Kingdom, or even the wider cultivation world¡ªthe more advanced your Hidden Dragon Arts will be,¡± Cao said. ¡°How fascinating!¡± Lin Jing was amazed. A technique derived from the True Dragon Arts, it seemed perfectly suited to someone with his Longevity Body, favoring special cultivation methods over mundane training. Of course, fame required making waves, and Lin Jing had always considered himself an honest man. ¡°So, I need to build some reputation to begin practicing the Hidden Dragon Arts and qualify for lectures?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Cao said. ¡°Once I imprint the Hidden Dragon Seal on you, it will act as the seed of the Hidden Dragon Arts. When your reputation reaches a certain level, the seal will glow faintly. When the entire seal is illuminated, you¡¯ll officially be initiated into the Hidden Dragon Arts. ¡°At that point, its various wonders¡ªincluding the dragon-blooded beast techniques you seek¡ªwill manifest in your mind. ¡°Furthermore, when you first begin, the Hidden Dragon Arts will materialize a Fortune Dragon Hatchling within you, its appearance reflecting your cultivation, reputation, and fortune. ¡°These hatchlings come in four colors: white, blue, purple, and gold. The closer to gold, the stronger your dragon fortune. ¡°Instructors often set attendance requirements based on these hatchling colors. For example, Senior Meng, who teaches Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist studies, only admits students with golden fortune dragons. ¡°Additionally, access to the academy¡¯s advanced cultivation techniques, such as Foundation Establishment and Core Formation methods, depends on your Hidden Dragon Arts level. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°So, how much you can learn here depends entirely on your mastery of the Hidden Dragon Arts,¡± Cao concluded with a faint smile. He added, ¡°In the Great Wasteland, you¡¯ve gained confidence in your strength. But here, gaining reputation is most directly achieved by defeating other sect geniuses. Use them as stepping stones to boost your Hidden Dragon Arts.¡± ¡°However, be warned: a single defeat can cause your reputation to plummet, hindering your progress. The path you take to enhance the Hidden Dragon Arts is entirely up to you.¡± ¡°Oh, and one more thing...¡± Cao continued. ¡°The academy doesn¡¯t provide living quarters. While there are cultivation sites available, you¡¯ll need to rent them with Spirit Stones. Would you like to reserve one?¡± Lin Jing: ??? What? No free lodging? Stunned, Lin Jing finally understood why Sect Master Xu had slipped him an extra 100,000 Spirit Stones. Without them, he might not even afford to stay at the academy. Remembering the Spirit Stones he¡¯d already spent during his three months of hard training, Lin Jing felt his heart ache. ¡°Senior, as a special recruit, don¡¯t we get any perks? Waiving rent doesn¡¯t seem unreasonable!¡± Book 2: Chapter 2: The Heavenly Pride Ranking Vol 2 Chapter 2: The Heavenly Pride Ranking Cao Ziyu chuckled and shook his head. ¡°Then I won¡¯t need it for now,¡± Lin Jing replied reluctantly. The cost of a cultivation cave made him hesitant. For now, he decided to explore the academy and its surroundings before making a decision. After all, he had endured three months in the wilderness¡ªhow much worse could this be? Who would have thought that his first day at Hidden Dragon Academy would have him potentially homeless? ¡°Many students live outside the academy and only come when there are lectures by renowned teachers. That¡¯s not an issue; Hidden Dragon City is quite safe,¡± Cao Ziyu assured him. ¡°If you manage to achieve a purple or golden fortune dragon aura, perhaps a teacher might take you as a disciple and provide you with a cultivation spot.¡± ¡°Now, hold out your hand. I¡¯ll imprint the Hidden Dragon Seal.¡± Lin Jing extended his right hand, choosing to avoid his left, which bore the Sacred Wood Seal from the Ice Soul Gu. Having the two seals overlap could cause unforeseen complications. Pop! Cao Ziyu pressed the seal onto Lin Jing¡¯s hand. The image of a coiled white dragon appeared briefly before vanishing. ¡°And with that, your induction is complete. I look forward to the day your name resonates throughout Hidden Dragon Academy,¡± Cao said, disappearing into thin air without so much as leaving an introductory pamphlet or a student badge. ¡°Is this academy even legit?¡± Lin Jing muttered, staring at his hand. The seal seemed to suffice as proof of his identity for now. It looked like he¡¯d have to figure out the rest on his own. ¡°A place that trains Immortal Officials? Of course, it¡¯s unreliable,¡± Elder Divine Pine scoffed, floating out of Lin Jing¡¯s pocket. ¡°But that guy, Cao, was quite powerful¡ªNascent Soul Perfected level, with considerable combat prowess.¡± ¡°Senior, who¡¯s stronger, you or him?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°What do you think? He¡¯s just a Nascent Soul! But the academy is filled with experts, so I¡¯m not exceptional here,¡± Elder Divine Pine replied smugly. ¡°Now you see why I insisted you build some strength before coming here. The core of the Hidden Dragon Arts is power. Go find an easily handled Foundation Establishment cultivator and beat him up. That¡¯ll kickstart your Hidden Dragon Arts.¡± ¡°Fighting Foundation Establishment cultivators as a Qi Refining disciple? That¡¯s something only the most talented sect prodigies can manage. Doing so would make you a sensation!¡± ¡°See? My efforts were for your own good,¡± Elder Divine Pine concluded, clearly pleased with itself. Lin Jing said nothing, while the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp shuddered at the memory of their grueling battles with the wooden man. Hopefully, the academy¡¯s Foundation Establishment cultivators would be easier to defeat. ¡°Senior Cao mentioned the academy doesn¡¯t teach combat techniques. What exactly does it teach? Administrative skills?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Before students graduate, they¡¯re sent to remote cities as lords to validate their learning. The academy teaches them how to govern a city!¡± ¡°For example, agricultural cultivators might teach you how to farm and improve a city¡¯s agriculture. ¡°Geomancers might show you how to plan urban layouts with optimal feng shui. ¡°Diviners could teach you how to read people¡¯s fates and personalities, helping you identify talent. ¡°In short, the academy covers all sorts of subjects¡ªexcept combat techniques!¡± ¡°Of course, without strength, you won¡¯t be able to learn much. But as the teacher said, you can gain fame in other ways. Crafting an immortal pill, forging an immortal artifact, or taming an immortal beast could also make you famous.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that even more absurd?¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°It¡¯s probably easier to slay a Dao Seeking expert!¡± ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why power remains the most reliable path,¡± Elder Divine Pine replied. ¡°Speaking of which, have you heard of the Heavenly Pride Rankings from Tianji Pavilion? It¡¯s a shortcut to mastering the Hidden Dragon Arts¡ªworth keeping an eye on.¡± The Heavenly Pride Rankings, published by Tianji Pavilion, were divided into three lists: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Only the most exceptional geniuses across the cultivation world made it onto these rankings. The lists weren¡¯t limited to the Ancient Domain but were revered throughout the Celestial Kingdom and beyond. For academy students, making it onto the rankings was a surefire way to gain massive fame and accelerate their Hidden Dragon Arts. ¡°Start with the Human Ranking,¡± Elder Divine Pine suggested. ¡°The Hidden Dragon Arts are crucial. Attend every lecture the academy offers.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t overlook these courses just because they don¡¯t teach combat. The true power of the Hidden Dragon Arts comes from official positions. Strong governance requires mastering city management. The academy¡¯s teachings are invaluable for that.¡± ¡°I understand. I might not excel in other areas, but I¡¯m a seasoned student,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Still, with our current strength, getting onto the rankings seems impossible.¡± He glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp¡ªone at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, the other at the eighth. Lin Jing recalled that even the 100th place on the Human Ranking was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator capable of defeating perfected Foundation Establishment demons. ¡°There¡¯s no rush! Focus on Foundation Establishment first. The rankings cap at thirty years of bone age, so you¡¯ve got time,¡± Elder Divine Pine reassured him. The Human Ranking was for cultivators under thirty years old and below the Core Formation stage. The Earth Ranking was for those under sixty and between Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages. The Heaven Ranking was for those under one hundred and at the Nascent Soul stage. Given that cultivators in these stages typically lived for hundreds or thousands of years, the age restrictions made the rankings truly exceptional. ¡°For now, find a regular Foundation Establishment cultivator to challenge. Get your Hidden Dragon Arts started!¡± Elder Divine Pine urged. ¡°I won¡¯t stay with you inside the academy, but I¡¯ll intervene if you¡¯re in danger.¡± Leaving behind a protective pinecone, Elder Divine Pine withdrew, leaving Lin Jing standing outside the pavilion with a sigh. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lin Jing said, after some thought, leading the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp to explore. ... Strolling through Hidden Dragon City, they soon left the academy and followed the aroma of food to a bustling tavern named Immortal¡¯s Delight. ¡°Sir, why are you carrying your own ingredients? We don¡¯t offer cooking services!¡± the waiter exclaimed, eyeing the dragon carp in Lin Jing¡¯s meditation staff. ¡°Blub!!¡± The dragon carp, furious, puffed out flames in protest. ¡°Squeak, squeak...¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse chuckled, secretly agreeing that the dragon carp looked like a fine ingredient¡ªits tender meat, fragrant aroma, and spicy marination made it perfect for hot pot. ¡°Have some tact. This is my spirit beast,¡± Lin Jing retorted. ¡°My apologies, sir. Please come in,¡± the waiter said hastily. Finding a seat, Lin Jing perused the menu. But a nearby conversation caught his attention. ¡°Have you heard? Fang Shilin, a Hidden Dragon Academy student, has set up an arena in the southern part of the city. He¡¯s aiming for a hundred consecutive wins in same-level duels. Do you think he can pull it off? He¡¯s only at the early Foundation Establishment stage.¡± ¡°How could he? How much true essence can an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator have? And where will he find so many opponents?¡± ¡°He¡¯s the Young Valley Master of Everlasting Spring Valley. Their cultivation techniques allow rapid recovery of true essence. He¡¯s probably relying on that to endure a gauntlet of challengers and gain fame. Even if he doesn¡¯t achieve a hundred wins, the publicity alone is worth it. These academy students love making waves.¡± Lin Jing exchanged a glance with the Pine Leaf Mouse. Everlasting Spring Valley? A sect specializing in wood techniques? Elder Divine Pine had mentioned finding an easy target¡ªand this seemed like fate. Book 2: Chapter 3: Qi Refining vs. Foundation Establishment Vol 2 Chapter 3: Qi Refining vs. Foundation Establishment For Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, the easiest targets were undoubtedly cultivators specializing in wood-based techniques. The Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art practiced by the Pine Leaf Mouse had a powerful suppressive effect on wood-based creatures and techniques. Thanks to the mouse¡¯s ¡°special¡± cultivation methods, the technique¡¯s potency had reached incredible depths. According to Elder Divine Pine, even the entry-level mastery of this art could completely suppress Qi Refining-level wood-element creatures. At the Small Success stage, it would dominate Foundation Establishment-level beings. Given its nature, it not only absorbed the essence of its kind but also rendered ordinary wood-element spiritual plants, aggressive vegetation, and wood-based spells virtually powerless. Normally, such a powerful art was impossible for a Qi Refining wood-element beast to master to this degree. But with Lin Jing¡¯s resources¡ªand his Longevity Body¡ªit had become reality. ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit longer. Let the situation heat up,¡± Lin Jing said, showing no rush to head to the southern part of the city. Instead, he leisurely ordered more dishes, keeping a keen eye on the rumors spreading. The Hidden Dragon Arts weren¡¯t about victory or defeat¡ªthey were about recognition and exposure. Even if Lin Jing defeated a Nascent Soul elder in secret, it wouldn¡¯t matter much if no one knew. On the other hand, if a reputable figure vouched for his skills, his Hidden Dragon Arts would likely progress without a single fight. ¡°Exposing my connection to the Ten Great Gu could probably skyrocket my Hidden Dragon Arts,¡± Lin Jing mused. ¡°But it would also get me killed just as quickly.¡± As the saying went: the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Without tangible proof, any such claims would be dismissed anyway. ... At the southern edge of Hidden Dragon City, near a vibrant maple forest ablaze with autumn hues, a large crowd had gathered. At the forest¡¯s edge, a green-robed young man reclined on a wooden chair, radiating an air of self-assured dominance. Nearby, a Foundation Establishment cultivator lay collapsed, bound tightly by vine-like tendrils. ¡°I... concede...¡± the defeated cultivator gasped, his face pale and his breathing labored. The vines released him, and he fell to the ground, gulping for air. ¡°Good match!¡± ¡°Who else dares to challenge me? Any Foundation Establishment cultivator may step forward. Defeat Fang Shilin, and I¡¯ll pay you 100 Spirit Stones. If you¡¯re stronger than Foundation Establishment, you¡¯re still welcome¡ªSpirit Stones guaranteed!¡± Fang Shilin, the Young Valley Master of Everlasting Spring Valley, exuded calm confidence. Despite facing multiple challengers in quick succession, he showed no signs of fatigue. Using Spirit Stones as bait, he lured competitors of all levels. For him, losing to higher-stage opponents wouldn¡¯t harm his reputation or Hidden Dragon Arts progress. Meanwhile, weaker challengers only added to his winning streak. In his mind, the truly powerful academy cultivators wouldn¡¯t bother with his meager fame or Spirit Stones. His strategy was nearly foolproof. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Victory after victory, his reputation was building¡ªaiming for the elusive feat of 100 consecutive wins against peers. Lin Jing arrived with the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp, observing the commotion from the crowd. ¡°Eleven straight wins! He¡¯s got real skill!¡± ¡°Absolutely. He¡¯s taken down eleven Foundation Establishment cultivators, including two mid-stage ones. Fang Shilin is as impressive as they say, with immense true essence reserves and solid fundamentals,¡± murmured two nearby cultivators. ¡°That¡¯s just his fancy artifact¡ªa wood-element fan,¡± scoffed a well-dressed young man. ¡°Without it, his spells would be half as strong.¡± ¡°Young man, you¡¯re mistaken,¡± interjected an old beggar. ¡°Using artifacts is part of cultivation mastery. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators can¡¯t even activate an offensive artifact properly. Fang¡¯s artifact is formidable, but it¡¯s his Everlasting Spring Valley techniques¡ªrenowned for their inexhaustible true essence¡ªthat allow him to wield it effortlessly. If someone else tried, they¡¯d run out of energy after one use.¡± The crowd nodded in agreement. Hidden Dragon City was full of cultivators, where even beggars spouted wisdom. ¡°Let me have a go!¡± A burly, black-clad man with twin sabers stepped forward, his booming voice cutting through the chatter. ¡°And you are?¡± Fang Shilin asked, unfazed. ¡°Ma Wushuang, mid-Foundation Establishment, a Lotus Chamber of Commerce bodyguard,¡± the man declared. ¡°I¡¯d be a fool to pass up those Spirit Stones.¡± The crowd buzzed. The Lotus Chamber of Commerce was not only the Celestial Kingdom¡¯s largest merchant guild but also operated a prestigious escort service. Their bodyguards were experienced and skilled, especially in dangerous territories beyond the kingdom. ¡°Please.¡± Fang Shilin folded his fan and waited, still seated. Swish! Without hesitation, Ma Wushuang crossed his sabers, sending twin arcs of blazing fire roaring toward Fang. The fiery blade energy scorched the fallen leaves, igniting them into a glowing inferno that lit up the battlefield. Fang Shilin remained composed. With a flick of his fan, two verdant vines burst forth, coiling into dragon-like forms. Roar! The vine dragons spiraled through the air, unaffected by the flames or blade energy. Their tenacity was astonishing¡ªthey crushed the fiery attacks mid-air and surged toward the stunned Ma Wushuang. ¡°Hah!¡± Ma Wushuang roared, slashing at the vines with his sabers. But his weapons barely left a mark. Within seconds, the vines coiled around him, flinging him dozens of meters away. ¡°Another one bites the dust,¡± the crowd murmured. Fang¡¯s artifact-enhanced vine technique was unyielding¡ªfireproof, unbreakable, and imbued with overwhelming strength. ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡± Fang Shilin asked, brimming with confidence. ¡°Can a Qi Refining cultivator challenge you?¡± The voice was calm yet clear. A young man in white, holding a meditation staff with a dragon carp and a robed squirrel perched on his shoulder, stepped forward. The crowd fell silent, turning to stare at the peculiar trio. Fang Shilin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who are you? Qi Refining? Don¡¯t waste my time. Go home and train!¡± Book 2: Chapter 4: The Squirrel Devours the Dragon Vol 2 Chapter 4: The Squirrel Devours the Dragon No one expected that after Fang Shilin¡¯s latest victory over a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, his next challenger would be a Qi Refining cultivator. In Hidden Dragon City, even the stray dogs in the streets might be at the seventh or eighth level of Qi Refining. Such a low cultivation stage was hardly impressive. Fang Shilin frowned. A victory over a Qi Refining cultivator would bring him no glory¡ªpeople might even accuse him of bullying the weak. And losing? The idea was laughable. How could he possibly lose to someone so far beneath him? This was a no-win situation, and Fang Shilin felt it wasn¡¯t even worth dignifying with an insult. He was about to dismiss the challenge outright when something caught his eye. ¡°Wait a moment,¡± he said, his gaze landing on the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp. ¡°That attire¡­ You¡¯re a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect in the Great Wasteland!¡± At his words, the crowd erupted. ¡°Beast Taming Sect? Isn¡¯t that the sect the Sect Regulatory Office just ordered to suspend operations for having more demonic fortune than human fortune?¡± ¡°I heard all their Nascent Soul elders are demon kings, and not a single one is human. Each demon king has three or four human pets. Truly terrifying.¡± The gathered cultivators stared at Lin Jing with strange expressions. Lin Jing sighed. The rumors were getting more absurd by the day. ¡°Yes, I am Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect,¡± he announced calmly. ¡°But the sect isn¡¯t nearly as exaggerated as the rumors suggest. We do have one strong human expert.¡± Fang Shilin chuckled at the crowd¡¯s chatter. As someone from the Great Wasteland, he was familiar with the Beast Taming Sect. ¡°So, after the suspension, the disciples fled to the Ancient Domain?¡± Lin Jing replied evenly, ¡°The Ancient Domain is a nexus of fortune. As a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, I¡¯ve come to hone my skills and restore my sect¡¯s reputation. It¡¯s only natural.¡± ¡°I see. Well, I sympathize with your situation,¡± Fang Shilin said, clearly amused. ¡°Fine, I accept your challenge. ¡°You¡¯re only at Qi Refining. Your two spirit beasts¡ªone contracted and one not¡ªshould fight alongside you. That would be more fair.¡± Fang Shilin rarely accepted such low-stakes challenges, but seeing Lin Jing¡¯s sect affiliation intrigued him. Interacting with a Beast Taming Sect disciple could amplify the buzz around his public dueling event. Moreover, if he fought all three opponents at once, he could claim he was giving them a handicap, avoiding accusations of bullying. Lin Jing gave a polite nod. ¡°Thank you, but this dragon carp is not yet contracted. It wouldn¡¯t be proper to use it in the duel.¡± With that, he planted the meditation staff firmly into the ground, leaving the dragon carp as a spectator. He stepped forward with only the Pine Leaf Mouse, facing Fang Shilin directly. Fang Shilin squinted. The crowd, too, was perplexed. Lin Jing already had slim odds with all three fighting together. Now he was deliberately limiting himself to two combatants? ¡°He¡¯s just trying to make a name for himself to boost his sect¡¯s human fortune,¡± someone speculated. ¡°Is the Beast Taming Sect really relying on a Qi Refining disciple to rebuild its reputation?¡± Most spectators thought Lin Jing¡¯s actions were foolish. A Qi Refining cultivator challenging a Foundation Establishment stage genius from the academy was the height of recklessness. Unperturbed, Fang Shilin remained seated. With a casual flick of his fan, he summoned a Binding Spell. The ground behind him split, and dozens of vine-like tendrils emerged, snaking toward Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse like a swarm of green serpents. The crowd watched with bated breath, expecting Lin Jing and his beast to be overwhelmed. But then¡­ The vines froze mid-air. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± someone muttered. The spectators initially assumed Fang Shilin was holding back. But his startled expression quickly dispelled that notion. ¡°Impossible¡­ My Binding Spell was interrupted?¡± Fang Shilin¡¯s eyes widened. Lin Jing took a single step forward, and the immobilized vines shattered into countless green sparks, dissipating harmlessly. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was only then that the crowd noticed the Pine Leaf Mouse. Clad in its ceremonial robe, it stood on Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder, calmly gesturing as if casting a spell. ¡°Squeak!¡± The mouse shook its head, as though unimpressed by the display of strength. ¡°Damn it!¡± Gritting his teeth, Fang Shilin dismissed his fan¡¯s gentler approach. With a more deliberate movement, he unleashed seven massive vine dragons, each as thick as an ancient tree. These emerald behemoths roared toward Lin Jing with renewed fury. And then, behind Lin Jing, an extraordinary phenomenon unfolded. A towering wooden deity materialized, its form cloaked in verdant energy and brimming with the essence of life itself. Draped in emerald robes, it stood majestically, like the ruler of spring. With each step, grass and flowers blossomed anew beneath its feet. The aura of this divine apparition left Fang Shilin¡¯s mind reeling. His movements slowed, his focus wavered. The vine dragons faltered, splintering apart as they neared Lin Jing. The phenomenon crystallized into a surreal image: A massive squirrel, identical to the Pine Leaf Mouse, loomed over the battlefield. It clutched one of the shattered vine dragons in its claws and devoured it whole. The Squirrel Devours the Dragon¡ªan ethereal manifestation of the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s inner power. Fang Shilin sat frozen in disbelief. ¡°This¡­ This is Qi Refining?¡± The crowd, too, was stunned into silence. They couldn¡¯t fathom how a Qi Refining cultivator had conjured such overwhelming power. Before Fang Shilin could react further, his wooden chair came alive. Countless vines erupted from it, binding him tightly in place. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn¡¯t free himself. Lin Jing stopped walking. ¡°Curious,¡± he said, his voice calm but loud enough for the crowd to hear. ¡°If I¡¯m this strong, how could the Sect Regulatory Office claim my sect¡¯s human fortune is weak? ¡°Perhaps their judgment was flawed. Perhaps I need to take down a few more Foundation Establishment cultivators to prove them wrong.¡± With that, the towering apparition dissipated, and Lin Jing turned away. Picking up his meditation staff, he walked toward the city, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. On his right hand, the Hidden Dragon Seal began to glow faintly, a small section illuminating with newfound renown. ¡­ The battle quickly became the talk of Hidden Dragon City. ¡°A Qi Refining cultivator at the seventh layer, with a ninth-layer spirit beast, effortlessly crushed a Foundation Establishment genius wielding a powerful artifact?¡± ¡°A Pine Leaf Mouse with mastery over wood techniques, completely suppressing Everlasting Spring Valley¡¯s Young Valley Master? And that bizarre phenomenon¡ªwhat is the Squirrel Devours the Dragon?¡± ¡°Is this Lin Jing really just from the Beast Taming Sect, a so-called third-rate sect? Isn¡¯t their ¡®human fortune¡¯ supposed to be weak?¡± Within the academy, the news spread like wildfire. Fang Shilin¡¯s humiliation drew both ridicule and awe. Among the academy¡¯s other top students, three figures in particular¡ªthe Blue-Robed Scholar, the Violet Flame Alchemist, and the Silent Swordsman¡ªeach reacted to Lin Jing¡¯s name with visible unease. ¡°He¡¯s here. That monstrous disciple from the Beast Taming Sect¡­ Last time, he even gave us a fake name. Does he have to start by beating up a Foundation Establishment cultivator?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s reputation soared. Yet he lamented privately: in the chaos, he¡¯d forgotten to collect the 100 Spirit Stones from Fang Shilin. ¡°Thankfully, we¡¯re classmates. I¡¯ll find a way to get them later.¡± Book 2: Chapter 5: Supreme Beast Fire Vol 2 Chapter 5: Supreme Beast Fire Hidden Dragon City, night as dark as ink. Lin Jing, holding the Fire Carp Meditation Staff, stepped into an inconspicuous corner and summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse. After breaking Fang Shilin''s winning streak, Lin Jing wandered around Hidden Dragon City, checking the rates at several inns. Ultimately... he opted to let the Pine Leaf Mouse construct a wooden hut to make do for the night. ¡°Zhi¡­¡± With a flurry of woodwork techniques, the hut was completed. The Pine Leaf Mouse sighed, feeling that Lin Jing¡¯s lifestyle while traveling was surprisingly convenient. It could build a house and grow crops, while the Fire Carp could provide fire for lighting¡ªthe division of labor was exceptionally clear. ¡°Good...bye!¡± After finishing its task, the Pine Leaf Mouse stammered out a simple phrase before burrowing back into the Suspended Gourd. Although it had never formally studied human speech, it had picked up enough from listening to manage a word or two. ¡°Take good care of the Void Herb!¡± Lin Jing instructed as he glanced at the gourd. Currently, there were two new plants inside: the Bloodsucking Vine and the Void Herb. The former was easy to care for, but the Void Herb was much trickier and required the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s careful nurturing with the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art. Lin Jing figured that even without his instructions, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s obsession with spatial attributes meant it would prioritize the Void Herb over anything else. Even if the Fire Carp were to die, it might not upset the Pine Leaf Mouse as much as losing the Void Herb. ¡°You should rest too,¡± Lin Jing said to the Fire Carp while seated cross-legged on a bed made of layered leaves. Not that it made a difference¡ªthe Fire Carp was already asleep within the Meditation Staff. ¡°Not bad. Looks like I¡¯ll be able to master the Hidden Dragon Arts tonight.¡± Seated on the bed, Lin Jing looked at the back of his hand, where a design of a young dragon, faintly glowing and seemingly starving, had almost fully lit up¡ªninety percent of its intricate lines were now bright. Thanks to the buzz surrounding the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s closure and the hype from a Foundation Establishment cultivator fighting a Qi Refinement opponent, Lin Jing¡¯s previous battle had already become a hot topic across Hidden Dragon City, further amplified by its dazzling illusionary effects. As someone from an era of information explosions, Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t claim to be an expert in trending tactics, but having witnessed countless examples, he felt his performance in that battle was meticulously crafted. "If only I¡¯d taken journalism as an elective back in college," he mused. Buzz! Just as Lin Jing was staring at the Hidden Dragon design, the last dim section suddenly lit up. The white, faintly blue-tinted young dragon etched on the back of his hand seemed to come alive, shimmering with vitality. Simultaneously, a flood of information surged into Lin Jing¡¯s mind. The Hidden Dragon Arts! Divided into four tiers, like the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art: Initiation, Proficiency, Mastery, and Perfection. Currently, Lin Jing had reached the Initiation stage. The progress at this stage was marked by the dragon¡¯s color: starting with white, then progressing to green, blue, and finally gold. Achieving the golden stage would signify Proficiency in the Hidden Dragon Arts! Upon reaching Initiation, the Hidden Dragon Arts granted three remarkable effects: Spell Evolution. By consuming Hidden Dragon Fortune, practitioners could temporarily enhance their comprehension and elevate their techniques to higher levels. Potential Awakening. By using Hidden Dragon Fortune, practitioners could help others unlock hidden potential or awaken dormant abilities. This effect was particularly potent for dragon-blooded beasts, not only activating potential but also purifying their dragon blood. Crisis Foresight. Subtle warnings of imminent danger. Automatically consuming Hidden Dragon Fortune allows for premonitions of fatal crises mere seconds before they occur! "These abilities are all quite practical," Lin Jing thought to himself. With the initiation of the Hidden Dragon Arts, Lin Jing immediately gained insight into its various applications. Whether it was Spell Evolution or Potential Awakening, both were abilities he greatly needed. However, there was one downside¡ªusing the Hidden Dragon Arts consumed accumulated Hidden Dragon Fortune. To continually train with the technique, his fame would have to remain prominent in the outside world. A fleeting moment of renown wouldn''t be enough to sustain the Hidden Dragon Arts for long. ¡°Defeating Fang Shilin of Everlasting Spring Valley earlier today might give me a small reputation here in Hidden Dragon City and the academy, but this fame will fade quickly as time passes, eventually vanishing altogether.¡± ¡°While it¡¯s rare for someone at the Qi Refinement stage to defeat a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it¡¯s not unheard of. And Everlasting Spring Valley isn¡¯t a particularly powerful sect. Beating Fang Shilin isn¡¯t much of an accomplishment.¡± ¡°If he were truly formidable, he wouldn¡¯t have resorted to setting up challenges just to gain some recognition. Most likely, he¡¯s at the academy¡¯s bottom tier.¡± ¡°I need to defeat even more outstanding talents¡­¡± Lin Jing wasn¡¯t sentimental about his current Hidden Dragon Fortune. He was eager to experience the miraculous effects of the Hidden Dragon Arts right away. Spell Evolution? He didn¡¯t seem to have any pressing need for that at the moment. His gaze fell on the sleeping Fire Carp, snoring peacefully. Lin Jing reached out and shook it awake. ¡°Bloop!¡± The Fire Carp opened its round eyes, startled, and stared at Lin Jing. ¡°I¡¯ll grant you a great fortune!¡± The dragon pattern on the back of Lin Jing¡¯s hand glimmered as he stroked the carp¡¯s head. Secret Technique: Potential Awakening! Generally, 99% of Hidden Dragon Arts practitioners use the technique to enhance their own abilities through Spell Evolution, as personal strength is the foundation of cultivation. A small number of practitioners might use it to awaken potential in others, usually children or disciples¡ªafter all, Hidden Dragon Fortune was hard-earned. It was exceedingly rare for students at the academy to use the technique to cultivate their spirit beasts. After all, even if a spirit beast grew stronger, its benefits to the practitioner were often indirect and less significant than investing in one¡¯s descendants. Only someone like Lin Jing, capable of forming a bloodline contract with a dragon-blooded beast in the future, could justify using the Hidden Dragon Arts to cultivate his pet. ¡°Bloop!¡± The Fire Carp¡¯s wide eyes gleamed as it suddenly felt its bloodline surging. Flames ignited in its pupils. Its head felt itchy¡­ Its mind became hazy, as though it had accidentally consumed one of Lin Jing¡¯s Bewitching Pills. In its daze, the Fire Carp thought it saw an awe-inspiring divine beast engulfed in flames, striding majestically. This creature had a deer¡¯s head, dragon¡¯s horns, a bull¡¯s hooves, a horse¡¯s tail, and was covered in fiery scales radiating an imposing aura. For a brief moment, the Fire Carp felt an intimate connection with the creature. Flames erupted across its body, taking on the form of scales imbued with the might of a dragon. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous! In the outside world, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t privy to the Fire Carp¡¯s visions. But he was stunned as a terrifying blaze erupted from the carp¡¯s body after its potential was awakened. Its aura surged, nearing the ninth level of Qi Refinement. No way! Was the Hidden Dragon Arts really this powerful? ¡°What is this?!¡± Lin Jing exclaimed as he observed the carp¡¯s transformation. ¡°That¡¯s beast fire! Supreme beast fire!¡± A familiar voice suddenly rang in Lin Jing¡¯s ears. Shen Song appeared, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve always suspected that this Fire Carp of yours had an extraordinary bloodline. I didn¡¯t expect it to have inherited the ¡®Fire Qilin¡¯ bloodline from its ancestors.¡± ¡°This carp¡¯s original flame was just ordinary spirit fire, slightly superior to mundane fire. Over three months of potential awakening and the Longevity Blood Baptism have endowed it with astonishing strength and Ghostfire, but its flame bloodline itself had not changed¡ªuntil now.¡± ¡°Though its flame hadn¡¯t changed initially, the foundation it gained was immensely strong. It was already a rare mutated bloodline, and now, with the reinforcement of the Hidden Dragon Arts, you¡¯ve finally helped it take that crucial step forward. You unlocked the shackles in its bloodline memory, transforming its spirit fire into beast fire!¡± ¡°This is Dragonflame, specifically Kirin Dragonflame, an absolutely supreme form of beast fire. It¡¯s leagues stronger than spirit fire. If this little guy were to fight that squirrel without external aid, the outcome would be unpredictable now.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Shen Song finished speaking, Lin Jing froze in shock. Fire Qilin bloodline? Legends say that the Yinglong gave rise to the Jianma, the Jianma birthed the Kirin, and the Kirin gave birth to myriad beasts. It made sense that the Kirin carried dragon blood. Looking at the Fire Carp, which was now squinting contentedly, Lin Jing couldn¡¯t suppress his delight. Book 2: Chapter 6: Mastering Tools Vol 2 Chapter 6: Mastering Tools ¡°What¡¯s with that expression?¡± Lin Jing asked, noticing the Fire Carp squinting smugly. ¡°Bloop!¡± The Fire Carp clenched its fins confidently, as if declaring that it could now defeat that green-robed ape from earlier in the day. Next time, it would be its turn! Squirrel Devours the Dragon? What nonsense. It should be Carp Devours the Dragon instead! ¡°Dragons have always been proud and arrogant. Its awakened bloodline is indeed showing its true nature,¡± Shen Song remarked via voice transmission. ¡°Well¡­¡± Lin Jing chuckled. It didn¡¯t bother him. As long as it had the strength to back it up, pride and arrogance weren¡¯t necessarily bad traits! Seeing the Fire Carp in such high spirits, Lin Jing was already eager to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage and form a contract with it. With this supreme beast fire, refining pills in the future would undoubtedly be much easier. Moreover, once the Fire Carp, possessing the Fire Qilin bloodline, evolved into a dragon, it would likely be capable of counterbalancing the power of the Ice Soul Gu. As for the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power¡­ Lin Jing would soon be able to control it as well! ¡°By the way, Senior Shen Song, why are you still here?¡± Lin Jing asked. Shen Song replied, ¡°I said I didn¡¯t want to stay in Hidden Dragon Academy, not that I was leaving Hidden Dragon City!¡± ¡°So, you also saw us defeat that Foundation Establishment cultivator in style?¡± ¡°Defeat a mere wood-element Foundation Establishment cultivator? What¡¯s there to brag about? You wouldn¡¯t have succeeded without the three months of training I put you through with my wooden constructs. Try challenging a fire-element Foundation Establishment cultivator next time.¡± ¡°Senior, you¡¯re such a killjoy,¡± Lin Jing said with a shake of his head. ¡°Killjoy or not, I don¡¯t care. But if you don¡¯t put out that fire, you¡¯ll be sweeping up ashes in a moment,¡± Shen Song warned. The Fire Carp, in its excitement, had accidentally let its beast fire spill out, setting the wooden hut ablaze. Flames roared into the night sky. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Someone¡¯s setting fires in Hidden Dragon City!¡± A patrolling Foundation Establishment night watchman quickly flew over, shouting angrily. After all, they¡¯d been announcing ¡°Dry weather, be cautious with fire!¡± for weeks. He¡¯d assumed it was routine. Who¡¯d have thought someone would actually dare ignite a blaze at night? The next day, after proving his identity and paying a fine of five spirit stones, Lin Jing returned to Hidden Dragon Academy. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had learned from his inquiries the previous day that the academy rarely held classes. Sometimes, months would pass without a single lecture, and whether or not lessons were held depended entirely on the mood of the instructors. Other than the occasional lecture, students spent most of their time either cultivating in seclusion or finding ways to make waves and garner fame. This time, Lin Jing entered the academy with a specific goal: to obtain a Foundation Establishment technique from the library! The Academy Library At the library entrance, an elderly man stood guard. After briefly inspecting Lin Jing¡¯s Hidden Dragon Seal, he allowed him to pass. Had this been the Beast Taming Sect, the guard might have been a wise old ape, turtle, or bird instead. ¡°Found it!¡± The library was silent, with Lin Jing as its sole occupant at this time. Inside, he discovered that the shelves were not stocked with conventional techniques. Instead, they were filled with books on alchemy, artifact crafting, geomancy, medicine, and agriculture. These were not beginner-level texts; the content was profound. A wandering cultivator lucky enough to obtain even one of these books and fully comprehend it could rise to become a master in the respective field. However, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t here for these today. Walking quickly, he reached for a particular book: ¡°Wood Spirit Foundation Establishment Technique.¡± One of Lin Jing¡¯s primary objectives in coming to Hidden Dragon Academy was to find a superior Foundation Establishment method! The Beast Taming Sect had very few Foundation Establishment techniques. Most disciples relied on Foundation Establishment Pills to break through. However, this method often resulted in a flawed Dao foundation, making it extremely difficult to form a Core later. For those with average talent, reaching Foundation Establishment often meant being stuck there for life unless they encountered extraordinary opportunities. The best method in the Beast Taming Sect was the Demonic Dao Foundation Pill, refined using Monster Cores. This pill was exceedingly difficult to produce, as it required rare and specific Monster Cores. Generally, only true disciples were deemed worthy of the sect¡¯s resources to create such a special pill. Even so, the Demonic Dao Foundation Pill, while the best available in the Beast Taming Sect, was considered a low-grade technique in the broader Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Truly superior Foundation Establishment methods could grant cultivators with mortal constitutions an Acquired Spiritual Body after breaking through. Such methods greatly increased the chances of forming a Core and even provided a slim possibility of reaching the Nascent Soul stage! For example, the Flower Pavilion Master of Snow Moon City had achieved the Acquired Fire Spirit Body through a special Foundation Establishment technique. Of course, cultivators with Innate Spiritual Bodies or special constitutions didn¡¯t need such complex methods. They could establish their foundation directly and still possess extraordinary potential. Lin Jing¡¯s visit to Hidden Dragon Academy wasn¡¯t to seek an Acquired Spiritual Body for himself. Ordinarily, without unique circumstances, a cultivator could only possess one body constitution and cultivate one set of techniques. Trying otherwise would disrupt the balance of spiritual energy within the body, leading to Qi deviation. He already had the Longevity Body. Without a fortuitous encounter, it was nearly impossible for him to cultivate a second constitution. Though Lin Jing had dreams of becoming like the ¡°Three-Body Cultivator¡± Ancient Imperial Prince, mastering multiple constitutions, he knew it was an improbable goal. Without immense luck or powerful backing, it wasn¡¯t even worth considering. The Foundation Establishment method he sought today wasn¡¯t for himself¡ªit was for the Pine Leaf Mouse. At his current level, merely the seventh stage of Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment was still a distant goal. "Wood Spirit Foundation Establishment Technique" Lin Jing read through the details: Post-Breakthrough Effects: Cultivators could form an Acquired Wood Spirit Body, gaining heightened affinity with plants and trees and dramatically enhancing their cultivation of wood-element techniques.Requirements: Mastery of a wood-element technique at the ninth stage of Qi Refinement.Specific materials, including hundred-year-old Wood Lingzhi, Laurel Leaves, Heart of Ten Thousand Trees, and Primal Wood Essence Ore, among others.The final step involved refining the materials into a Wood Spirit Foundation Pill using a wood-elemental special flame.The pill had to be consumed at a Gui Water blessed land to achieve the transformation into an Acquired Wood Spirit Body.Potential Success Factors: The likelihood of forming the Wood Spirit Body depended on the quality of the Foundation Pill and the cultivator¡¯s spiritual power. Limitations: This method could only be used by mortal-body cultivators. ¡°Useless,¡± Lin Jing muttered. He discovered that the first floor of the library contained numerous Foundation Establishment techniques for forming Acquired Spiritual Bodies. These superior methods, nearly impossible to find in the outside sects, were freely available here. Yet, even if someone acquired these methods, meeting all the conditions without the help of senior cultivators would be exceptionally difficult. Lin Jing continued to browse. Most of the techniques he found were either: Superior methods for forming Acquired Spiritual Bodies.Slightly lesser techniques that offered benefits such as immense strength post-breakthrough, purer spiritual essence, or an extra ten years of lifespan. Some were outright bizarre, allowing practitioners to change their gender or drastically alter their physical appearance post-breakthrough. Lin Jing wondered who such methods were even designed for. ¡°Nothing suitable for me, the Pine Leaf Mouse, or the Fire Carp,¡± Lin Jing concluded. ¡°With my current level of the Hidden Dragon Arts, I can¡¯t ascend to the second floor yet.¡± He sighed. ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll start with an alchemy book. If there¡¯s nothing on the second or third floor suitable for the Pine Leaf Mouse, I¡¯ll stick to my original plan: create a unique Longevity Foundation Pill using blood refinement, tailored to the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, to help it establish its foundation!¡± Lin Jing grabbed an alchemy book and began studying. This plan would have been challenging in the Beast Taming Sect, but with the Hidden Dragon Arts¡¯ Spell Evolution ability, it was now akin to having a rudimentary Bodhi Cavern Heaven. As long as he continued to gain fame, creating such a specialized pill might not be impossible. As he flipped through the book, someone else entered the library¡ªa cultivator at the ninth stage of Qi Refinement, dressed in a scholar¡¯s robe. Lin Jing glanced at him and paused, slightly surprised. The newcomer, upon seeing Lin Jing, immediately scowled. "Tang Sanzang... no, wait¡ªBeast Taming Sect''s Lin Jing!" Lin Jing recognized the other person as well. "You''re the scholar from Bodhi Heaven who couldn''t snatch the Bodhi Tree." "You haven¡¯t reached Foundation Establishment yet?" Lin Jing asked. Though he hadn¡¯t cultivated any appraisal techniques, his strong spiritual sense¡ªcomparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator with spiritual perception¡ªmade it easy to judge the scholar¡¯s realm, especially since the latter hadn¡¯t concealed his aura. "What of it?" Xu Zhizhi retorted, glaring at Lin Jing with a sour expression. "So, you really did come to Hidden Dragon Academy. I still remember what happened in the Cavern Heaven. Back then, you relied on your mechanical constructs to dominate. But outside, those things are nothing special." Lin Jing chuckled lightly. "No need to get so worked up. Didn¡¯t the Snow Plains Cultivator save you in the end? Besides, yesterday, I beat a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the academy¡ªwithout using any mechanical constructs." Xu Zhizhi scoffed. "Fang Shilin, the son of Everlasting Spring Valley''s Valley Master, is only in the academy thanks to the preferential admission policy for heirs of major forces. Without it, someone of his talent wouldn¡¯t have been accepted at all. Defeating him means nothing!" He added, "If I used the cultural Dao treasure gifted by my teacher, I could have defeated him across realms as well!" Sensing Xu Zhizhi¡¯s lack of confidence despite his bold words, Lin Jing smirked. "So, by your logic, us special-recruit disciples are the true elites of the academy?" Xu Zhizhi hesitated before nodding. "Naturally! What are you planning?" "So, you, that Violet Flame Alchemist from the Pill Cauldron Sect, and the little swordsman from the Heavenly Sword Gate are already gaining some fame?" Lin Jing mused. "You¡¯re right! My Mechanical Bamboo Rifle may not be as useful as before. Its momentary fame from duels is fleeting. If I want my name to endure, I need an artifact to carry my legacy." He continued with a gleam in his eye, "I¡¯m planning to mass-produce Mechanical Bamboo Rifles and auction them at the Lotus Pavilion. Imagine a device that doesn¡¯t require cultivation¡ªanyone can pick it up and suppress Qi Refinement cultivators. It¡¯ll be a hit!" Lin Jing grinned. "Of course, to market it effectively, I¡¯ll tie it to your defeats. Using your losses as advertising material and binding our fame together. Surely there¡¯s no concept of ¡®reputation rights¡¯ here, right?" He clapped his hands as though inspired. "Picture it: someone uses the rifle, and onlookers remember, ¡®Oh, this was made by the genius mechanic Lin Jing, who once crushed academy elites like Xu Zhizhi in the Cavern Heaven.¡¯" Xu Zhizhi: ??? "You conniving scoundrel!!!" Xu Zhizhi¡¯s eyes widened with fury. "Don¡¯t be upset, Brother Xu. Losing to me is no shame at all. Once I ascend to the Genius Rankings, this will elevate your reputation. People will say, ¡®Xu Zhizhi once contended with Lin Jing.¡¯" "I¡¯m going to kill you!" Xu Zhizhi roared. Book 2: Chapter 7: The Lotus Auction House Vol 2 Chapter 7: The Lotus Auction House "You two, quiet down!" "Young man, don¡¯t go around talking about fighting and killing all the time, especially since you¡¯re supposed to be a scholar!" The voice of the elder guarding the library echoed in, calming Xu Zhizhi''s irritated heart. Grinding his teeth, Xu Zhizhi glared at Lin Jing. "Are you really going to do this?" Lin Jing put down the alchemy book. "What¡¯s wrong with it? Isn¡¯t this what really happened?" Xu Zhizhi clenched his fist. "Of course, it¡¯s wrong! You¡¯re trying to use our reputation to help you cultivate the Hidden Dragon Arts!" "It¡¯s extremely wrong!" "Didn¡¯t you hear what the senior in the library said? The cultivation world isn¡¯t just about fighting and killing, there¡¯s also human relationships and etiquette!" "How about this?" "You¡¯re speaking without evidence. How can we verify the authenticity of the mechanized creations¡¯ battle records? But if I also make a move to help you gain publicity, then it¡¯s a different story. The victim himself can step forward and speak, affirming the power of these creations, and it will definitely spread widely! In exchange, all you need to do is add a bit about my heroic image of fighting the Snow Plains cultivator in the Cavern Heaven during the publicity!" Since he couldn¡¯t change Lin Jing¡¯s mind, Xu Zhizhi decided to join in. "One more opponent is better than one more friend, don¡¯t you think? The more impressive my image becomes, the more it highlights how powerful your mechanical bamboo rifle is!" He tried to persuade Lin Jing with his silver tongue. So it¡¯s a commercial mutual promotion, huh? Lin Jing fell silent. "Exactly." The library guardian, a veteran of such matters, nodded slightly. He had done this sort of thing himself in the past. ... Not long after, Lin Jing left the library. Though it had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, he felt his idea wasn¡¯t wrong. Not just in the entire ancient kingdom, but even in the Hidden Dragon City, there were countless battles taking place every day. No one would be remembered forever; over time, names would fade into obscurity. But... if a person¡¯s name was tied to a holiday, a popular item, or a unique symbol, it would undoubtedly spread further and last longer than ordinary battle feats. "The mechanical bamboo rifle has an advantage over typical magic tools in that it doesn¡¯t require true qi to operate. Even with low cultivation, anyone can use it." "Besides that, in terms of attack range, power, and frequency, it¡¯s one of the best treasures available to Qi Refining stage cultivators. There are very few tools that combine all these advantages." "Most importantly, it¡¯s easy to make. Without carving formation patterns, I could easily assemble hundreds of them in a day, just following the process, no skill needed." "The materials used to make the mechanical bamboo rifle aren¡¯t rare either. The raw materials are just ordinary spirit plants, so the cost is very low." "The core ammunition is just like a regular spirit bean, but it packs a punch comparable to a serious hit from a ninth-stage Qi Refining cultivator. These spirit beans are combined from regular spirit beans, which are so common that even stray dogs in Hidden Dragon City wouldn¡¯t eat them if they fell on the ground. There¡¯s huge profit here." "The supply of ammunition can be entirely handled by the Pine Leaf Mouse. With its current abilities, making these is already effortless for it. Moreover, the stockpile it¡¯s been accumulating these days is more than enough to sell." "By tying the mechanical bamboo rifle to my name, every time something happens, people will think of the mechanical bamboo rifle I endorsed. Every time someone uses the rifle, the viewers will also think of me." "Also, if it sells well, it could solve my resource problems." The only thing Lin Jing was worried about now was whether the Pine Leaf Mouse could keep up with production if the mechanical bamboo rifle suddenly became popular. Unfortunately, the items couldn¡¯t be regrown once synthesized; otherwise, he could have contracted a few acres of spirit fields and let the rifle and ammunition grow freely. Lin Jing glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse, which was still hoarding goods inside the suspended gourd... Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. If only he had more Pine Leaf Mice that could only synthesize resources. Doppelganger! He remembered there was a spell that could create multiple doppelgangers to fight enemies. Since a doppelganger could fight, could it be used to work for him instead? Surely the Pine Leaf Mouse wouldn''t refuse a spell that could accelerate its stockpiling speed. ... "Senior Shen Song?" After leaving the academy, Lin Jing secretly called out. After a while, Shen Song replied, "What is it now?" "You once created wooden puppets in the Great Wilderness. This method is somewhat similar to creating doppelgangers. Do you know the doppelganger technique? I want to teach it to the Pine Leaf Mouse." Shen Song said, "Doppelganger technique? Why bother learning that useless spell? Ordinary doppelgangers are practically useless; they waste mana and have low combat power. As for external avatars, your cultivation is too low for that. Think about it after you reach the Nascent Soul stage! Once you complete the Green Emperor''s Longevity Art, you should be able to create grass-and-wood doppelgangers. They''ll do the job, I suppose!" Lin Jing asked, "Can those grass-and-wood doppelgangers use the same spells and divine abilities as the main body?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, but the effect will definitely be much weaker!" "Is that all? If not, I¡¯ll go take care of your worthless fish." Lin Jing chuckled, "It¡¯s nothing. With your words, I¡¯m at ease now." He turned and headed straight for the Lotus Pavilion. Book 2: Chapter 8: Promotional Advertisement Vol 2 Chapter 8: Promotional Advertisement ¡°Could I give it a try?¡± Master Shi''s interest was piqued as soon as he heard the question. He loved appraising all sorts of rare and strange new gadgets. ¡°No problem.¡± Lin Jing nodded, and Master Shi opened another door behind him, leading to an open outdoor area. Seeing this, the Qipao-clad female cultivator excused herself. ¡°You said this mechanical creation has considerable power. Did you make it yourself?¡± Holding the mechanical bamboo rifle, Master Shi asked curiously. After all, even a squirrel holding it would be nearly invincible at the Qi Refining stage, so such a claim seemed overly boastful. Many auctioneers liked to exaggerate the effectiveness of the items they sold. What the appraisers needed to do was confirm or debunk those claims! ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°In that case, I¡¯d like to see for myself¡­¡± Master Shi tossed the mechanical bamboo rifle to Lin Jing and formed a protective True Qi barrier around himself. ¡°You attack me with it, and I''ll personally experience its power!¡± ¡°Nowadays, appraisers like me, who are so dedicated to our craft, are rare to find.¡± Master Shi added with a bit of self-praise. ¡°Alright.¡± Lin Jing, holding the bamboo rifle, pressed the trigger. Given that the opponent was a Foundation Establishment cultivator and had already prepared, it was certain that the mechanical bamboo rifle wouldn¡¯t harm him. ¡°Water Arrow Technique? But there are no water formation marks carved into it. How did this water arrow come out¡­ Oh, so this blue spiritual bamboo is the key to the effect.¡± ¡°And then the beans were swept out by the water flow. What does that mean?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t activate it using True Qi? Looks like it¡¯s a purely mechanical creation.¡± Master Shi continued muttering to himself until the first spirit bean exploded. Boom! Master Shi was engulfed by the explosive shockwave. His protective True Qi trembled, and he lifted his head slightly, saying, ¡°Such power! So, these beans can explode!¡± The second later... ¡°Wait, how did you shoot all the beans out in an instant?!¡± Boom boom boom boom boom! The spirit beans exploded all at once, sending a powerful surge of spiritual energy through the air. The sound echoed across the sky, blowing Master Shi¡¯s hair about. The third second, the fourth second... Lin Jing quickly swapped magazines with one hand, and the attacks kept coming, never stopping. The relentless firepower caused Master Shi to feel the intense drain on his True Qi. He hastily shouted, ¡°No! Stop! Are these beans made of money? Do you expect me to keep going like this?!¡± ¡°Are you here to seriously auction things, or are you trying to kill me?! Please, stop! I can tell by your stance¡ªif I don¡¯t die, you won¡¯t stop!¡± Lin Jing ceased firing and said, ¡°I just wanted you to see its firing frequency.¡± Master Shi glanced around at the debris, his lips twitching slightly. ¡°I get it now! This mechanical device isn¡¯t suitable for combat. It¡¯s more suited for sieging a city.¡± ¡°Are you from Divine Machine Manor? How do you plan to price it? Besides the bamboo rifle, will the beans be included as well?¡± Master Shi pursed his lips and looked at Lin Jing, thinking of Divine Machine Manor, the top force in the Ancient Kingdom''s mechanical arts ranking. This mechanical bamboo rifle was extraordinary. It could fire dozens of powerful bombs in an instant without the need for True Qi activation. For someone at the Qi Refining stage, it was indeed a deadly weapon. What stood out most was that Lin Jing didn¡¯t seem at all reluctant to expend the individual spirit beans, which were as powerful as second-tier explosion talismans. This was something that made Master Shi uneasy, making him suspect that these were perhaps cheap new materials developed by Divine Machine Manor! S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°One mechanical bamboo rifle, plus 500 beans.¡± Lin Jing smiled slightly and said, ¡°The starting price doesn¡¯t matter. I can offer Lotus Pavilion a higher commission. I just have one condition.¡± "Mm?" Master Shi was puzzled. "What do you mean?" "This item has an extraordinary background. I hope that Lotus Pavilion can give it extensive publicity before the auction." "Oh? What''s its background?" Master Shi became even more interested. Items with a known background could often be priced several times higher than those without. "Master Shi, do you know Lin Jing, the genius disciple of Beastmaster Sect?" Lin Jing asked in a low voice. Master Shi paused for a moment, recalling, "I¡¯ve heard of him. I believe he recently defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the academy in a battle near the southern city, right? I heard some people mention it." "Do you know that this Lin Jing was selected by the Bodhi Cave Heaven when he was at the third layer of Qi Refining?" "Really? I didn¡¯t know that! No wonder he''s so strong." Master Shi was surprised. "But how does this mechanical creation tie in with a disciple of Beastmaster Sect?" "Master Shi, do you know that in addition to Lin Jing of Beastmaster Sect, there were also Xu Zhizhi, the proud student of Xu Fushi from Wenyu Tianyun City, Ziling¡¯er, a genius alchemist from the Fire Domain Dan Ding Sect, and Yuan Jing, who was the top disciple of the Outer Sect of Tianjian Sect at that time?" "Now, Xu Zhizhi, Ziling¡¯er, and Yuan Jing have all entered Qianlong Academy as special students. Their talents are extraordinary, with immense potential." Master Shi nodded. "I¡¯ve heard about these people. They did indeed enter the Cave Heaven, but I didn''t know that Lin Jing of Beastmaster Sect was with them! I¡¯ve also heard that the young hero Yuan Jing has already established his Foundation and refined the Tianjian Body. His strength is astonishing¡ªjust after entering Foundation Establishment, he defeated a late-stage Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator with a single sword strike! Ziling¡¯er is quite impressive too. I¡¯ve heard that she has already refined a perfect Foundation Establishment pill on her own, and will likely enter Foundation Establishment soon!" Lin Jing nodded. "So, Master Shi, are you aware that inside the Bodhi Cave Heaven, among the three Bodhi trees, the best ones¡ªthe golden and silver Bodhi¡ªwere not claimed by those geniuses, but rather, Lin Jing took them both, one for himself and one for his pet?" "What?" Master Shi was stunned. "Is that true?" "To be honest, Master Shi, it was the mechanical bamboo rifle I made that helped Lin Jing and his pet, the Pine Leaf Rat, each wield one rifle to suppress those three geniuses. You could say that Lin Jing of Beastmaster Sect was the biggest winner of this Cave Heaven event! Without my mechanical bamboo rifle, he would never have been able to achieve such results." "Whether it''s a genius in literature, alchemy, or swordsmanship, they all fell before this mechanical bamboo rifle." Master Shi was left in shock. Could this really be true? No wonder this young man had said earlier that even a squirrel holding the mechanical bamboo rifle would be invincible at the Qi Refining stage. "I hope that before Lotus Pavilion auctions the mechanical bamboo rifle, you can heavily promote its battle record! After all, this item helped a third-layer Qi Refining cultivator suppress three exceptionally talented Qi Refining cultivators at the ninth layer without a scratch." Master Shi swallowed hard. He hadn''t expected the mechanical bamboo rifle to be associated with some of the most famous new-generation geniuses in the current Qianlong City. He said, "But, Young Master, you¡¯re speaking without proof. How do I know whether what you¡¯re saying is true?" "Lotus Pavilion won''t use unverified information in the promotional materials for any auction items." Lin Jing smiled and said, "Hehe, I won¡¯t hide it from you, Master Shi. I am Lin Jing. I¡¯ve already become a student at the academy. If you don¡¯t believe me, I can bring Xu Zhizhi over to vouch for it!" Master Shi: ??? Damn it, so this kid isn¡¯t here to sincerely auction anything¡ªhe¡¯s just using Lotus Pavilion to help advertise and promote the mysterious Qianlong Secret Technique! ... The news spread slowly through word of mouth. Whether in past or present lives, news and public opinion have always been controlled by powerful factions. Lotus Pavilion, as a top-tier force, had substantial influence even at the level of a single city branch. Lin Jing took advantage of Lotus Pavilion¡¯s power to promote both himself and the mechanical bamboo rifle. Soon, Lotus Pavilion announced the details of their upcoming auction, including a list of the items to be auctioned. Invitations were sent out to their VIP clients, and the descriptions of the auction items were detailed. When many cultivators saw the mechanical bamboo rifle on the list, they paused for a moment, as Lin Jing''s popularity had not yet waned. "Mechanical bamboo rifle? The weapon used by Lin Jing of Beastmaster Sect in his early years?" "What? This Lin Jing was actually chosen by the Cave Heaven? No wonder he''s so strong¡ªhe must have gained some incredible opportunities in the Cave Heaven! His future is limitless!" "Did the academy geniuses Xu Zhizhi, Ziling''er, and Yuan Jing also enter the same Cave Heaven with Lin Jing? And he managed to seize the best opportunities from the Cave Heaven with his mechanical bamboo rifle, even though he was only at the third layer of Qi Refining? Is that for real?" "It¡¯s true. Academy genius Xu Zhizhi confirmed it. He said that no matter who holds this bamboo rifle, they¡¯re nearly invincible under Foundation Establishment, and even he couldn¡¯t match Lin Jing back then. It¡¯s all true!" "I heard that Xu Zhizhi, in order to protect the national fortune and prevent foreign cultivators from taking the opportunities meant for the ancient kingdom¡¯s cultivators, had to kill a terrifying Snowfield Body cultivator first. It took a huge toll on him, which is why he couldn¡¯t seize the opportunity. What a pity. I wonder if Xu Zhizhi in his prime could match this mechanical creation." "I heard Lin Jing appeared at Xianke Lai for a meal and left a message saying, ''Xu Zhizhi is not bad!'' before departing!" "I''m curious¡ªwhat kind of mechanical creation could allow a low-ranking disciple from a third-rate sect to snatch opportunities from the hands of geniuses from large sects? How does this Beastmaster Sect cultivator know mechanical techniques?" "Such a great item! I¡¯m going to buy it for my illegitimate son to protect himself!" Lotus Pavilion didn¡¯t actively promote the item, but whenever they released the list of auctioned goods, it always garnered the attention of a large number of cultivators. Some were pleased, some were worried. When they saw that Lin Jing had publicly revealed his Cave Heaven experience for the sake of his reputation, an alchemist from Dan Ding Sect was sulking in her cave. Several of her sisters had already asked if she had truly been beaten up by a squirrel. The biggest winner, however, was undoubtedly Lin Jing. Even though the mechanical bamboo rifle hadn¡¯t been auctioned yet, just a few days later, the mark of the Qianlong on the back of his hand turned from white to light blue. His name from yesterday and today had both gained momentum, and he became more widely known. Of course, the biggest loser was the Pine Leaf Rat. It had seen Lin Jing take so many rounds of ammunition from the warehouse... and immediately began wailing with a ghostly, sorrowful cry! Book 2: Chapter 9: The Academys Attention Vol 2 Chapter 9: The Academy''s Attention "Let me see yours." "Let me see yours too." "Nice color." "Yours is darker, though." "Pleasure doing business with you." Hidden Corner of Hidden Dragon City Lin Jing and Xu Zhizhi met a few days later. Upon seeing that Lin Jing had advanced the Hidden Dragon Arts to the second stage, marked by a blue seal, Xu Zhizhi couldn¡¯t hide his envy. "I arrived here months ahead of you, tried all kinds of ways to make a name for myself, and yet, in just a few days, you¡¯ve already caught up!" Lin Jing sighed. "I have to work hard for the revival of my sect." After all, part of the sect''s troubles was partially his responsibility. "I know a bit about your sect¡¯s situation," Xu Zhizhi said thoughtfully. "Blessings often come in disguise, but it seems your fortune might just be too strong for the sect to handle." "Anyway, don¡¯t worry too much! With your luck, you¡¯re bound to revive the sect. Just make sure to seize the opportunities that come your way!" "Even the heirs of great sects, sons of Nascent Soul cultivators, descendants of Soul Formation experts, or those with innate spiritual bodies don¡¯t get special recruitment from the academy. But for those like us, chosen by a Cavern Heaven, the academy personally extends invitations. Do you know why?" "Because cultivators who¡¯ve entered a Cavern Heaven once are highly likely to enter it a second or third time! That¡¯s an opportunity from the Celestial Realm, greater than anything else!" "That¡¯s precisely why I had to kill that Snow Plains Cultivator," Xu Zhizhi admitted. "Severing their fortune strengthened mine. That incident made me famous as well." "So, Lin, you just need to seize your future opportunities. I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll become the revivalist of the Beast Taming Sect. I, Xu Zhizhi, have never misjudged anyone!" "I¡¯ll take your kind words, Brother Xu," Lin Jing said sincerely. "You scholars always know how to put things so nicely." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xu Zhizhi gave a gentle smile. "We¡¯re friends now. Let¡¯s let bygones be bygones. If you ever need help, don¡¯t hesitate to come to me." "One last piece of advice, Brother Lin: these days, try not to go out much. And if you do, make sure to disguise yourself!" "Your newfound fame will undoubtedly attract attention from academy students who want to boost their own reputation by challenging you!" "I understand," Lin Jing replied. "Next, I¡¯m heading to the library to study. What about you, Brother Xu?" "I need to settle the spirit stone payments for those people I hired to spread my reputation," Xu Zhizhi said with a grin. Hidden Dragon Academy In a pitch-black hall, two rows of long stone tables stretched out. On them lay a dozen white stones, neatly arranged. Suddenly, one stone began to glow. Shortly after, seven or eight other stones lit up, each radiating beams of light that formed vague shadows. "The recruitment ceremony held once every five years is approaching. Who will serve as the chief examiner this time?" one shadow asked. "Let¡¯s have Ziwai do it. He recruited four exceptionally talented students for the academy this year. They can assist with the examinations," another shadow replied. "How capable are these four? I heard a few monstrous talents will be joining the academy. Can those four handle it?" "This is an excellent opportunity for them to make a name for themselves. If they fail to seize it, that¡¯s their loss." After parting ways with Xu Zhizhi, Lin Jing headed to the academy library. There were only a few pages left in the Scripture of Alchemy, and today he planned to memorize them all. Understanding was secondary; committing it to memory came first. As the saying goes, . Inside the library, Lin Jing held the scripture in one hand, committing it to memory, while using his other hand to press his forehead with a Spirit Nurturing Spell to alleviate fatigue. Whenever his qi ran low, he would pop a Replenishing Pill into his mouth. "Creating an original pill recipe isn¡¯t about conjuring something out of thin air," he mused aloud. "Most ¡®original recipes¡¯ by alchemists are, at their core, improvements on existing ones. They build upon the work of predecessors, either adding, subtracting, or substituting ingredients, using different flames or techniques to refine a pill with a similar effect." From Lin Jing¡¯s recent study, developing a new recipe seemed both challenging and simple at the same time. If an alchemist aimed to create a recipe for a Soaring Pill that could make even a chicken or dog ascend to immortality, that would indeed be a fool¡¯s dream. This pill is unprecedented on the Tianyuan Continent, its effects extraordinary¡ªsomething no alchemist from the lower realms could have created. It is undoubtedly an Immortal Pill. However, if an alchemist only aims to create a basic Healing Pill, the task becomes much simpler. With tens of thousands of spirit herbs possessing healing properties in the cultivation world, numerous versions of healing pills circulate in the market. Even inconspicuous clinics in small towns dare to advertise "exclusive secret recipes" or "original formulas." This is because developing and refining low-grade pills truly isn¡¯t difficult. Some Grade-1 recipes even require only one or two ingredients, where the alchemist merely extracts their nutrients and forms them into pills. What Lin Jing desired was a Foundation Establishment Pill designed for blood-refining methods, one that was neither exceptionally difficult nor overly simple. It wasn¡¯t too challenging because Foundation Establishment Pills were Grade-2 pills, and most sects had their own unique formulas tailored to their cultivation techniques. For example, the Demonic Dao Foundation Pill of the Beast Taming Sect had been studied to exhaustion by countless cultivators. However, it wasn¡¯t a walk in the park either. Lin Jing had only tried refining Grade-1 pills so far and had never attempted a Grade-2 pill. Refining Grade-2 pills at the Qi Refining stage was extraordinarily difficult¡ªa feat typically reserved for prodigies of the alchemical arts. Rumor had it that Ziling¡¯er from the Pill Cauldron Sect had successfully refined one of the most challenging Grade-2 pills: a special Foundation Establishment Pill¡ªthe exact pill Lin Jing sought. Her success catapulted her reputation at Hidden Dragon Academy. Of course, Ziling¡¯er was a dedicated alchemist who had gained enlightenment in Bodhi Heaven, so her achievement wasn¡¯t surprising. Lin Jing, on the other hand, was still a novice in the alchemical path. "If I want to develop my own exclusive Foundation Establishment Pill, it obviously won¡¯t be from scratch..." "Instead, I¡¯ll build on existing recipes, adding my own adjustments, experimenting repeatedly until either I succeed or I fail endlessly." Lin Jing had already chosen a recipe from one of the alchemy books in the library: the Grade-2 pill, Beast Blood Pill¡ªa body-tempering pill. Although the alchemy books in the library didn¡¯t detail any blood-refining methods, the Beast Blood Pill¡¯s materials included various types of beast blood, making it a suitable focus for Lin Jing¡¯s research. In addition to the Beast Blood Pill, Lin Jing planned to study the recipe for the most common ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill used across the continent. Most sect-specific Foundation Establishment Pills were essentially modified versions of this foundational recipe. "Now that I have the top-tier beast fire from the Dragon Carp, all I need is a high-grade pill furnace, and my preparations will be complete." Slowly refining, slowly researching¡ªwhat Lin Jing lacked least was time. Surprisingly, the Hidden Dragon Arts'' comprehension bonus wasn¡¯t even Lin Jing¡¯s greatest asset for developing pill formulas. It was his time. Currently, Lin Jing could live for over a thousand years, his Pine Leaf Mouse for five to six hundred years. This was just during the Qi Refining stage! Even the Dragon Carp was quite long-lived; ordinary wild carps could survive for over a century, let alone a Qi Refining Stage Nine Dragon Carp with awakened Dragon Veins! They were all long-lived beings¡ªvictory depended on who could outlast the others. As Lin Jing exited the library, a look of surprise appeared on his face. He saw a middle-aged man, scholarly in appearance, standing with a smile. "Not bad! It¡¯s only been a few days, and you¡¯ve already stirred up quite the commotion," Mr. Cao remarked with a grin. "It seems you¡¯ve adapted well to the rules of Hidden Dragon Academy. As expected of someone chosen by a Cavern Heaven. Because of your outstanding performance, the academy has decided to give you a chance to make a name for yourself!" Book 2: Chapter 10: Innate Divine Physique Vol 2 Chapter 10: Innate Divine Physique ¡°Senior, you flatter me¡­¡± ¡°The opportunity for fame you mentioned, what exactly is it?¡± Lin Jing was reminded of his previous life when professors would offer him ¡°opportunities,¡± only to load him up with tedious and menial tasks. Cao Ziwei chuckled. ¡°In a few months, the academy¡¯s enrollment season will begin again. At that time, numerous talented cultivators from all over will come to Hidden Dragon City, hoping to gain admission into Hidden Dragon Academy.¡± ¡°Every year, there¡¯s a special segment during the assessment where academy students act as examiners and engage in combat trials with the candidates.¡± ¡°You want me to act as one of the examiners this time?¡± Lin Jing asked in surprise. Cao Ziwei nodded. ¡°To be precise, this is the academy¡¯s arrangement. You won¡¯t be the only one; all the students who have recently shown exceptional performance will be examiners.¡± ¡°This is actually a great opportunity. These candidates are geniuses from various regions, often accompanied by senior sect members. During the assessment, the academy and sect representatives will focus intently on the examiners. If you perform well, you¡¯ll gain significant attention.¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take the examiner role!¡± Lin Jing agreed. This opportunity, like many things, had its pros and cons¡ªsuccess would depend entirely on his strength. ¡°Excellent,¡± Cao Ziwei said. ¡°Prepare yourself in the coming months. Since you¡¯re at the Qi Refining Stage, you¡¯ll only need to face candidates of the same stage. Don¡¯t underestimate them just because you¡¯ve defeated Foundation Establishment cultivators before. You might end up being their stepping stone. In past assessments, it¡¯s not uncommon for senior students to be defeated by candidates.¡± ¡°Even though these candidates might not have been specially recruited like you, it doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re weak,¡± Cao Ziwei warned. ¡°I¡¯ve heard there are quite a few monsters in the Qi Refining Stage among this year¡¯s candidates.¡± ¡°From the royal family of the capital, there¡¯s a prodigy at the ninth stage of Qi Refining with an Innate Divine Physique!¡± ¡°From the Divine Talisman Sect of the Dao Domain, there¡¯s a saintess, also at the ninth stage of Qi Refining, with the Talisman Physique. She can substitute her brush with her hand, the heavens and earth her paper, and inscribe talismans in the void.¡± ¡°There¡¯s also the grandson of a Nascent Soul-stage elder from the Demon-Slaying Bureau. Though he was said to be unruly in his youth, he reformed and uncovered a demonic plot by the Gu Cult in Snow Moon City just a few months ago. He¡¯s also at the ninth stage of Qi Refining!¡± ¡°That Innate Divine Physique cultivator is already renowned in the Ancient Domain at the Qi Refining stage. He¡¯s a well-known genius in the capital. Defeating him in the assessment would mean far more than defeating someone like Fang Shilin,¡± Cao Ziwei said with a persuasive smile. At this, Lin Jing wore a strange expression. The first two indeed sounded impressive. Cultivation physiques were divided into attribute-based physiques and special physiques. For instance, Fire Spirit and Ice Spirit Physiques were attribute-based and enhanced corresponding techniques and spells. Special physiques like the Primordial Yang Body and Longevity Body were rarer and offered broader benefits. Tianji Pavilion even compiled a Physique Rankings list, much like the Genius Rankings, cataloging a hundred physiques. Those on the list were often deemed ¡°divine physiques,¡± with a guaranteed path to forming a Golden Core and a high likelihood of reaching Nascent Soul or even Soul Transformation without major bottlenecks. The top ten physiques were called ¡°immortal physiques,¡± said to offer a chance at ascension to immortality. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Innate Divine Physique was undoubtedly powerful. Anyone with such a physique who cultivated Hidden Dragon techniques was bound to make waves. Compared to someone like Fang Shilin¡ªwho had reached Foundation Establishment without even an acquired spiritual body¡ªthe gap was immense. Lin Jing had initially taken this seriously, but when he heard about the Nascent Soul elder¡¯s grandson, he felt something was off. He wanted to ask, ¡°Is that Demon-Slaying Bureau genius named Gao Sheng?¡± Was that guy finally out of confinement? It seemed his family didn¡¯t want him causing more trouble and had sent him to the academy. ¡°I¡¯ll work hard during this period to prepare myself,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Senior, I was thinking¡­ perhaps I should rent a cave dwelling,¡± Lin Jing added. He realized that if he wanted to refine pills, staying in a wooden hut wouldn¡¯t cut it. ¡°Very well,¡± Cao Ziwei said with a smile. ¡°Resources are meant to be used. The rent for a cave dwelling is 10,000 spirit stones a year, but the benefits are worth it. Each dwelling is connected to the academy¡¯s spiritual veins. Cultivating there for a year is far more effective than using 10,000 spirit stones on regular cultivation.¡± Cao Ziwei¡¯s words made sense, but Lin Jing still felt a pinch in his heart. Thankfully, he¡¯d already decided to start a business. The auction for the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle was still some time away. Lotus Pavilion always advertised its auction items for at least half a month, giving sellers ample time to prepare spirit stones. ¡­ The academy¡¯s back mountain was dotted with cave dwellings for students. Lin Jing rented a small hilltop dwelling, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t have to wander the city like a vagabond anymore. ¡°Time to bring the Dragon Carp back!¡± Now that Lin Jing had his own place, he decided it was time to reclaim the Dragon Carp. After all, he couldn¡¯t keep troubling Senior Divine Pine to look after it forever. He quickly left the academy, calling out silently. Not long after, a Dragon Carp was tossed unceremoniously at his feet. The carp was bruised and battered, its body marked with blue and purple patches¡ªclearly, it had taken quite a beating. Fortunately, it seemed to have gained better control over its flames. ¡°You¡¯re still alive?¡± Lin Jing picked up the Dragon Carp and asked with concern. ¡°Blub¡­¡± The Dragon Carp responded weakly. Pain? It was used to it by now. From now on, no more randomly setting fires¡ªit wasn¡¯t worth getting beaten by that old pine tree again. ¡°As long as you¡¯re alive,¡± Lin Jing said with relief. Then he addressed the ancient pine tree. ¡°Senior Divine Pine, I¡¯ve got a question.¡± ¡°Do you think the Pine Leaf Mouse, with its current strength, could defeat a same-level Divine Physique?¡± ¡°A Divine Physique?¡± Divine Pine chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve got some serious misconceptions about Divine Physiques, don¡¯t you? Even a demonic beast with the bloodline of a Demon King would only get shredded to pieces by a same-level Divine Physique. You¡¯d better go find a shady spot and cool off.¡± ¡°Not a single chance?¡± Lin Jing asked. His expression suddenly shifted into a classic villainous smirk as he dragged a finger menacingly across his neck. ¡°I want to take him down¡ªno matter the means.¡± The demonic pine was amused by the display. Seeing Lin Jing¡¯s "devil-may-care" attitude, it decided to share a dubious strategy. ¡°Let it eat the Void-Skipping Grass! Doesn¡¯t its innate Crimson Leaf have spatial properties?¡± Lin Jing was taken aback. ¡°But it¡¯s not ripe yet.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly why it can eat it,¡± Divine Pine explained. ¡°A fully mature fifth-tier spatial spirit grass is so packed with nutrients it could make it explode. It would need to be at the Monster Core stage to barely digest it. If it eats it unripe, the nutrient content is much lower.¡± ¡°Eating it unripe won¡¯t poison it?¡± Lin Jing asked. Most spiritual plants contained toxins before maturity as a natural defense mechanism against being consumed prematurely. ¡°There¡¯s poison, of course,¡± the pine replied nonchalantly. ¡°That¡¯s why it needs guts. Its spatial affinity might prevent it from dying, and if it survives, its mastery of spatial techniques will improve dramatically. With high-level spatial abilities during the Qi Refining Stage, it might not be much worse than a Divine Physique.¡± The pine¡¯s suggestion was clearly a path to ruin, and Lin Jing waved it off. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll stick to being a proper righteous cultivator. I haven¡¯t mastered Immortal Rebirth yet¡ªif I die, I can¡¯t resurrect.¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Divine Pine retorted. ¡°Devil cultivators thrive on turning the impossible into the possible. Besides, that Pine Leaf Mouse of yours has already achieved minor success with the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, and you have that golden spiritual rice to enhance its ability to digest plants. With my help, it won¡¯t die. The worst-case scenario is losing a single immature Void-Skipping Grass! So what if a peerless genius gets eaten by a beast? I haven¡¯t heard anyone complain yet!¡± Book 2: Chapter 11: Flying Leaf Spatial Technique! Vol 2 Chapter 11: Flying Leaf Spatial Technique! ¡°Genius of the same race, my foot! How could an unintelligent plant suddenly become a so-called genius?!¡± Lin Jing felt the Elder Shen Pine was acting odd¡ªalmost as if it was trying to lure him into becoming a demonic cultivator. It seemed like one of those situations where someone who had already fallen into trouble wanted to drag others down with them. The Shen Pine scolded in frustration, ¡°I¡¯ve even agreed to help you, yet you don¡¯t seize the opportunity! ¡°Dawdling like this, once the hundred-year protection period passes, you won¡¯t even form a Core, and my first attempt at safeguarding cultivators will end in utter embarrassment!¡± Lin Jing took a deep breath and, after some serious thought, responded, ¡°Alright. ¡°Since Senior is so insistent, I¡¯ll trouble you to lend a hand! ¡°It¡¯s fine if we lose a genius of the same race, but don¡¯t let anything happen to the Pine Leaf Mouse!¡± ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± The Shen Pine, now in its pinecone form, cracked open in satisfaction. Lin Jing convinced himself. A mature Fifth-Grade spatial spirit herb, while incredibly rare and potent, would likely take an eternity to fully utilize. It was better to use it now! Helping the Pine Leaf Mouse gain stronger combat capabilities earlier wasn¡¯t a bad strategy either. Who knows? If it managed to beat that so-called Divine Physique during the trial, it would gain immense fame. The Qianlong Mark might even advance to the next stage! A higher-tier Qianlong Mark could amplify their spell cultivation more rapidly, making their strength soar in the short term. With greater strength, they¡¯d be better equipped to seize other opportunities, and their power would snowball from there. On the other hand, if they hoarded resources but perished midway, they¡¯d only benefit others¡ªa common regret in the cultivation world. The greatest tragedy for cultivators was dying and leaving resources to their enemies. And if the worst-case scenario was losing a spirit herb they stumbled upon, it didn¡¯t seem too bad after all. ¡°Thank you, Senior,¡± Lin Jing sincerely expressed his gratitude for the Shen Pine¡¯s willingness to help. The Shen Pine lamented, ¡°If only I were more familiar with your human demonic techniques, I¡¯d have already pushed you, with your Longevity Body, into cultivating something like a life-burning or lifespan-sacrificing demonic art. It would¡¯ve been so much faster than the Beast Taming Art!¡± ¡°The Beast Taming Art isn¡¯t that bad,¡± the Green Emperor coughed. ¡°Not great, either. Sure, it¡¯s a technique for the stable boys in the Celestial Palace, but at least it has some connection to the palace¡ªit¡¯s still better than the native techniques of Tianyuan¡¯s small continent,¡± the Shen Pine quipped. Wasting no time, the Pine Leaf Mouse was summoned by the Green Emperor. When it heard it couldn¡¯t delay eating the Spatial Evasion Grass any longer, it hesitated, showing great reluctance. After all, it had taken care of that herb for a long time and grown attached to it. ¡°¡­¡± The mouse had hoped to let the herb mature and propagate a whole batch of offspring before eating it. Eating it now would end that dream of a legacy. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve!¡± The Shen Pine scoffed. ¡°Even with my mastery of the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, I couldn¡¯t force the herb to reproduce, and you think you can? Dream on, little mouse!¡± Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse sighed. Fine, it would eat the herb. It scurried back into the Suspended Gourd, pulled out the Spatial Evasion Grass¡ªshaped like a white bean sprout¡ªand held it carefully in its paws. Returning to the outside world, its green eyes turned toward Lin Jing and the pinecone, seeking instructions on how to consume it. The Shen Pine, scanning the herb and the mouse with its spiritual sense, instructed, ¡°Take out a hundred grains of golden spirit rice first. Eat ten, and set the remaining ninety aside.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse froze. ¡°!!!¡± It was stunned. Eating ten grains of golden spirit rice was like courting death! It worried it¡¯d go so mad with hunger afterward that it might even try to eat the pinecone in front of it! ¡°Suppress the effects with the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art. Alternate between eating rice when full and digesting the herb when hungry. Repeat this cycle!¡± ¡°Just follow the instructions. If anything goes wrong, I¡¯ll intervene,¡± the Shen Pine reassured. The explanation was clear enough for the Pine Leaf Mouse to understand. Resigned, it could only trust that it would be rescued if needed. Its face displayed utter despair. ¡°What¡¯s the holdup? Not enough spirit rice? Then make more!¡± the Shen Pine barked impatiently, seeing the mouse hesitate. ¡°That¡¯s not the issue. The problem is that it doesn¡¯t want to part with so much spirit rice at once,¡± Lin Jing, understanding his beast better than anyone, explained. ¡°Eat it! Remember, a flower contains a world, and a leaf holds a universe. Who knows? After digesting the Spatial Evasion Grass, you might unlock an internal leaf-space!¡± Lin Jing encouraged. The mouse¡¯s eyes burned with determination, just like the nearby Dragon Carp recovering from injuries. Grinding its teeth, the Pine Leaf Mouse poured out its entire stockpile of golden spirit rice. The pile exceeded a thousand grains, leaving the Shen Pine flabbergasted. ¡°Seriously? You¡¯ve hoarded this much spirit rice, and now you¡¯re whining about a hundred grains?!¡± the Shen Pine exclaimed in disbelief. The Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t bother to explain. It grabbed a handful of golden spirit rice with grim resolve and shoved it into its mouth. In an instant, its emerald eyes turned crimson, and its stomach rumbled like thunder, startling the Dragon Carp, which backed away in fear of becoming the mouse¡¯s next meal. ¡°Let¡¯s tie you up, just in case.¡± After the mouse ate the rice, it immediately consumed the Spatial Evasion Grass. To prevent it from devouring anything¡ªor anyone¡ªelse, the Shen Pine restrained it with branches, leaving only enough freedom to reach the remaining rice. Seeing this, Lin Jing closed his eyes. Through their Bloodline Contract, he could vaguely sense the mouse¡¯s transformation¡ªa stark contrast to his earlier inability to connect with the Dragon Carp during its bloodline awakening. Entering a state of perception, Lin Jing¡¯s vision was overwhelmed by a cascade of silvery-white light. The mysterious silver energy seemed intent on breaking down the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body. Inside, its golden-green True Energy acted as an unyielding barrier, resisting and absorbing the silver energy, gradually integrating it. Externally, the Pine Leaf Mouse began to glow. The golden-green light interwove with the silver brilliance, exuding an aura of otherworldly mystery. It seemed to hover between existence and non-existence. As the mouse entered this peculiar state, Lin Jing was drawn into it as well. Time flew by unnoticed, and the Shen Pine observed in mild astonishment. The Shen Pine turned to the Dragon Carp, the only other being still awake. ¡°This Beast Tamer and his Pine Leaf Mouse have exceptional spatial perception. ¡°If they ever ascend to the Spirit Transformation stage, this talent could prove invaluable.¡± The Dragon Carp, still resentful from its recent beatings, rolled over in silent protest. Time passed. On the seventh day, the mysterious silver energy no longer posed a threat to the Pine Leaf Mouse. By the tenth day, it had fully digested the Spatial Evasion Grass. Although its cultivation level hadn¡¯t significantly changed, its spatial perception had sharpened considerably. Maintaining this heightened perception, it instinctively took out a red leaf and held it close. Two days later, the Pine Leaf Mouse finally opened its eyes. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Lin Jing, who had stayed by its side throughout, also opened his eyes. During these ten days, he felt he¡¯d undergone some changes, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what. The Pine Leaf Mouse, clutching the red leaf, seemed dazed. It had consumed countless grains of spirit rice to suppress the herb¡¯s power and felt external assistance multiple times¡ªit must¡¯ve been the Shen Pine using the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art to help. ¡°Sigh¡­¡± The mouse stared at the red leaf, feeling disappointed. It hadn¡¯t sensed any internal space opening up. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± the Shen Pine asked impatiently. ¡°What exactly do you feel?¡± ¡°Even though the Spatial Evasion Grass isn¡¯t something human cultivators can directly benefit from, you¡¯re a spatial-element spirit beast. With the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art aiding your digestion, you should¡¯ve gained something, right?¡± The Shen Pine studied the mouse intently. Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated. ¡°Sigh¡­¡± It gently tossed the red leaf into the air, and in the next instant, its figure vanished. Reappearing beside the floating red leaf, it grabbed it and stood atop the heavens. ¡°Spatial teleportation? No, it¡¯s incomplete¡ªa technique reliant on the spatial red leaf as a coordinate.¡± Book 2: Chapter 12: Plotting the Grand Venture Vol 2 Chapter 12: Plotting the Grand Venture ¡°Spatial teleportation technique?!¡± Lin Jing, watching from below alongside the Dragon Carp, widened his eyes in amazement. The Pine Leaf Mouse truly disappeared, only to reappear moments later. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Spatial teleportation,¡± the Shen Pine chuckled. ¡°It aligns perfectly with the properties of the Spatial Evasion Grass. It seems the little mouse digested it well! ¡°While it¡¯s not a combat-oriented spatial spell, it¡¯s quite impressive. Keep in mind, spatial mastery typically begins at the Void Profound stage. ¡°At that level, cultivators truly gain control over spatial forces. ¡°For example, the academy jade slip you carried¡ªlikely crafted by the Void Profound stage headmaster of Qianlong Academy¡ªcan instantly connect you across domains from the Great Wasteland Domain to the academy for inter-domain teleportation. ¡°Similarly, the large teleportation arrays in ancient nations were all constructed by Void Profound or higher cultivators. ¡°Oh, and the academy itself¡ªit may not seem vast, but in reality, it¡¯s enormous. It contains numerous ¡®pocket dimensions¡¯ created by Void Profound cultivators. They¡¯re similar to Cavern Heavens. You¡¯ll understand better during lectures, as teaching at the academy typically happens within these pocket dimensions rather than in the external world. ¡°Of course, the Void Profound stage¡¯s perfect mastery of spatial forces doesn¡¯t mean lower-level cultivators can¡¯t use them. ¡°However, unlike the miraculous abilities of Void Profound experts, low-level cultivators usually need external aids to use spatial spells. ¡°For instance, crafting storage bags and tools, setting up spatial formations, or laying spatial seals requires access to spatial resources. ¡°Your little mouse falls into this category. Using the spatial red leaf as an anchor, it achieved a form of spatial teleportation.¡± The Shen Pine sighed with a hint of pride. ¡°At the very least, it now has an excellent escape mechanism when facing opponents without spatial abilities!¡± ¡°...¡± By now, the Pine Leaf Mouse had returned to the ground, letting out a small sigh. It still longed for the internal leaf-space Lin Jing had mentioned. ¡°Thank you, Senior Shen Pine.¡± Seeing the Pine Leaf Mouse unharmed and even gaining such a significant ability, Lin Jing was thoroughly satisfied. ¡°No need to thank me. I merely ensured it wasn¡¯t poisoned to death by a Fifth-Grade spirit herb. Its gains are due to its spatial talent¡ªor perhaps its sheer determination.¡± The Shen Pine chuckled. ¡°But this ability lacks direct offensive power in combat. ¡°If you want to defeat a Divine Physique of the same rank using this skill, you¡¯ll need to be creative!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Lin Jing mused. The value of the spatial teleportation technique lay in its unpredictability. ¡°Wait, it¡¯s already been over ten days. Do you think anyone in Qianlong City is still looking for you? Shouldn¡¯t you leave by now?¡± The Shen Pine dispelled the formation it had set up, signaling the end of its assistance. It needed rest¡ªit had just cared for the Dragon Carp and then the Pine Leaf Mouse. It wasn¡¯t Lin Jing¡¯s protector; it felt more like a glorified babysitter! ¡°Ten days¡­¡± Lin Jing froze. ¡°What? That long? Did the Mechanized Bamboo Rifle auction start without me?!¡± How could he have missed such an important event? Quickly, he stowed the Pine Leaf Mouse back into the Suspended Gourd, urging it to practice its teleportation technique while he dashed toward the academy¡¯s cave dwelling. ¡°I rented that place with spirit stones. If no one¡¯s there, it¡¯s a waste!¡± After tossing the Dragon Carp at the cave¡¯s entrance to guard it, Lin Jing hurried to the Lotus Pavilion. Just as he stepped into the street, a figure intercepted him. ¡°Where have you been these past days, Lin Jing?¡± Xu Zhizhi had been waiting here for a long time and finally ran into Lin Jing. ¡°You missed the Mechanized Bamboo Rifle auction! Do you know how intense it was?¡± he said, looking regretful. ¡°Brother Xu!¡± Lin Jing sighed in relief upon seeing him. ¡°So, did everything go smoothly?¡± ¡°I was in seclusion, cultivating spells, and lost track of time. Can you fill me in on the details of the auction?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Xu Zhizhi smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the other items. Your Mechanized Bamboo Rifle? It was a madhouse!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Lin Jing was surprised. While the rifle was innovative, it was still just a Qi Refinement weapon. How could it cause such a frenzy? ¡°At first, a few Qi Refinement cultivators bid for it. ¡°By the end, guess which two groups were fighting over it?¡± Xu Zhizhi¡¯s expression was amused. Lin Jing shook his head, clueless. ¡°One was a cultivator from the Agricultural Bureau. ¡°The other? Someone from the Divine Mechanism Manor!¡± ¡°Unlike the others, I think they cared more about the materials of your rifle! ¡°Perhaps they mistook it for a mutated spirit plant and wanted to study it. After all, the Spirit Bean¡¯s power is quite remarkable.¡± ¡°And do you know the final price?¡± ¡°Three full slabs of low-grade spirit stones!¡± ¡°???¡± Lin Jing was stunned. He couldn¡¯t believe it fetched such a high price. ¡°Was it the Agricultural Bureau or the Divine Mechanism Manor that won?¡± he asked instinctively. ¡°Neither,¡± Xu Zhizhi replied with a mysterious smile. Lin Jing: ??? ¡°Then who?¡± Xu Zhizhi explained, ¡°Just as the bidding reached its peak, a young man dressed like someone from the Demon-Slaying Bureau raised the price so high that both sides backed down.¡± ¡°The Demon-Slaying Bureau?¡± ¡°Yes, he introduced himself as Gao Sheng. I looked into it¡ªhe¡¯s from a prominent demon-slaying family. They¡¯re quite wealthy. I¡¯m not sure what he plans to do with your rifle. Maybe this is just what they call ¡®having money to burn.¡¯ Exciting, isn¡¯t it? ¡°Lin Jing, you struck gold this time! Don¡¯t forget to treat me to three meals at Xianke Lai! After all, I instructed the bidders to sing your praises during the auction.¡± Lin Jing fell silent. He had a bad feeling about this. When he finally reached the Lotus Auction House to collect his earnings, Gao Sheng was waiting for him. Accompanying him was a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a wealthy appearance, who stood to the side with a flattering smile. ¡°Lin Jing, finally! I¡¯ve been waiting for you!¡± Gao Sheng, dressed in the black uniform of a demon-slaying officer, greeted him with a hearty laugh and brandished the Mechanized Bamboo Rifle. ¡°Look!¡± ¡°Why¡¯d you spend so much on that thing?¡± Lin Jing muttered, his lips twitching as he eyed the rifle. ¡°Well, it¡¯s your creation. I couldn¡¯t stand seeing it go cheap! It¡¯s just pocket money, no big deal.¡± Gao Sheng waved dismissively. ¡°I wasn¡¯t too thrilled when the old man sent me to the academy, but meeting you made it worth it.¡± ¡°What do you want?¡± Lin Jing asked warily. ¡°To plot a grand venture together! That item is still with you, right?¡± Gao Sheng said cryptically. ¡°I¡¯ve got some promising opportunities lately. Let¡¯s partner up! The extra spirit stones from the auction will be your commission.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s vision darkened. This guy was probably like the Cold Moon Sword Immortal¡ªsomeone who wanted to exploit him for personal gain. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no way he¡¯d team up with this guy. At least with the Cold Moon Sword Immortal, he knew what he was getting into. ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch. He must know I have the Longevity Body and is eyeing me,¡± Lin Jing thought. Still, since Gao Sheng had given him so many spirit stones, he hesitated to outright refuse. ¡°We¡¯ll see¡­¡± Lin Jing replied evasively. He then turned to the wealthy-looking cultivator beside Gao Sheng. ¡°You must be the person in charge of the Lotus Auction House?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Zhang Duobao. I didn¡¯t realize Lin Jing and Young Master Gao were such good friends. Here¡¯s a Blue Lotus-level token from our pavilion. With it, you¡¯ll enjoy discounts at any of our establishments.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Lin Jing accepted the token. ¡°Can I withdraw my auction earnings now?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Zhang Duobao said with a smile. ¡°Also, I¡¯d like to consign more Mechanized Bamboo Rifles for auction,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Absolutely. How many?¡± Zhang Duobao asked eagerly. ¡°Two hundred. But I¡¯d like 150 of them sent to other cities for auction,¡± Lin Jing replied with a grin. ¡°Two hundred?!¡± Zhang Duobao was stunned. Beside him, Gao Sheng also blinked in disbelief. ¡°Why not keep them? We could take them to the mountains, round up some monkeys, train them to use the rifles, and wipe out small Demonic Dao strongholds. You¡¯re a Beast Tamer, right? Imagine 200 rifles firing simultaneously¡ªunless it¡¯s a Core Formation expert, we¡¯d be unstoppable!¡± Book 2: Chapter 13: You鈥檙e a Grown-Up Fish Now Vol 2 Chapter 13: You¡¯re a Grown-Up Fish Now Lin Jing had no intention of indulging Gao Sheng¡¯s antics. He needed to focus on making money! Although he shared a desire to eradicate the Yin Corpse Sect¡ªa demonic sect notorious for human trafficking¡ªnow wasn¡¯t the time. He feared that teaming up with Gao Sheng to fight demons would likely end with both of them being captured. Gao Sheng would probably be sent home safely while Lin Jing got left behind as a hostage. ... Given the overwhelming success of the first Mechanized Bamboo Rifle auction¡ªpartially due to the extravagance of a wealthy bidder¡ªLin Jing decided to sell the rifles exclusively through auctions for now. Once the prices declined, he¡¯d flood the market with them at a lower price. After leaving the auction house, Gao Sheng continued following him until they stopped in a quiet corner. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Brother Gao, are you planning to participate in the academy¡¯s assessment in four months?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Of course,¡± Gao Sheng replied. ¡°My family¡¯s forcing me into it, though I really don¡¯t want to go. ¡°I imagine I¡¯ll just learn the Hidden Dragon Arts and skip the lectures. I¡¯ve heard academy lectures can last ten days or more¡ªhow boring! I¡¯d much rather roam around solving cases; I think I have a knack for it.¡± He tapped his temple. ¡°Where I come from, all my peers had innate spiritual bodies or unique constitutions. I was the only one with an ordinary body. That killed my interest in cultivation as a child. But when I grew up, I realized that when immortals close one door, they open another. My talent might lie here.¡± ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯ll be serving as a proctor for one of the assessment stages,¡± Lin Jing said regretfully. ¡°I also need to enter seclusion for intense training, so I can¡¯t join you on your investigations.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Gao Sheng looked disappointed. ¡°But the unsolved cases I¡¯ve secretly unsealed are fascinating! ¡°One involves the Gu God Sect! ¡°Another even ties back to the Heavenly Demon Sect, the former top demonic sect that¡¯s been completely destroyed!¡± ¡°Well, if you¡¯re unavailable, I suppose we can wait a few months and go together afterward.¡± ¡°Brother Gao, you¡¯d better prepare for the assessment,¡± Lin Jing advised. ¡°If you get eliminated¡­ I can¡¯t bend the rules with the academy overseers watching.¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Gao Sheng nodded. ¡°Once I¡¯ve mastered the Hidden Dragon Arts, I¡¯ll invite you to tackle those cases with me. Solving them could make us famous across the ancient nations¡ªit¡¯s a win-win.¡± ¡°By the way, do you know who else will serve as proctors?¡± ¡°Is it just you, or are there others?¡± ¡°There are several others,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, candidates will choose one proctor to challenge and demonstrate their strength.¡± Gao Sheng looked at Lin Jing and smirked. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know you, I¡¯d definitely pick you. ¡°Beast Taming Sect cultivators usually lack personal combat strength. Even with my minimal training, I think I could beat one.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re an exception, of course, considering you¡¯re hosting inside you.¡± The Dragon Carp rolled its eyes. ¡°How would you even use it during the assessment?¡± The Ice Soul Gu was far from reliable; using it now would make the Dragon Carp hesitant to face the Genius Rankings. ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Gao Sheng chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not like the candidates have any grudges with him.¡± ¡°Brother Lin, let me help you out. I¡¯ll find out which proctor is the strongest and let you know!¡± ¡°You¡¯re too kind! You¡¯re the epitome of integrity!¡± Lin Jing clasped his hands in mock reverence. ¡°Why don¡¯t we talk more after the assessment when we¡¯re classmates? Good luck with your preparations, Brother Gao!¡± ¡°You passed the character test¡ªI knew you¡¯d be a good teammate!¡± Gao Sheng laughed, returning the gesture. ¡°By the way, where¡¯s your horse?¡± ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about my horse?¡± Gao Sheng asked suspiciously. Lin Jing shrugged. ¡°No, just curious.¡± With the Dragon Carp, now blessed with Kirin bloodline potential, Lin Jing had no reason to covet a dragon-horned white horse. The carp¡¯s eventual transformation into a dragon was far more promising. What he lacked, however, was rare beast blood for crafting Beast Blood Pills. ¡°Well, I should be off to buy a fish tank for my new pet carp,¡± Lin Jing said, bidding Gao Sheng farewell. Thanks to Gao Sheng¡¯s generosity, Lin Jing had made a fortune today. Coupled with the Pine Leaf Mouse mastering an advanced spatial technique, he felt it was time to celebrate. Since the Dragon Carp couldn¡¯t yet reside in the Beast Taming space, it remained outside. Lin Jing decided to buy it a fireproof fish tank. ... At the academy¡¯s back mountain, Lin Jing returned to his cave dwelling. Outside, he found the Dragon Carp basking in the sun, staring at the sky. Smiling, Lin Jing called out, ¡°Look what I¡¯ve got for you¡ªa gift!¡± ¡°A fish tank! And it¡¯s fireproof!¡± The Dragon Carp, overjoyed to see Lin Jing, was even more excited to hear about the gift. Although its childhood memories had been hazy, its bloodline awakening gradually brought them back. As a mutated fire carp rejected by its clan, it felt incredibly fortunate to have found a Beast Tamer like Lin Jing. Until¡­ The Dragon Carp stared dumbfounded at the cauldron in Lin Jing¡¯s hands, bristling with fury. Who called this a fish tank?! This was clearly a cauldron for refining pills! Was Lin Jing mocking its ignorance? Sure, it was fireproof, but that didn¡¯t make it any better! ¡°This is the Hundred Beast Cauldron, crafted from companion beast ores of various demonic beasts. It¡¯s inscribed with multiple pill-refinement formations that greatly enhance the efficacy of materials with beast origins,¡± Lin Jing explained with a pained expression. ¡°It cost me 9,999 spirit stones.¡± It was the perfect cauldron for his current needs, given that almost all the materials for Beast Blood Pills came from demonic beasts. The cauldron was highly effective for refining beast-related pills, and Lin Jing figured it could also be used to temper the Dragon Carp. After all, some mythical beings¡ªlike certain apes¡ªhad gained their abilities through being refined in cauldrons. ¡°Blub¡­¡± The Dragon Carp glared at Lin Jing, its sharp instincts sensing that the cauldron was meant more for refining than pills. ¡°You need this fireproof cauldron for your own good,¡± Lin Jing said earnestly. ¡°Too much firepower can be a bad thing. ¡°I¡¯ve been so focused on unlocking your potential that I overlooked whether you could handle the power we¡¯ve awakened. ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll live in this cauldron. I¡¯ll teach you pill refining to help you master your flames. The goal is for you to refine pills without my help!¡± ¡°You¡¯re a grown-up Fire Carp now¡ªit¡¯s time to learn how to control your own flames.¡± ¡°You remember how I refined the Replenishing Pills before, right? I¡¯ve prepared 1,000 sets of materials with the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s help. Start by refining 1,000 pills for me.¡± The Dragon Carp froze. Although the Shen Pine had tried to train it through sparring, Lin Jing¡¯s approach¡ªusing pill refinement¡ªseemed more humane, yet somehow even more devious. ¡°Blub blub!!¡± The carp protested, asking why Lin Jing wasn¡¯t refining pills himself after studying pill manuals for so long. ¡°The situation has changed. I won¡¯t have time to delve into pill refining for the next few months. After the academy assessment, I¡¯ll revisit it. For now, I¡¯m focusing on mechanized arts.¡± Lin Jing revealed two items: a palm-sized Mechanical Bamboo Turtle and the Ingenious Soul Core, a prize from Elder Yu during the Ascending Dragon Festival. He planned to spend the coming months upgrading the turtle. During combat, he couldn¡¯t rely on the Dragon Carp¡ªit wasn¡¯t bound to him through a Bloodline Contract and was technically an independent entity. Using it in a duel would count as fighting two-on-one, which was generally prohibited in formal competitions unless explicitly allowed. The Pine Leaf Mouse, however, was a different story. Having a Bloodline Contract with Lin Jing, it was treated as an extension of him. Beast Taming Sect cultivators were unique in that their contracted beasts were recognized as part of their individual strength. The Mechanical Turtle was another option. Mechanized beasts were considered tools rather than living beings, so there were no restrictions on their use. To ensure he performed well as a proctor, Lin Jing decided to enhance the turtle. With the Ingenious Soul Core, the turtle could be directly controlled by his spiritual consciousness, making it more powerful and agile. Although Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation was low, his spiritual strength was unusually high due to being tempered by the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda and his experiences across two lifetimes. With further research into mechanized arts at the academy, he was confident he could upgrade the turtle to display Foundation Establishment-level combat power, even without the Pine Leaf Mouse. Book 2: Chapter 14: Handing Out Rifles Vol 2 Chapter 14: Handing Out Rifles ¡°Have you heard of Wang Xiao of the Wang family? He possesses the Heavenly God Physique, ranked 93rd on the Physique Rankings! The Heavenly God Physique allows one to command the forces of the sun, moon, and stars, summoning storms and lightning as if a celestial being descended to earth¡ªunstoppable!¡± ¡°Who in the Ancient Domain hasn¡¯t heard of this Wang family prodigy? It¡¯s almost certain the Wang family will produce another Spirit Transformation expert in a few hundred years.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I heard Wang Xiao arrived in Qianlong City yesterday, traveling alone. He was seen roaming the mountains, roasting all kinds of Foundation Establishment demonic beasts!¡± Four months later, Qianlong City was bustling with activity in every teahouse and restaurant. Time flew by, and Lin Jing had now spent four months in Qianlong City. During this time, he focused on training while relying on the auctions of his Mechanized Bamboo Rifles to maintain and spread his reputation. Fame, however, required time to settle. If he kept stirring things up too often, people might grow desensitized. A name heard too frequently risks becoming mundane. Initially, his name only circulated within Qianlong City. But as the Lotus Pavilion branches in other cities auctioned the Mechanized Bamboo Rifles and promoted them, Lin Jing began gaining recognition in other parts of the Ancient Domain. Cultivators in various regions were now aware of a talented disciple from the Beast Taming Sect, who had defeated numerous opponents in a Cavern Heaven and famously battled Foundation Establishment cultivators as a Qi Refinement stage disciple in Qianlong City. Combined with the buzz surrounding the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s sealed status, many were curious whether the sect could revive in a century. Meanwhile, Lin Jing made steady progress with his Hidden Dragon Arts, advancing faster than most. His relatively low cultivation level meant that even while delving into mechanized arts and pill refinement, his consumption of Hidden Dragon Fortune remained modest. Four months of secluded cultivation created a delicate balance in the accumulation and expenditure of his Hidden Dragon Fortune. However, Lin Jing noticed his progress with the Hidden Dragon Arts had slowed recently. Qianlong City, a gathering place for prodigies and major events, brimmed with fresh topics daily. As the academy¡¯s admissions neared, the names of talented individuals from various domains, sects, and clans spread across the city, overshadowing other news. At the same time, the academy opened its grounds to applicants and their accompanying elders. Admission wasn¡¯t open to just any cultivator¡ªtypically, only young disciples personally recommended by Nascent Soul-level cultivators were eligible. Thus, the applicants were nearly all heirs of influential factions or true disciples of major sects. ¡°Time to replenish some Hidden Dragon Fortune,¡± Lin Jing muttered, looking at the fading blue Hidden Dragon Mark on his hand. The geniuses flocking to the academy would be the stepping stones for his next rise in fame. He had been preparing for this opportunity for months. Just as he planned his next move, a message rang out through a spatial transmission: ¡°Come to the Tranquil Spirit Court.¡± The Tranquil Spirit Court, a serene courtyard within the academy, was surrounded by wisps of immortal mist. Under the golden morning sunlight, a rough bamboo pavilion stood at the end of the stone path. Inside, an ancient tea set sat on a stone table, with its fragrance wafting through the air. Lin Jing arrived to find himself among familiar faces: Xu Zhizhi, the silent Young Hero Yuan Jing, and the alchemist Ziling¡¯er. They were all seated around the table. Upon Lin Jing¡¯s arrival, Xu Zhizhi greeted him with a smile, but Yuan Jing remained expressionless, and Ziling¡¯er pouted, still harboring grievances. When all four were present, Cao Ziwei stepped forward with a grin. ¡°Tomorrow is the academy¡¯s assessment. You four will serve as proctors, with the first test being a combat evaluation. ¡°There are over a hundred candidates this year, all at the Qi Refinement stage. Yuan Jing, Ziling¡¯er, you¡¯re both early Foundation Establishment. Xu Zhizhi and Lin Jing... One of you is at Qi Refinement Stage 9, and... Lin Jing, you¡¯re still at Stage 7?¡± Cao Ziwei blinked in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve spent four months in a premium cave dwelling, and you haven¡¯t even advanced a single stage?¡± The others glanced at Lin Jing, who coughed awkwardly. ¡°Soon! I have a feeling I¡¯ll reach Stage 8 within a month. These past months, I¡¯ve admittedly neglected my cultivation. And, as you know, Beast Taming Sect disciples tend to progress slower.¡± The truth was that Lin Jing¡¯s Pine Leaf Mouse, already at Stage 9, could no longer provide much feedback to boost his cultivation. Moreover, advancing during the later stages of Qi Refinement was significantly harder. Cao Ziwei sighed. ¡°No matter. Your pet at Stage 9 is good enough. The academy will provide you all with the best pills for recovery and healing during the tests.¡± ¡°The candidates will choose one of you to duel. I¡¯ll grade the results, so be prepared.¡± Turning to Yuan Jing and Ziling¡¯er, Cao Ziwei added, ¡°As Foundation Establishment cultivators, don¡¯t let yourselves be bested by lower-stage candidates. The academy won¡¯t mind, but it would hinder your progress in the Hidden Dragon Arts.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Yuan Jing and Ziling¡¯er replied in unison. ¡°Good. Be at Flying Dragon Mountain at sunrise tomorrow. I¡¯ll oversee the first assessment.¡± With that, Cao Ziwei disappeared, leaving the four proctors behind. The pavilion fell silent. Just as Yuan Jing was about to leave, Lin Jing spoke up. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s the big day. I wish you all the best and have prepared some gifts. They might not be necessary for you, but an extra trump card never hurts.¡± He then placed three Mechanized Bamboo Rifles on the table. ¡°Haha, I¡¯ve wanted to try one of these for ages!¡± Xu Zhizhi exclaimed, picking up a rifle and inspecting it. ¡°The auction prices were too steep, and I didn¡¯t want to ask you directly. ¡°Against regular candidates, a few shots should suffice to gauge their level! This handles much better than an ink brush¡ªit¡¯s refreshing!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not giving gifts¡ªyou¡¯re just trying to promote your inventions!¡± Ziling¡¯er scoffed, though she still picked up a rifle. ¡°It¡¯s not like I really want it, but since you insist, I¡¯ll take it.¡± Grinning, she added, ¡°Hey, Lin Jing, can I load it with poison pills or illusion powder and fire them alongside the beans for an explosive effect?¡± Xu Zhizhi blinked. ¡°Wait, you can do that?¡± ¡°You should test it,¡± Lin Jing replied, amused. ¡°I don¡¯t need this. A sword is enough for me.¡± Yuan Jing hesitated briefly before grabbing a rifle. ¡°Though, for most Qi Refinement cultivators, it would be overkill for me to draw my sword.¡± Having been chased by the Pine Leaf Mouse wielding a rifle, Yuan Jing was curious to try it himself. Lin Jing had anticipated that few could resist the allure of a mechanized weapon. Watching everyone claim a rifle, Xu Zhizhi chuckled. ¡°Brilliant! Using spells to defeat challengers might be effective, but it¡¯s dull and unlikely to generate much discussion. ¡°If we all use Mechanized Bamboo Rifles to beat weaker candidates, then switch to spells for stronger ones, it¡¯ll create quite the buzz. Lin Jing, you¡¯re a genius!¡± Unbeknownst to them, Cao Ziwei, still nearby, listened from behind a tree and fell deep into thought. Book 2: Chapter 15: Chaos in the Assessment Vol 2 Chapter 15: Chaos in the Assessment Tianyuan New Era, Year 12,345, Second Month, Second Day Under a clear blue sky, numerous young cultivators ascended Flying Dragon Mountain. They were the candidates for this year¡¯s academy assessment. Most climbed alone, while a few were accompanied by elders from their families or sects, eager to witness the spectacle. At the mountain summit, a massive arena had been constructed. Standing at the center was Cao Ziwei, the presiding examiner and academy teacher, flanked by four academy students: Lin Jing, dressed in white with a gourd at his waist.Ziling¡¯er, wearing a fiery alchemist¡¯s robe that exuded a medicinal fragrance.Yuan Jing, clad in black with a sword strapped to his back.Xu Zhizhi, in a scholarly green robe with an air of refinement. ¡°That¡¯s Cao Ziwei, the academy¡¯s teacher. They say he¡¯s at Nascent Soul perfection and a master of Qi Observation techniques!¡± an elder whispered to a younger companion. ¡°Once, during a family gathering, one of our juniors was hosting a talent selection. Cao Ziwei was invited to judge the candidates. With a single glance, he selected an ordinary physique over a special one, claiming the former had ¡®wife-prospering fortune.¡¯ The junior followed his advice, and the two innate ordinary physiques ended up producing a child with the Innate Thunder Spirit Physique¡ªthe strongest innate physique!¡± ¡°After that, many noble families began paying a fortune to consult Cao Ziwei when choosing spouses for their daughters. If you¡¯re lucky enough to catch his eye and he says you bring wife-prospering fortune, you could join any prestigious family without issue!¡± ¡°That¡¯s incredible!¡± The younger cultivator¡¯s eyes sparkled as he gazed at Cao Ziwei. ¡°This fortune technique is amazing!¡± ¡°Are those four the academy students serving as proctors this time? Two at early Foundation Establishment, one at Qi Refinement Stage 9, and one at Stage 7?¡± Among the candidates, some scrutinized Lin Jing and the others carefully, weighing their options. ¡°Challenging the Foundation Establishment proctors will be tough to win, but even in defeat, a strong performance could score higher than beating that Qi Refinement Stage 7 proctor,¡± one young cultivator reasoned aloud. Hearing this, his elder smacked him and whispered sharply, ¡°What have I always taught you? Information is key! That Qi Refinement Stage 7 proctor is from the Beast Taming Sect. His strength lies in his contracted beasts. Just months ago, he defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator with his current level of cultivation. His power is extraordinary!¡± ¡°Moreover, those other three? They were all defeated by him half a year ago¡ªthough back then, they were still in Qi Refinement.¡± ¡°Still, given the fame of that Beast Tamer in Qianlong City, beating him could earn you higher marks. Remember, the academy values reputation and fortune!¡± ¡°Wha¡ª?¡± The young cultivator was stunned. ¡°This is so deceptive! The academy¡¯s assessment is too treacherous!¡± ¡°Exactly. Challenge the Beast Tamer. Low cultivation, big reputation¡ªwho else could better showcase your talents and earn you top marks?¡± While most candidates analyzed their options, a few radiated absolute confidence. Among them stood Wang Xiao of the Wang family, possessing the Heavenly God Physique. His silver armor gleamed, and his aura was so imposing that other candidates instinctively avoided him. With arms crossed, Wang Xiao fixed his gaze on Cao Ziwei, waiting for the announcement. He didn¡¯t spare Lin Jing and the others a single glance. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It¡¯s time!¡± Hovering in midair, Cao Ziwei addressed the crowd. ¡°I am Cao Ziwei, the chief examiner for this year¡¯s academy assessment. Welcome to all candidates! ¡°Today¡¯s first test will evaluate your personal strength, the foundation of all cultivation. ¡°Each candidate may choose one of the seven academy proctors behind me to challenge. Scores will be based on your performance.¡± Cao Ziwei paused before adding, ¡°Let us proceed without delay. Who will challenge first?¡± A sturdy young man stepped forward, leaping onto the arena. ¡°I am Cao Qi, from Thunder Sound Valley in the Dao Domain.¡± Thunder Sound Valley was a minor sect known not for thunder techniques, but for body refinement through lightning tempering. Sparks of lightning danced across Cao Qi¡¯s skin as he moved. ¡°I choose him,¡± Cao Qi said, pointing to the slender Xu Zhizhi. ¡°I¡¯ve heard much of your reputation!¡± Xu Zhizhi ascended the platform gracefully. ¡°You are brave. I assume you know of my exploits in the Cavern Heaven, where I slew a fearsome Snow Plains body cultivator with an innate Myriad Beast Physique. ¡°Are you challenging me to prove yourself superior to them?¡± As Xu Zhizhi shamelessly boasted, Ziling¡¯er and Yuan Jing twitched in exasperation. They both knew the truth: Lin Jing had done all the work, while Xu Zhizhi merely landed the finishing blow. ¡°Yes!¡± Cao Qi grinned, eager to prove himself. ¡°Begin!¡± Cao Ziwei declared. Cao Qi¡¯s body crackled with lightning as he vanished, charging at Xu Zhizhi with terrifying speed. But to everyone¡¯s surprise, Xu Zhizhi had already drawn a Mechanized Bamboo Rifle. His keen eyes locked onto Cao Qi¡¯s movements, and he pulled the trigger. The rifle unleashed a barrage of spirit bean bullets, covering Cao Qi¡¯s trajectory and the surrounding area. Amid the thunderous noise and a burst of spirit bean bombs, the dust cleared to reveal Cao Qi lying unconscious on the ground. He barely understood what had happened. ¡°You¡¯re fast,¡± Xu Zhizhi remarked, ¡°but I¡¯ve had exceptional vision since childhood. Speed is meaningless to me. ¡°Your body isn¡¯t as strong as that Snow Plains cultivator¡¯s. To avoid injuring you too severely, I defeated you with this rifle instead.¡± With a flick of his sleeve, Xu Zhizhi returned to his seat, reloading his rifle. Cao Ziwei glanced at him in silence before calling, ¡°Next candidate!¡± Cao Qi was carried away. Besides his speed, his performance had been unremarkable. The remaining candidates stared at Xu Zhizhi¡¯s rifle in disbelief. ¡°I challenge Xu Zhizhi!¡± A young man in black robes embroidered with golden tiger patterns stepped forward. ¡°Gao Sheng of the Demon-Slaying Gao family,¡± he introduced himself, causing a stir among the crowd. Xu Zhizhi smiled, ready for another duel, but froze when he saw Gao Sheng pull out a rifle identical to his. ¡°Haha! I have one too!¡± Gao Sheng exclaimed, to the shock of everyone present. Xu Zhizhi¡¯s vision darkened. This is bad. Book 2: Chapter 16: Firepower is King! Vol 2 Chapter 16: Firepower is King! On the arena stage, Gao Sheng and Xu Zhizhi sprinted wildly along the edge of the platform, frantically pulling their triggers. Explosions reverberated continuously across the stage. Although it was supposed to be a duel between two Qi Refinement cultivators, the intensity felt more like a ¡°Sect War.¡± The candidates below the stage were utterly dumbfounded. Cao Ziwei took a deep breath, feeling a headache coming on. He had no choice but to force himself to find highlights in Gao Sheng¡¯s performance amid the gunfire to give him a score. ¡°That¡¯s a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle! It¡¯s been selling like crazy at the Lotus Auction House for the past few months. It¡¯s crafted using special materials by that Qi Refinement Stage 7 Beast Taming Cultivator over there,¡± someone explained, drawing a sharp breath. No wonder it¡¯s been such a hot item¡ªit really packs a terrifying punch! ¡°You¡­¡± Xu Zhizhi cursed furiously on the stage. Gao Sheng, though seemingly unreliable, had an undeniably prestigious background. With multiple top-tier spells at his disposal, the shockwaves of the explosions barely affected him as golden protective light shimmered around his body, shielding him from harm. In contrast, Xu Zhizhi struggled to cope. To make matters worse, after two rounds of exchange, Xu Zhizhi discovered his ammo supply was already running low! Gao Sheng, on the other hand, seemed to have an endless stockpile. This filthy rich guy¡ªhe had apparently bought 500 rounds beforehand! Before long, Xu Zhizhi was forced to admit defeat due to insufficient ammunition. ¡°Brother Lin, you¡¯ve ruined me! Why did you sell so many guns?!¡± Xu Zhizhi cried out in frustration. At the back, Lin Jing wore an innocent expression. Gao Sheng¡­ was stronger than he had imagined. Even without the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, Xu Zhizhi would likely have lost anyway. Gao Sheng completely crushed him in spell strength and artifact quantity. ¡°Well fought.¡± Gao Sheng put away the rifle and laughed heartily. ¡°Next!¡± Cao Ziwei said quickly. The next contestant was a woman in a fiery red dress, her figure both striking and alluring. ¡°Fire Domain, Burning Heaven Valley, Qian Zhuo. I want to challenge this examiner.¡± The woman in red clearly knew Ziling¡¯er quite well. She was well aware that disciples of the Dan Ding Sect weren¡¯t skilled in combat. Their only strength lay in fire control. However, as someone with the Innate Fire Spirit Body, she was highly resistant to flames. Even though this was a cross-tier challenge, she was confident she could perform exceptionally and secure a high score. Hearing this, Ziling¡¯er¡¯s face remained calm as she walked up. Yet, as the duel began under Cao Ziwei¡¯s announcement, Ziling¡¯er did something that left the crowd stunned¡ª She, too, pulled out a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. ¡°What?! Another one of these?!¡± The woman in red was taken aback. Ziling¡¯er had already started firing, unleashing torrents of water into the air. The woman in red reacted quickly, retreating while conjuring flames from her lips, forming a fire wall to block the attack. The fire wall swelled under the impact of the explosions. It threatened to break several times, but the explosive Spirit Beans failed to breach it entirely. Clearly, the woman in red had more skill than the previous combatants. ¡°This kind of trick won¡¯t work on me. I¡¯m not like that body cultivator from earlier,¡± the woman in red smirked confidently as she successfully resisted. ¡°Sister, why don¡¯t you use the Dan Ding Sect¡¯s fire-control secret arts instead? Show me your true skills¡ª¡± Before she could finish speaking, her face turned purple. She collapsed to one knee and then fell over with a thud. Ziling¡¯er gave her a calm look. ¡°I mixed Poison Gas Pills into the ammunition. Don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m an alchemist.¡± The Poison Gas Pills had been dispersed into powder by the exploding Spirit Bean Bombs, blending into the water mist. When triggered by the opponent¡¯s high-temperature fire technique, it took immediate effect. Ziling¡¯er retrieved her rifle, using only minimal ammunition and poison to defeat her opponent. ¡°What in the world is going on?!¡± The candidates were completely bewildered. It was surprising enough that the new examiner also used a rifle. But to think she even modified it! S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All eyes turned to the creator of the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Pei Fang. Was this even a fair exam anymore? Was every fight destined to be a gunfight now? Did you even qualify to step onto the stage without a rifle? At that moment, another contestant stepped onto the platform. He was tall and exuded arrogance. ¡°If you can¡¯t even handle such simple mechanical creations, you might as well go home and cultivate.¡± ¡°I am Jiang Chuanhe from Dao Domain¡¯s Ten Thousand Arts City. I want to challenge the creator of the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect¡ªmore accurately, I want to challenge his Pine Leaf Mouse, the one that defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator while still at Qi Refinement!¡± It was clear that this contestant had come with ill intentions, aiming to use Lin Jing as a stepping stone to establish his reputation in Hidden Dragon City. Lin Jing walked out calmly, unbothered by Jiang Chuanhe¡¯s dismissal of the rifle. With a gentle smile, Lin Jing said, ¡°Please.¡± ¡°But if you want to challenge my Pine Leaf Mouse, you¡¯ll first have to deal with this.¡± As he spoke, Lin Jing summoned a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, holding it in one hand. Jiang Chuanhe raised an eyebrow. Before he could say anything, Lin Jing pulled out a second rifle, dual-wielding them. ¡°Do you think having two rifles¡ª¡± Jiang Chuanhe smirked. While the firepower of two rifles was indeed intimidating, he was far superior to those weaklings from before. He hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when his expression drastically changed. Lin Jing summoned a towering, two-meter-tall Mechanical Giant Turtle, standing on two legs! The giant turtle¡¯s entire body was constructed from intricate mechanical components and special Spirit Bamboo, its dark blue form exuding a chilling presence. Most strikingly, it had mounted turret-like cannons on each shoulder and was wielding Mechanical Bamboo Rifles in both hands. This was Lin Jing¡¯s newly upgraded Mechanical Bamboo Turtle, enhanced over the past few months! With the two rifles in Lin Jing¡¯s hands and the turtle¡¯s additional weaponry, there were now four rifles and two cannons in play. ¡°Wait, this turtle, you¡­ you¡ª¡± Jiang Chuanhe¡¯s face turned pale. Lin Jing¡¯s eyes glimmered as he connected with the turtle¡¯s Ingenious Soul Core, using his mind to command the mechanical beast. ¡°Roar!!!¡± The turtle let out a ferocious roar, almost as if it were alive. Its complex Spirit Gathering Formations activated under Lin Jing¡¯s control, achieving peak efficiency. Streams of terrifying water pressure gathered at the turtle¡¯s gun barrels and cannons, their spiritual radiance dazzling as they launched devastating attacks toward Jiang Chuanhe from multiple directions! The strikes were nearly instantaneous! At the same time, Lin Jing grinned and pressed the triggers of his own reinforced rifles, enhanced with Spirit Gathering Formations. ¡°Profound Annihilation Finger!¡± Jiang Chuanhe¡¯s expression changed dramatically. Veins bulged on his arms as he unleashed powerful spirals of True Qi, forming an ethereal giant finger. The energy it emitted seemed far more sophisticated and destructive than that of a mere rifle. But¡­ Even without using Spirit Bean Bombs, the high-pressure water cannons controlled by Lin Jing¡¯s turtle managed to counter the Profound Annihilation Finger, the two forces colliding fiercely in mid-air! When the Spirit Bean Bombs finally exploded, a devastating spiritual energy storm swept through, blasting Jiang Chuanhe off the stage and leaving his vision spinning. The candidates watching were stunned. Even the prominent prodigies, like the Goddess of the Divine Talisman Sect and the Heavenly God Physique of the Wang Clan, frowned slightly. ¡°What¡­ what is this?!¡± Even Xu Zhizhi, Ziling¡¯er, and Yuan Jing stood agape. Wasn¡¯t this the tiny turtle from the Cavern Heaven? How had it turned into this monstrous war machine?! ¡°There¡¯s no opponent a single Mechanical Bamboo Rifle can¡¯t handle. If there is, use two. Or four¡­¡± Lin Jing said with a smile. ¡°Cultivation is a path where firepower reigns supreme. My friend, don¡¯t underestimate anything.¡± Special thanks to Chen Dong for the reward! You¡¯re the best! Orz! Book 2: Chapter 17: Upholding Justice Vol 2 Chapter 17: Upholding Justice Lin Jing had shown everyone the "correct" way to purchase Mechanical Bamboo Rifles¡ªone was merely the starting point; buying ninety or a hundred was the true endgame! ¡°I told you, we should catch a mountain full of monkeys and equip each monkey monster with two rifles. That would be unstoppable!¡± Gao Sheng said, sticking to his wild idea. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with these examiners?!¡± Some of the candidates were starting to panic. What was supposed to be a test of their mastery of spells and techniques had been turned into a blatant contest of resources! Each examiner wielded at least one Mechanical Bamboo Rifle, and Lin Jing himself carried five or six. Even the only successful candidate so far had relied on a rifle to win. Were rifles now mandatory to even participate in the exam? ¡°What are you doing?!¡± One elder noticed their brilliant disciple donning layers of equipment¡ªa protective treasure robe underneath, followed by beast armor, and even a combat suit with a shield in hand. ¡°Uncle, the examiners¡¯ firepower is just too overwhelming! If I¡¯m not prepared, I won¡¯t even last a round on stage!¡± The candidate looked distressed. ¡°They¡¯re examiners; you¡¯re a candidate! The academy isn¡¯t testing your wealth; it¡¯s testing your mastery of spells and techniques. The weapons you¡¯re using aren¡¯t even ones you forged yourself, and your application of techniques is crude at best. Doing this will only cost you points! Just stick to the spells taught by the sect and figure out a way!¡± ¡°But Gao Sheng used tons of magical artifacts!¡± ¡°His grandfather is a Nascent Soul Realm Venerable! What are supposed to do?¡± The prodigy, who had cultivated for years and only just left the sect, suddenly realized how ruthless the world of cultivation could be. Doubts about life began to surface in their heart. At this point, ordinary candidates didn¡¯t even know which examiner to choose anymore. While it was true that the sword cultivator examiner was unlikely to use a rifle, his Foundation Establishment cultivation level was far more intimidating than any Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. Even Xu Zhizhi, who had lost his match earlier, was not truly weak. Everyone had seen it¡ªhe had simply lost to an opponent with far greater firepower and superior artifacts. ¡°Anyone else?¡± ¡°You, come challenge me.¡± Suddenly, two voices rang out at the same time. From the crowd, a man stepped forward. He was clad in a flowing yellow robe embroidered with intricate talisman patterns, faintly glowing with spiritual light. Hearing the second voice, he turned toward a small, youthful figure in the crowd¡ªLin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect, who also bore the Heavenly God Physique. The two had indeed spoken at the same time. ¡°Let him go first,¡± Lin Jing said, nodding toward Chen Lingxi, the Holy Maiden of the Divine Talisman Sect, allowing her to take the challenge. ¡°Thank you.¡± Chen Lingxi gave a slight smile, then turned her gaze to another examiner. ¡°That examiner¡ªI want to challenge him.¡± Her golden hair flowed like a waterfall, radiating a faint divine light. There was an air of transcendence about her, both mysterious and extraordinary. ¡°Please,¡± the examiner, Wang Xiao, accepted the challenge graciously. ¡°Before we start, may I confirm something first? Sir, are you a Beast Taming Cultivator? Do you still intend to rely on those one-time-use resource items, like Spirit Bean Bombs, for the assessment?¡± Chen Lingxi asked, pointing out the disposable nature of Lin Jing¡¯s tactics. ¡°Miss, mechanized beasts are still beasts. These so-called ¡®one-time resources¡¯ are integral parts of mechanized beasts, created as tools for combat. Naturally, they are valid for use in battle,¡± Wang Xiao replied with a faint smile. ¡°In that case, I suppose I won¡¯t hold back. Since my mortal years, I¡¯ve focused on drawing and crafting talismans. All the talismans I created during my practice sessions have been stored in my bag, and their number has now exceeded 100,000. Surely, using them for this assessment is perfectly valid,¡± she replied with another smile. ¡°Chen Lingxi of the Divine Talisman Sect, at your service.¡± Her words caused an uproar among the crowd. ¡°100,000 talismans?!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡± Several cultivators couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, almost forgetting that the Holy Maiden of the Divine Talisman Sect was here! When it came to stockpiling disposable tools, talisman cultivators were undisputed champions in the cultivation world. Almost every talisman cultivator carried a large number of talismans with them for emergencies. Unlike others who had to purchase them at high prices, talisman cultivators could craft their own. While Lin Jing¡¯s Spirit Bean Bombs were indeed inexpensive, everyone present was confident that Chen Lingxi, with her innate Talisman Physique and the backing of the Divine Talisman Sect, could craft talismans at an even lower cost. The upcoming duel... was bound to become an extraordinary war of attrition. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hahaha, now this is getting interesting!¡± A cultivator couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°This is going to be justice served. Let¡¯s see her use Lin Jing¡¯s own tactics against him and teach these ¡®firepower-heavy¡¯ examiners a lesson!¡± ¡°Right! Let these examiners know that the candidates aren¡¯t pushovers either!¡± ¡°Oh no, Lin might have met his match!¡± Gao Sheng said with an amused expression, ready to enjoy the show. Lin Jing was momentarily stunned, but he respectfully replied, ¡°Please, go ahead.¡± Cao Ziwei, watching with a playful expression, also felt that Lin Jing was in trouble. As he announced the start of the match, an astonishing scene unfolded. One talisman¡­ two talismans¡­ three talismans¡­ Hundreds of talismans floated into the air behind Chen Lingxi, densely covering the sky. The ordinary candidates had never seen such a display. Typically, they used talismans one at a time or at most a few together. But Chen Lingxi, with her Talisman Physique, controlled over a thousand talismans at once, instantly demonstrating the terrifying potential of her physique. ¡°This physique isn¡¯t even ranked among the top hundred divine physiques. How strong would those be?¡± Many candidates dared not even imagine. ¡°If the stockpiled talismans are sufficient, couldn¡¯t she rival even divine physiques?¡± Even Yuan Jing and Ziling¡¯er, both in the Foundation Establishment stage, wore serious expressions as they witnessed this scene. Wang Xiao, the Heavenly God Physique, took a deep breath, realizing just how troublesome Chen Lingxi could be. ¡°This woman is no joke. That examiner is doomed.¡± Even Wang Xiao felt a headache at the thought of the 100,000 talismans stored in Chen Lingxi¡¯s bag. ¡°Lightning Talisman!¡± Chen Lingxi¡¯s lips curled into a smile. Though it might seem wasteful, she knew that in Hidden Dragon City, one had to make an impression. If she wanted her name to spread, she had to stand out. Lin Jing¡¯s reputation as an unconventional examiner had already made waves. To surpass him, she had to be even more outrageous! Lightning filled the air as countless talismans activated. Thunderclouds gathered, unleashing a deluge of lightning bolts toward Lin Jing. The entire sky above the arena turned into a sea of golden lightning, enveloping everything. In terms of ¡°firepower,¡± it appeared even more terrifying than the Mechanical Bamboo Rifles. Lin Jing had just declared that firepower was king, but now his opponent''s firepower was clearly stronger. ¡°Indeed, never underestimate anyone,¡± Lin Jing muttered. Instead of meeting the attack head-on, he chose a different approach. Knowing that the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to defeat Chen Lingxi, he summoned a small Pine Leaf Mouse, which was holding a piece of wood in its paws. In the next moment, the mouse used the wood to rapidly construct an enormous wooden fortress, encasing Lin Jing and the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle within. The sky-splitting lightning fell upon the fortress but left no trace. Then, holes appeared across the fortress walls, and from each hole, gun barrels emerged. Book 2: Chapter 18: Shock! The Truth Is Actually... Vol 2 Chapter 18: Shock! The Truth Is Actually... Chen Lingxi simultaneously activated countless Lightning Talisman attacks, unleashing a thunderous might comparable to a Foundation Establishment lightning cultivator. The crowd of examinees gasped in astonishment. Everyone had assumed Lin Jing was doomed, but unexpectedly, the beast Lin Jing summoned managed to construct a defensive fortress in the blink of an eye. If it were just that, people might have simply thought that Lin Jing''s beast had mastered powerful wood techniques, capable of quickly creating defensive formations. After all, there were precedents of the Pine Leaf Mouse overcoming Foundation Establishment wood cultivators despite its lower level. However, to block such an overwhelming lightning onslaught completely, without even a scratch? That defense was too terrifying! ¡°Impossible!¡± Even Wang Xiao, a cultivator with the Heavenly God Physique, looked perplexed. The power of these lightning strikes¡ªamplified by countless Lightning Talismans¡ªalready surpassed the lightning he could summon with his physique. Yet these wooden structures had blocked it with ease? ¡°It¡¯s a seal!¡± Some higher-level cultivators among the examinees furrowed their brows, noticing something others missed. Inside the fortress, divine patterns shimmered faintly. It wasn¡¯t merely the wooden fortress resisting the lightning; the structures were engraved with seals that significantly enhanced their defensive power! ¡°This squirrel actually sealed itself and its beast tamer inside this strange structure!¡± For beast tamers at the Qi Refining Stage, their greatest vulnerability was themselves. Lin Jing had clearly worried about being targeted and decapitated, so he devised this strategy centered around the ¡°Sacred Wood Seal.¡± Before the battle, he stockpiled materials for the seal, and during the fight, the Pine Leaf Mouse sealed him inside this fortress. As a result, as long as the enemy couldn¡¯t break the seal, they had no way to harm him. Who says seals are only for trapping enemies? The Sacred Wood Seal, a powerful sealing technique previously used by Elder Magic Pine to seal the Ice Soul Gu, had now proven its might. The storm of Lightning Talismans left no mark on the fortress. Grinning, Lin Jing ordered the Pine Leaf Mouse to open a few small openings in the structure. From inside, they extended bamboo rifles and began firing wildly. ¡°This is what modern cultivation duels should look like!¡± Chen Lingxi, her chest tightening from the constant barrage, elegantly flicked her slender fingers to draw an intricate talisman filled with peculiar energy. ¡°Divine Light Talisman!¡± A radiant silver talisman hovered in midair, transforming into a wall of divine light that blocked Lin Jing and his allies¡¯ attacks. ¡°Damn it!¡± Chen Lingxi cursed, frustrated that Lin Jing had managed to defend against her onslaught. She promptly summoned hundreds of Fire Talismans and activated them all at once. A fiery sea descended, yet the Sacred Wood Fortress remained unscathed. As the fortress¡¯ openings closed and reopened, Lin Jing unleashed another barrage of mechanized techniques, stunning the spectators. ¡°Cultivator duels can be fought like this?¡± Before long, the duel devolved into a full-scale firefight. It was reminiscent of the clash between Gao Sheng and Xu Zhizhi, but this time the intensity was on a whole new level. Many examinees gazing at the spectacle on the stage doubted whether even an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could survive the crossfire. ¡°Ha!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing, and the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle all held dual guns, firing relentlessly from within the fortress. The Pine Leaf Mouse glanced at the female cultivator across the field, clearly impressed by her large stockpile of talismans. ¡°Ha-ha!!¡± It jeered while shooting, even mockingly suggesting Lin Jing take notes from her about amassing talismans. Lin Jing shot back, ¡°You already have alchemy to learn, so when do you have time to study talisman crafting? If she annoys you, think about capturing her and making her your personal servant!¡± As another wave of attacks came their way, the Pine Leaf Mouse quickly closed a nearby opening. Lin Jing leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath. ¡°That guy may not be weak, but I prepared well and have the upper hand. Today, they¡¯ll lose to someone of the same level.¡± ¡°This approach works, but her defensive talismans are enough to withstand our attacks. If you¡¯re worried about wasting talisman paper, I¡¯m worried about wasting Spirit Beans.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded, clearly distressed. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a duel; it¡¯s a Spirit Stone-burning contest!¡± ¡°Use Flying Leaf Strike to knock her storage bag open and scatter her talismans everywhere!¡± Lin Jing commanded. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that while she can control many talismans at once, they¡¯re all of the same type. This means her current ability allows her to manage a large number of identical talismans, but it¡¯s hard for her to activate a wide variety simultaneously.¡± ¡°If we disrupt her stockpile, she won¡¯t be able to cast effectively!¡± Just as the Pine Leaf Mouse was about to act... ¡°Forget it!¡± Lin Jing decided it was too early to reveal the Space Flying Leaf technique. After a moment¡¯s thought, he decided to mimic Ziling¡¯er¡¯s approach and loaded his magazine with a large number of Bewitching Pills, gambling on their effectiveness. Soon, amidst the firefight, a strange, mind-disturbing fragrance filled the air on the stage. Chen Lingxi was already expending significant energy controlling a large number of talismans while also having to draw new ones to defend against Spirit Bean Bombs. She paid no attention to guarding herself against the intoxicating mist wafting in the air. ¡°When is this going to end?¡± ¡°This is insane! Even sect battles aren¡¯t this intense!¡± The other examinees were in awe. They were all Qi Refining cultivators, yet how could these two be so terrifying? Eventually, the effects of the Bewitching Mist began to take hold. Chen Lingxi¡¯s vision blurred momentarily, and in that critical moment, she misdrew a defensive talisman, leaving a gap in her defenses. ¡°Poison!¡± She realized immediately, but it was too late. ¡°Apologies,¡± Lin Jing thought to himself, ¡°but in addition to being a Mechanized Beast Tamer, I¡¯m also an alchemist!¡± The shockwave from the Spirit Bean Bombs knocked Chen Lingxi off the stage. The thrilling battle of offense and defense finally came to a close in front of the stunned audience. ¡°The Divine Talisman Sect¡¯s saintess actually lost¡­¡± As the dust settled, the fortified war bunker on the stage disappeared. Lin Jing, the Mechanical Bamboo Turtle, and the Pine Leaf Mouse standing proudly on the turtle¡¯s head looked regretfully toward Chen Lingxi, who had been blasted off the stage. ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± Lin Jing remarked. ¡°But unfortunately, your combat strategy is neither reproducible nor complete.¡± In other words, it wasn¡¯t as effective as mechanized bamboo rifles combined with a defensive structure. With proper defensive architecture, the setup could even serve as a sect-protecting formation for small villages, capable of resisting beast hordes! Below the stage, Chen Lingxi, still dazed and frustrated, couldn¡¯t help but cough up blood. Never in her life had she been so humiliated in a duel. Lin Jing. She¡¯d remember this name. At that moment, not only the other examinees but also their elders and the chief examiner, Cao Ziwei, sighed audibly. This was the first time anyone had seen a cultivator fight with such an unconventional style. Most astonishing of all¡­ this guy was a Beast Tamer!? sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing, smiling after his victory, turned his gaze toward another examinee. ¡°You were planning to take the test too, weren¡¯t you? You can come up now,¡± he said, addressing Wang Xiao, the Heavenly God Physique cultivator. Lin Jing had deliberately avoided using his spatial technique, saving it as a surprise for this opponent. Wang Xiao snorted coldly and replied, ¡°Step down. I won¡¯t challenge you. Let the sword cultivator examiner take my test instead.¡± Lin Jing: ¡°???¡± Wait, I prepared for you for four months! The Pine Leaf Mouse even trained relentlessly on spatial techniques! And now you¡¯re telling me you won¡¯t challenge me? What was the point of our four months of hard work? Understood. Lin Jing wasn¡¯t one to let himself be shortchanged. An idea instantly formed in his mind¡ªa newsworthy story headline: ¡°Shocking! Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Lin Jing Is So Strong That the Wang Family¡¯s Heavenly Physique Prodigy Refuses to Challenge Him!¡± Book 2: Chapter 19: Dragon and Phoenix Vol 2 Chapter 19: Dragon and Phoenix It wasn¡¯t that Wang Xiao was afraid of Lin Jing. Though Lin Jing had made quite a name for himself, Wang Xiao dismissed Beast Tamers as practitioners of minor, unorthodox paths. Beast Taming Sect? He¡¯d never even heard of it. By contrast, the Heavenly Sword Gate was on a completely different level. As the foremost sword sect in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, its reputation had long been illustrious. With his lineage from a prominent cultivation clan and his innate Heavenly God Physique, Wang Xiao didn¡¯t see defeating a Beast Taming Sect Qi Refinement cultivator as particularly honorable¡ªeven if Lin Jing had displayed extraordinary ability. To him, Yuan Jing from the Heavenly Sword Gate was the most worthy opponent. ¡°Finally, my turn?¡± Yuan Jing, brimming with excitement after watching several duels, was practically itching to take the stage. ¡°Go on, then,¡± he said confidently, not even waiting for Lin Jing to reply before flying onto the stage on his sword, motioning for Lin Jing to step down. ¡°...¡± Lin Jing fell silent, exhaling a long, melancholic sigh after a moment. Since the so-called ¡°Heavenly Physique¡± cultivator was so indifferent, he couldn¡¯t be blamed for being unkind in return. After the examination, the rumors about this incident in the cultivation world would be beyond his control. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lin Jing called out to the Pine Leaf Mouse, stepping down from the stage. The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated for a moment before quickly climbing onto Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder. In no time, only Yuan Jing, standing aloft on his sword, and Wang Xiao, clad in silver armor, remained on the stage. ¡°Draw your sword!¡± Wang Xiao demanded. Yuan Jing, a sword cultivator who had refined the Acquired Sword Physique, prepared for battle. Just as the crowd anticipated a classic, traditional duel, something entirely unexpected happened. As the chief examiner, Cao Ziwei, announced the start of the match, Yuan Jing, to everyone¡¯s bewilderment, pulled out a bamboo rifle instead of his sword. With a swish, he ascended into the sky, flying on his sword while aiming the bamboo rifle at Wang Xiao and pulling the trigger! This scene left the audience completely dumbfounded. ¡°What kind of joke is this!?¡± Wang Xiao, wielder of the Heavenly God Physique, was enraged. Seeing Yuan Jing, an honest-to-goodness sword cultivator, stoop to such ¡°gimmicks¡± made his blood boil. Was this supposed to be fun?! ¡°Wind, rise!¡± he roared. In an instant, the skies churned as winds gathered, and divine light shimmered faintly around Wang Xiao¡¯s body, as though he were channeling the power of heaven and earth. The arena was soon engulfed in fierce gusts of wind, with a silver hurricane spiraling forth as he raised his arm. The winds picked up streams of water, igniting the Spirit Beans within. As countless Spirit Beans exploded beyond the hurricane¡¯s reach, the sky turned dark with looming clouds. ¡°Lightning, descend!¡± At Wang Xiao¡¯s command, the blackened sky unleashed streaks of white lightning, striking directly at Yuan Jing mid-flight. Unfazed, Yuan Jing calmly encased himself in a protective aura of sword energy. As the lightning descended, it was instantly dispersed by the sword energy surrounding him. ¡°Starry Slash!¡± While summoning wind and lightning, Wang Xiao soared upward, wielding a battle blade forged from meteorite iron. Infused with starlight, he rode the winds to cleave at Yuan Jing. ¡°Careful! I¡¯m going to draw my sword now!¡± Yuan Jing declared once again. Just as Wang Xiao was about to retort with, ¡°Draw your sword, my foot,¡± the mechanized bamboo rifle in Yuan Jing¡¯s hands fired a barrage of blue streams resembling flying swords! It turned out Yuan Jing had modified his mechanized bamboo rifle. The water streams emanated intense sword energy! ¡°Sword Intent? He¡¯s actually infused Sword Intent into the water streams!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The water, imbued with the power of Sword Intent and accompanied by explosive Spirit Beans, tore through the hurricane in an instant, forcing Wang Xiao to redirect his slash toward the incoming ¡°sword marbles.¡± ¡°Wow!¡± Ziling¡¯er exclaimed in surprise. ¡°It can be used like that? Looks like the only idiot who couldn¡¯t modify the bamboo rifle was that useless Xu Zhizhi!¡± Beside her, Xu Zhizhi: ¡°???¡± ¡°How was I supposed to know you all would pull so many tricks!¡± he fumed, feeling thoroughly humiliated. Lin Jing, watching from the sidelines, also looked surprised. Yuan Jing¡¯s strength had grown immeasurably after refining his Sword Physique during his Foundation Establishment stage. Compared to their previous encounter in Bodhi Heaven, Yuan Jing was now on an entirely different level. Lin Jing had to admit that even if he and the Pine Leaf Mouse teamed up again, they¡¯d probably lose to him. ¡°Look! The Heavenly God Physique is at it again¡ªhe¡¯s summoned some kind of heavenly crater!¡± As the ¡°sword marbles¡± clashed with Wang Xiao¡¯s Starry Slash, creating a violent explosion, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. With a deafening boom, the sky suddenly ripped open, revealing a massive crater emitting both red and blue light. ¡°What kind of divine power is this?¡± At first, everyone assumed it was some new ability related to the Heavenly God Physique, but in the next moment, beams of radiant light descended from the crater, one of which struck Wang Xiao directly. ¡°Wait, what is that?!¡± Lin Jing, watching the spectacle from below, felt his heart race as an unsettling realization hit him. The light from the crater didn¡¯t just envelop Wang Xiao¡ªit also covered Chen Lingxi of the Divine Talisman Sect, who was in the process of consuming pills to recover her True Energy and heal her injuries. Suddenly, she too was bathed in a pillar of light. Seeing this, most cultivators finally understood what was happening. ¡°Cavern Heaven!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Cavern Heaven descending!¡± ¡°Wang Xiao, the Heavenly God Physique of the Wang Clan, and Chen Lingxi of the Divine Talisman Sect have been chosen by a Cavern Heaven!¡± This unexpected development left many cultivators stunned. Without hesitation, they began forcibly kicking their own geniuses toward the descending pillars of light! ¡°Get in there, now!¡± Even Elder Li from the Beast Taming Sect was aware of the Cavern Heaven¡¯s entry loopholes, and naturally, most of the cultivators present knew about it too. Before a Cavern Heaven fully materialized, cultivators of the same realm as those originally chosen could sneak in through the incomplete formations and try their luck at obtaining the opportunities inside. ¡°Pine Leaf Mouse, let¡¯s go!!!¡± Lin Jing immediately recalled the Pine Leaf Mouse and leaped toward the Cavern Heaven. Since Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi were both at the ninth stage of Qi Refinement, the Cavern Heaven they triggered theoretically allowed all Qi Refinement cultivators to enter! Seeing this, Xu Zhizhi and Gao Sheng hesitated for a moment before swiftly following suit. ¡°Opportunities!¡± In just a few moments, over a hundred Qi Refinement-level examinees on-site all took advantage of the Cavern Heaven¡¯s incomplete formation and rushed inside, hitching a ride on Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi¡¯s fortuitous encounter. What was supposed to be a standard examination turned into a mass exodus. The examinees disappeared. Two examiners were also gone. The autumn wind swept through the now-empty stage. Yuan Jing, who was still hovering on his sword, stared blankly at the desolate arena, lost in thought. ¡°Why did I rush to Foundation Establishment? Why!¡± Ziling¡¯er, too, stood dumbfounded, staring at the pillar of light with a face full of regret. If she had waited just one more month to break through to Foundation Establishment, she would¡¯ve been able to enter the Cavern Heaven again! The fame brought by breaking into Foundation Establishment was nothing compared to the fortune and opportunities a single entry into a Cavern Heaven could provide! High above, Cao Ziwei stroked his chin, clearly surprised. ¡°The timing of this Cavern Heaven¡¯s descent is rather... convenient. So many prodigies managed to sneak in at once!¡± The academy specifically sought out geniuses who had entered Cavern Heavens before because such individuals were more likely to trigger a second Cavern Heaven. If the Cavern Heavens repeatedly appeared within Hidden Dragon Academy¡¯s grounds, more prodigies of the same realm would have opportunities to enter and claim their own fortunes. However, even within the academy, such a spectacular scene¡ªso many prodigies entering a Cavern Heaven simultaneously¡ªwas a rarity. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen!¡± Cao Ziwei turned to address the many sect elders gathered below the stage. ¡°Judging by the color of the Cavern Heaven¡¯s light, it should be the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven. This is an incredible opportunity for every examinee who entered. I, Cao Ziwei, will guard the Cavern Heaven¡¯s entrance until it ends. Those of you who wish to wait here are welcome to do so. If not, you may return to the academy, and the examination will resume once all the examinees have returned.¡± Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven... As Cao Ziwei finished speaking, the gathered cultivators couldn¡¯t help but grow anxious. Just moments ago, they had hurriedly thrown their juniors into the Cavern Heaven, desperate to avoid missing out on the opportunity. But now, upon hearing the type of Cavern Heaven it was, unease swept through them. The Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven was exceptionally unique. While everyone who entered was guaranteed a chance at fortune, it was also unimaginably perilous. ¡°Oh no! It¡¯s the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven! Did I just send my child to their death with my own foot?!¡± Book 2: Chapter 20: Breaking Limits Vol 2 Chapter 20: Breaking Limits ¡°Mr. Cao, may I ask, is the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven the one where people don¡¯t feel like eating for years after entering?¡± a bald monk asked, his face filled with horror. Terrified, he exclaimed, ¡°I saw the other cultivators throwing their juniors into the Cavern Heaven, so in a moment of panic, I kicked my son in too... But I didn¡¯t realize it was Cavern Heaven!¡± Cao Ziwei nodded. ¡°The Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven is indeed one of the ¡®Ten Great Cavern Heavens of the Immortal Palace,¡¯ categorized under the thirty-six Lesser Cavern Heavens.¡± ¡°This particular Cavern Heaven doesn¡¯t involve competition among those who enter. Instead, they are transported to different spaces, with no interference from others. Everyone who enters has the opportunity to gain fortuitous encounters. However, how much they gain¡ªand whether they can return safely¡ªdepends entirely on their own abilities.¡± ¡°It¡¯s said that in the Immortal Palace, one of the delicacies served at the immortals¡¯ banquets is called , a dish made from pure-blooded dragons and phoenixes. It is extraordinarily nourishing, delicious, and enhances cultivation without any side effects. This Cavern Heaven derives its name from that dish.¡± ¡°This, my friend,¡± Cao Ziwei continued, ¡°is indeed the Cavern Heaven where one might not feel like eating mundane food for years after entering.¡± ¡°Within the Cavern Heaven, there are projections of dragon-blooded and phoenix-blooded demonic beasts, whose strength matches that of the cultivator who encounters them. Each one slain significantly enhances the cultivator¡¯s power, as though they¡¯ve tasted the celestial delicacy of Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow. The effect is so potent that mundane food becomes unappealing for a long time afterward.¡± The bald monk clutched his head and cried out, ¡°It¡¯s over!¡± ¡°Dao Fa?¡± Cao Ziwei said calmly. ¡°At this very moment, they¡¯ve likely entered their respective spaces. If they¡¯re strong enough, they¡¯ll hunt the dragons and phoenixes for their fortuitous encounters. If not, hiding should keep them relatively safe. The projections of dragon-blooded and phoenix-blooded beasts are powerful but not unavoidable death traps.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that my son isn¡¯t strong!¡± the monk shouted in despair. ¡°It¡¯s that our sect¡¯s rules have forced him to eat a vegetarian diet since he was a child. Now, if he even tastes a bit of meat, he gets food poisoning! The flavor of Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow might outright kill him! He knows nothing about the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven¡¯s effects and will definitely fall for it!¡± The crowd: ¡°???¡± This monk... You¡¯ve taken a wife and had a son, yet you still follow your sect¡¯s rules so rigidly that you don¡¯t let your kid eat meat? ¡°Hunting dragon and phoenix projections grants power... All the entrants are at the ninth stage of Qi Refinement. If they succeed, won¡¯t they quickly reach Foundation Establishment?¡± an elderly cultivator mused, stroking his beard. ¡°And with the opportunities in this Cavern Heaven, their foundations will likely be far more solid than with conventional methods.¡± Cao Ziwei shook his head. ¡°Unfortunately, the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven¡¯s feedback cannot directly help cultivators break through to the next major stage. However, according to historical records, those at the peak of Qi Refinement who manage to slay the dragon or phoenix projections can refine and purify their True Energy, potentially breaking through the current limits of the realm to reach the tenth stage of Qi Refinement!¡± ¡°Regardless of the outcome, the examinees who entered stand to gain tremendous benefits.¡± ¡°When True Energy is pure enough, compressing it to form True Essence and stepping into Foundation Establishment becomes significantly easier. Regardless of the chosen method for establishing their foundation, their success rate will increase dramatically.¡± ¡°And if they surpass the realm¡¯s natural limits to achieve the tenth stage of Qi Refinement... Well, that is a feat of unimaginable glory. The Immortal Palace established many extreme boundary rules, including limiting Qi Refinement to nine stages. Those who break this limit to cultivate to a tenth stage are acknowledged as prodigies by the Immortal Palace itself. Throughout history, such cultivators have been exceedingly rare.¡± Hearing this, many cultivators revealed looks of astonishment. This Cavern Heaven could actually help cultivators surpass the limits of their realm? Many immediately regretted not being at the Qi Refinement stage themselves¡ªotherwise, they would¡¯ve jumped in with the others! ¡°What kind of Cavern Heaven is this?¡± Meanwhile, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, riding the opportunity created by Wang Xiao, had already entered the Cavern Heaven. ¡°Whatever kind of Cavern Heaven it is, we owe our thanks to Wang Xiao. Sure, he picked a fight with me and gave me trouble, but moving forward, he¡¯s no longer my bad brother¡ªhe¡¯s my lucky brother. What do you think?¡± Lin Jing summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse nodded indifferently. It had its own concerns¡ªit still wanted to face off against the male talisman cultivator from earlier. After all, looting a few more of his talismans for its own storage bag was a tempting idea. Suddenly, Lin Jing looked around. Thanks to his prior experience with the Bodhi Cavern Heaven, he quickly activated his senses to survey their surroundings. They were enveloped in a layer of mysterious mist, thin as gauze, which made it impossible to discern their exact location. Just as he was pondering where they might be, a sharp and melodious phoenix cry shattered the silence, echoing through the forest. Moments later, a deep, majestic dragon¡¯s roar responded from the depths of the woods, the two calls resonating with each other. Hearing the simultaneous cries of dragon and phoenix, Lin Jing immediately exclaimed, ¡°Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven?!¡± The countless legends about this Cavern Heaven surfaced in his mind. ¡°Heavens are truly helping me! I¡¯ve been stuck at the seventh stage of Qi Refinement for so long¡ªlooks like I¡¯ll finally break through now.¡± As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding air began to tremble, the leaves rustling loudly. A massive creature emerged slowly from the forest. Its body was covered in blue scales, each one shimmering with a cold, gleaming light. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A flood dragon emerged, its abyss-like eyes gleaming like cold stars. It opened its maw and unleashed a chilling dragon breath. The Pine Leaf Mouse immediately released nine red leaves, scattering them in different directions. As the dragon breath descended, a wave of spatial energy surrounded Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, teleporting them instantly into the air to evade the attack. This was the culmination of the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s four months of training¡ªthe red leaves could now be used for teleportation. ¡°Don¡¯t rush it just yet,¡± Lin Jing said, stopping the Pine Leaf Mouse as it prepared its mechanized bamboo rifle. ¡°Look at the protective killing aura on its scales. Attacking it directly from the outside would take forever to break through. Remember the Mechanized Bamboo Dragon?¡± With that, he pulled out a blood-filled bottle, inside which soaked several Spirit Bean Bombs. Lin Jing retrieved one Spirit Bean Bomb from the bottle and threw it down from the air. In the next instant, the ferocious flood dragon, its eyes turning blood-red as if it had been fed, opened its mouth wide to devour the blood-soaked Spirit Bean. The Spirit Bean Bomb exploded within the unsuspecting flood dragon¡¯s mouth, blasting away half of its head. As the flood dragon collapsed to the ground, Lin Jing watched in awe as it transformed into two streams of radiant light¡ªone flowed into the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the other entered his own body. Immediately, Lin Jing felt his cultivation surge, his True Energy doubling in strength. In a single leap, his cultivation rose to the eighth stage of Qi Refinement! This miraculous improvement left Lin Jing¡¯s breath quickened with excitement. The Pine Leaf Mouse, though it didn¡¯t achieve a breakthrough, also felt its True Energy become significantly more refined¡ªcomparable to the results of a prolonged closed-door cultivation session. It, too, began to breathe heavily, its eyes darting to its storage bag, which held ten warehouses¡¯ worth of spiritual rice, over a thousand Replenishing Pills refined from Dragonblood Carps, and even the dozens of True Energy recovery pills distributed to the examiners earlier that morning by the academy. ¡°Squeak!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at its hoarded resources, its eyes glowing red with hesitation, as if it were contemplating a monumental decision. It trembled as it grabbed Lin Jing¡¯s sleeve, hoping he would talk some sense into it. The mouse feared it might lose control, throw all its resources into bombs, and start a wild rampage against every dragon and phoenix projection it encountered. That wasn¡¯t the real issue¡ªthe mouse was more concerned about how much Longevity Blood they¡¯d need to harvest for such a massacre. Lin Jing might literally bleed himself dry! But Lin Jing¡¯s eyes had already turned red as well. The insane speed of his cultivation growth had completely hooked him. ¡°Even the Ice Gu parasite in my body seems thrilled¡ªit¡¯s practically wriggling with excitement!¡± Lin Jing muttered. ¡°Should I undo a portion of its seal and let us split up? We could go all out, hunting separately and killing to our hearts¡¯ content! This count as one of those ¡®special circumstances¡¯ where Senior Magic Pine said I could temporarily unlock the seal and borrow its strength, right?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse froze in shock, staring at Lin Jing like it was watching someone spiral into madness. Book 2: Chapter 21: Sacred Wood Seal, Unlocked! Vol 2 Chapter 21: Sacred Wood Seal, Unlocked! When Lin Jing turned his focus inward, he suddenly discovered that the Ice Soul Gu parasitizing his body had also entered the Cavern Heaven with him. At the time of his initial entry, he hadn¡¯t given it much thought and had overlooked the Ice Soul Gu. Now that he considered it, this realization came as a surprise. It made sense that the Pine Leaf Mouse, bonded with him via a bloodline contract and cultivated alongside him using the Beast Taming Art passed down from the Immortal Palace, would enter the same Cavern Heaven. However, the Ice Soul Gu had no such contract. Yet, it followed him into the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven as if it were one of his contracted beasts. ¡°Does this mean that the Cavern Heaven regards the Ice Soul Gu as part of me?¡± Lin Jing pondered. ¡°It¡¯s certainly possible. Mature Gu worms can act independently, but as Senior Shen Song mentioned, newborn Gu worms are much more fragile. They require a host to act as their vessel to safely sleep. Without an appropriate environment for rest, infant Gu worms will perish.¡± ¡®In these specific circumstances, the relationship between the Gu worm and its host is no longer a simple parasitic one. While it doesn¡¯t reach the level of full it does make the Gu worm highly dependent on its host. Perhaps this parasitic connection, combined with partial symbiosis, made the Cavern Heaven perceive it as part of me.¡¯ A faint smile crossed Lin Jing¡¯s lips. The Pine Leaf Mouse, noticing the gleam in Lin Jing¡¯s eyes and his restless demeanor, gulped nervously. No way¡­ Is he planning to unlock that spider¡¯s seal? ¡°Hey!¡± Is this even okay? Senior Shen Song had repeatedly warned him not to use the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power unless it was a life-or-death situation. ¡°Senior Mo Song also taught me this: as a demonic cultivator, don¡¯t be overly obedient.¡± ¡°This Cavern Heaven is a rare opportunity, not to be wasted.¡± ¡°After I came out of the Bodhi Cavern Heaven, I read many books about such places. There are rumors that the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven can help cultivators break through their ¡± ¡°Do you understand what this means? It means that as long as we hunt enough Dragon-Phoenix creatures, I can not only reach the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement, saving myself years of arduous cultivation and countless resources, but I might even have a chance to break through to the Tenth Stage or even the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement. That¡¯s a dream come true for countless cultivators! Reaching such heights would make Foundation Establishment much easier for us.¡± To establish a foundation, one must compress their True Energy, transform it into liquid form, circulate it throughout the body, purify their spiritual veins, shed their mortal body, and give birth to the True Essence Spirit Sea. True Essence flowing within the Spirit Sea is far more powerful than True Energy. A Foundation Establishment cultivator¡¯s magical power is over ten times stronger than that of a Qi Refinement cultivator. Additionally, their consciousness and perception will transform into "spiritual sense," allowing them to detect movements within a hundred-zhang radius with just a thought. For most ordinary cultivators, the difficulty of Foundation Establishment lies in the lack of sufficiently pure and dense True Energy to compress it into liquid form. This is why they often rely on external aids like Foundation Establishment Pills to assist them in breaking through. However, those with powerful techniques or innate spiritual bodies possess extraordinary True Energy, making Foundation Establishment easier and rendering pills unnecessary. Lin Jing, unfortunately, did not fall into either category. While the Beast Taming Art he cultivated allowed him to contract spirit beasts, it offered no particular advantage in True Energy refinement. Similarly, his Longevity Body only excelled in lifespan, unlike elemental spiritual bodies, which enhance specific types of True Energy. This meant that when Lin Jing attempted to break through to Foundation Establishment, he would be no different from an ordinary mortal cultivator, with no significant advantages. Worse still, his Longevity Body''s slower cultivation speed and True Energy refinement would force him to spend a long time in the Qi Refinement stage. As such, he would most likely have to rely on a Foundation Establishment Pill and the feedback from his contracted beasts to attempt his breakthrough. But now, if he could cultivate in the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven and reach the peak of Qi Refinement¡ªperhaps even the Tenth Stage¡ªbreaking through to Foundation Establishment would become as effortless as drinking water. Additionally, the deeper his foundation during Qi Refinement, the greater the enhancements to his body before Foundation Establishment. Take, for example, two Qi Refinement cultivators: one establishing their foundation at the Fourth Stage and the other at the Tenth. The latter would absorb spiritual energy several times faster than the former. These were concepts Lin Jing had gleaned from books. Now that he had encountered such a rare opportunity, his eyes gleamed red with excitement, unable to suppress his desire. This was one of the few chances to accelerate his cultivation speed before Foundation Establishment! Lin Jing made up his mind. He and the Pine Leaf Mouse rode a flying leaf, soaring through the vast expanse of the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven in search of their next prey. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Standing atop the leaf controlled by the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing crossed his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering as his sharp gaze scanned the horizon. ¡°Senior Shen Song did warn that repeatedly using the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power would hasten its awakening, making it difficult to suppress even with the Sacred Wood Seal.¡± ¡°But as long as I establish my foundation quickly and contract the Flame Dragon Carp, which possesses a Fire Kirin bloodline, even if the Ice Soul Gu fully awakens, it shouldn¡¯t be a major problem.¡± ¡°Now¡­ assist me in unlocking a sliver of the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s seal.¡± Lin Jing made up his mind. Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse frantically scratched its head. Isn¡¯t this too extreme? That power¡ªit feared it. If Lin Jing used it, wouldn¡¯t he end up frozen solid? ¡°No problem. If I can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll stop,¡± Lin Jing replied, opening a vial of Longevity Blood. The blood¡¯s aura naturally diffused into the surroundings. After flying for some distance, Lin Jing discovered that the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven was indeed as vast as the records described. Actively searching for Dragon-Phoenix projections would waste considerable time. Perhaps this method could attract the projections to attack them instead. Now that he thought about it, he had been so focused on his breakthroughs earlier that he hadn¡¯t noticed something. Reflecting on it now, the flavor of the Dragon-Phoenix he had slain seemed to awaken his taste buds. Lin Jing licked his lips. This kind of simple, sensory pleasure was quite satisfying. ¡°Hey!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse also swallowed hard. Even as a mostly vegetarian spirit beast, it found itself wanting to taste it again. However, its gaze shifted uneasily to the Longevity Blood. For some reason, it found that scent even more enticing¡­ ¡°Sacred Wood Seal, release!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s gaze turned deep and resolute. At the same time, within Lin Jing¡¯s inner world... A colossal ice crystal spider, entirely bound by vines of the Sacred Tree, slumbered within its sealed prison. The golden-green divine patterns of the seal not only suppressed the spider¡¯s conscious activity but also locked away the terrifying power it exuded. However, as Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse worked together to partially lift the seal, a horrifying wave of white frost energy surged through the cracks in the vines. This cold aura flowed into Lin Jing¡¯s body, merging with the True Energy within him. In an instant, his previously ordinary Beast Taming Qi transformed into a freezing cold ice-element True Energy! In the outside world, a wave of horrifying frost energy erupted from Lin Jing¡¯s body, shooting straight into the sky. In mere moments, snowflakes began falling over the forested mountains, and as the ice-element True Energy coursed through him, Lin Jing¡¯s skin turned as white as snow, his hair became frosted with pale white, and his pupils transformed into eerie ice-blue, like those of a frost beast. Suddenly, a green dragon emerged from the valley, soaring toward Lin Jing. But before it could approach, Lin Jing uttered a single word: ¡°Die.¡± The frosty aura surged violently. The dragon-like serpent froze mid-flight with an audible turning into an ice sculpture. In the next moment, the frozen sculpture shattered into countless shards of ice, scattering in all directions as the creature¡¯s life force vanished completely. Book 2: Chapter 22: Unprecedented Vol 2 Chapter 22: Unprecedented S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the power of the Ice Soul Gu, Lin Jing instantly killed a Ninth Stage Qi Refinement Dragon-Blooded Demonic Beast. The creature stood no chance against him. Dragon-Blooded Beasts were inherently powerful; those with purer bloodlines could even rival Foundation Establishment beasts. However, under the might of the Ice Soul Gu, they were utterly outmatched. ¡°The top ten legendary Gu worms... An innate Gu King is far beyond the so-called ¡®beast kings¡¯ of the demon beasts. It¡¯s more akin to raising dozens, or even hundreds, of poisonous insects with royal bloodlines together in a deathmatch, resulting in the ultimate Poison King.¡± Lin Jing had only unleashed a sliver of the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, yet he could already feel a bone-chilling cold spread through his body. ¡°...¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, disliking the frigid aura, stayed far away from him. As the Dragon-Blooded Beast perished, it transformed into two streams of light. The Pine Leaf Mouse, eagerly anticipating a tasty reward, was shocked when both streams of light flew into Lin Jing instead. One was absorbed by Lin Jing, while the other entered the Sacred Wood Seal, nourishing the slumbering Ice Soul Gu. For the first time since its birth, the Ice Soul Gu absorbed energy, causing it to grow noticeably larger in size. ¡°This...¡± Lin Jing realized something was amiss, but upon sensing how the absorbed power equated to months of cultivation with spirit stones, his eyes turned bloodshot. He no longer cared what might happen to the Ice Soul Gu. ¡°Give me half of the qi-replenishing pills!¡± Meanwhile, in other parts of the Cavern Heaven, other examinees were also locked in fierce battles, hunting the Dragon-Phoenix creatures. However, not everyone had Lin Jing¡¯s overwhelming strength. Most of the examinees, after managing to slay a single beast, sat down gasping for breath, relying on pills to replenish their True Energy. ¡°D*mn it, why did I only bring a few bottles of pills? Why couldn¡¯t I bring more?¡± ¡°Ugh, these magic tools are such a pain, needing True Energy to activate. If only I had brought a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle instead!¡± Many examinees regretted not being better prepared for such a rare opportunity. ¡°Luckily, this young master brought plenty of spirit stones!¡± Gao Sheng boasted. While he lacked sufficient pills, his storage bag contained not only large quantities of low-grade spirit stones but also middle- and high-grade ones. With a spirit stone in one hand and a magic tool in the other, Gao Sheng fought Dragon-Phoenix creatures with relative ease. Another standout was Chen Lingxi from the Divine Talisman Sect. Having used only a fraction of her talismans against Lin Jing earlier, she now had most of them at her disposal for hunting the Dragon-Phoenix creatures. Her efficiency was unmatched. Still, despite the talent and resources of some examinees, none could match Lin Jing¡¯s terrifying speed. With Longevity Blood as bait and the power of the Gu King unleashed, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were in a league of their own. As they soared across the mountains, Dragon-Phoenix projections fell in droves. Their corpses turned into streams of light, flowing into Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Before long, Lin Jing broke through to the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement, catching up to the Pine Leaf Mouse in cultivation. ¡°Die!¡± Another flying dragon attacked, but with a single wave of Lin Jing¡¯s hand, several snow-white spider threads shot out, instantly dismembering the creature. The dragon¡¯s corpse appeared as though it had been sliced by icy blades, its surface coated in frost, and its blood frozen solid. Elsewhere, the Pine Leaf Mouse, clutching a bottle of Longevity Blood, used its agility to dart across the battlefield. It hurled Spirit Bean Bombs at Dragon-Phoenix creatures, taking them down one by one. If not for the delicious feedback from the Dragon-Phoenix creatures already satisfying its cravings, it might have succumbed to the irresistible allure of the Longevity Blood it held. One day earlier. At the base of Flying Dragon Mountain within the Hidden Dragon Academy, a brilliant light burst forth. As spatial ripples condensed, a seemingly ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator emerged in a hurry. Before descending, the cultivator looked at the two beams of light within the Cavern Heaven and laughed heartily. ¡°My son, Wang Xiao, is destined for enlightenment!¡± ¡°Congratulations, Daoist Wang,¡± said Cao Ziwei, who was meditating above the academy, immediately congratulating him. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Cao. The Hidden Dragon Academy truly lives up to its reputation as a gathering place of great fortune. If Xiao¡¯er successfully reaches the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement and then breaks through to Foundation Establishment, his Heavenly God Physique may finally achieve minor completion,¡± said Wang, a cultivator from the Wang family. Having learned of his son¡¯s rare opportunity, he had come personally to await the results. ¡°Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi are indeed the most likely candidates to break through to the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement,¡± Cao Ziwei nodded. ¡°After all, the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven only truly chooses a select few. Although other cultivators may enter and share the opportunities, they¡¯re ultimately not the chosen ones. At best, they can condense their True Energy dozens or hundreds of times to make it comparable to True Essence, but that¡¯s it.¡± The Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement was a special realm for talents selected by the Immortal Palace. Reaching it was no simple feat and required both innate talent and extraordinary opportunities. Cao Ziwei thought of Xu Zhizhi and Lin Jing, two other geniuses who had previously entered a Cavern Heaven. While they might achieve some success here, he doubted they had any hope of reaching the Tenth Stage. Especially Lin Jing, as a Beast Tamer cultivator, any opportunities he obtained would be split with his contracted beasts, significantly reducing his chances. ¡°To reach the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement, one needs both strong innate physique and exceptional opportunities. Without a powerful innate body, the mortal body would struggle to endure or contain the massive amount of True Energy.¡± Cao Ziwei¡¯s assessment wasn¡¯t far off. Inside the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse fought relentlessly. However, with the opportunities divided into three parts, the benefits to each individual were diminished. Despite slaying countless Dragon-Phoenix projections, Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation eventually reached the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement, but the Pine Leaf Mouse remained stuck at the same level, unable to break through. Although its Qingdi (Everlasting Emperor) True Energy had been refined over a hundred times, its spiritual bloodline had reached its limit. It could no longer expand its True Energy capacity, leaving it to focus solely on improving the quality of its energy. Lin Jing found himself in a similar situation¡ªstuck at the Great Perfection of Qi Refinement. His True Energy had been refined to an exceptionally pure level, but the quantity of True Energy remained stagnant, unable to progress further. As Cao Ziwei had speculated, Lin Jing¡¯s Longevity Body and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline were far less compatible with this opportunity than the Heavenly God Physique or the Innate Talisman Physique. It seemed inevitable that the two of them would stop at the extreme of the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement. However, what Cao Ziwei didn¡¯t know was that the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s overwhelming power, combined with the Longevity Body¡¯s natural ability to attract Dragon-Phoenix projections, had allowed Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse to slay an absurd number of Dragon-Phoenix projections. The number they killed wasn¡¯t just three times that of the average cultivator¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say it was thirty times as much. Even though the opportunities were divided into three parts between them, the sheer scale of their efforts resulted in enormous gains. Though limited by their physique and bloodline, unable to increase their True Energy capacity, they had nonetheless broken through conventional limits. Their True Energy had been refined to a level of unparalleled purity. In this state, just before the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement, they reached a "half-step Foundation Establishment" state. Without needing to deliberately focus on it, their bodies began to strengthen themselves under the guidance of their impossibly refined True Energy. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Glazed Immortal Eyes gleamed, and within its vibrant green pupils, the image of a clover appeared, marking the successful evolution of its ability to the next stage. On Lin Jing¡¯s side, he also stopped in his tracks, his expression filled with astonishment as he sensed the changes within his body. Though he hadn¡¯t reached Foundation Establishment yet, under the incomparably refined Beast Taming Qi within him, something extraordinary had occurred¡ªhe had condensed a second drop of golden blood within his body. This blood was the Contract Blood of the Beast Taming Art. Normally, a cultivator practicing the Beast Taming Art could condense one drop during the Qi Refinement stage and a second drop upon reaching Foundation Establishment. However, Lin Jing had defied all convention by condensing two drops of Contract Blood while still in the Qi Refinement stage! This meant that he could now form contracts with two spirit beasts during the Qi Refinement stage, an unprecedented feat in the history of the Beast Taming Sect. Book 2: Chapter 23: The Beast Taming Physique Vol 2 Chapter 23: The Beast Taming Physique Lin Jing ceased flying and descended to the ground, where the surrounding area instantly froze upon his landing. Extending his hand, he drew out the golden Contract Blood and examined it carefully. This Contract Blood appeared no different from the first drop he had condensed when forming a contract with the Pine Leaf Mouse. Running through the Beast Taming Art once more, Lin Jing confirmed that it was still at the ninth stage and had yet to reach perfection. He couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the phenomenon. "The opportunities within the Cavern Heaven truly are extraordinary. After refining my Beast Taming Qi to a flawless state, it actually triggered a second transformation of my physique, allowing me to condense another drop of Contract Blood!" "And yet... after this second transformation of my physique, I feel like there have been other changes as well," Lin Jing muttered, his gaze shifting toward the Pine Leaf Mouse. The Pine Leaf Mouse, on its end, seemed preoccupied with inspecting its own Glazed Immortal Eyes. Just like Lin Jing, it had undergone a half-step Foundation Establishment transformation, with its physique altered by the refinement of True Energy. ¡°Squeak squeak squeak!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse finished studying itself and discovered that its Glazed Immortal Eyes had gained an additional function. Although it still couldn¡¯t synthesize resources outside of plant-based materials, nor could it create higher-tier resources, it now displayed countless dense symbols over synthesized items in its field of vision. While it didn¡¯t recognize these symbols, the Pine Leaf Mouse instinctively understood their meanings. Picking up a red leaf, its information immediately surfaced in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mind: [Companion Heartleaf: A plant capable of connecting with the minds of specific beings, containing spatial properties that can serve as a medium for space-related abilities.] The Pine Leaf Mouse then examined an Exploding Spirit Bean: [Exploding Spirit Bean: A special bean containing violent spiritual energy, capable of creating intense spiritual energy shockwaves.] ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse turned to Lin Jing, excitedly signaling that it could now perceive the effects of synthesized items through its newly upgraded Glazed Immortal Eyes. ¡°Oh?¡± Lin Jing was astonished. Clearly, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gains were not insignificant. While Lin Jing¡¯s physique had been transformed through the flawless refinement of Beast Taming Qi, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s eyes had been upgraded by the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s True Energy. Although it seemed that the Glazed Immortal Eyes had not gained any new abilities for synthesizing resources, the ability to perceive the effects of synthesized items was a significant improvement. After leaving the Beast Taming Sect, they had stopped experimenting with synthesized resources due to the lack of test subjects and other distractions. Now, with the advanced Glazed Immortal Eyes, the Pine Leaf Mouse could resume synthesis without needing experimental subjects. Even if the synthesized items were hazardous, it could immediately identify their effects without risking itself. ¡°It seems this trip was worthwhile after all,¡± Lin Jing remarked with satisfaction. ¡°By the way, can you sense any changes in me?¡± Lin Jing asked, clenching the golden Contract Blood in his hand and retracting it. Apart from forming the second drop of Contract Blood, he vaguely sensed some changes in his physique, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint them on his own. The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated for a moment before looking into Lin Jing¡¯s eyes. In an instant, it felt as if it had plunged into darkness, with only a pair of eyes as vast and oppressive as celestial stars staring back at it. ¡°...¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse staggered back, cold sweat running down its furry body as it felt a shudder deep in its bloodline. ¡°Squeak¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse could feel that Lin Jing had become much more terrifying. It was as though he could subdue it instantly. The faint sense of bloodline suppression it experienced made the blood vial it was holding suddenly seem utterly unappealing. Lin Jing observed this reaction thoughtfully. Just then, a giant bird engulfed in flames swooped toward the Pine Leaf Mouse. Without using any spells, Lin Jing allowed his Ninth Stage Beast Taming Qi to erupt. Nine whirlpools of True Energy swirled around Lin Jing, and in an instant, even though the Longevity Blood remained as tempting as ever, the fiery bird¡ªpossessing phoenix bloodline¡ªfroze mid-air. It appeared as if it had sensed an overwhelmingly dreadful aura and dared not move forward. ¡°It seems my suspicions were correct. After the second transformation of my physique, my ability to suppress beasts has become significantly stronger,¡± Lin Jing took a deep breath. ¡°In the past, the Beast Taming Art could only suppress contracted spirit beasts, preventing them from rebelling. But now, I can even suppress uncontracted beasts. If this were a weaker demonic beast instead of this firebird with a strong bloodline, it would probably submit to me with just a single glance.¡± Lin Jing extended his palm toward the flaming bird, clenching the air as if grasping an invisible force. Instantly, the firebird sensed a tremendous danger. It turned to flee, but it was too late. ¡°Flame Control Art!¡± Before the bird could fly far, the flames within its body erupted uncontrollably, turning it into a massive fireball. The fiery bird exploded spectacularly. ¡°Squeak?!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse looked at Lin Jing in awe. Just using his Beast Taming Qi and the Flame Control Art, Lin Jing had annihilated a Ninth Stage Qi Refinement demonic beast. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s regard for him grew significantly. This time, Lin Jing hadn¡¯t even relied on the power of the Ice Soul Gu! ¡°While this ability may not have the same effect on humans, it¡¯ll definitely give me an advantage when dealing with demonic beasts in the future. It¡¯s said that certain powerful techniques can directly alter a cultivator¡¯s physique, enabling those with ordinary mortal bodies to develop special physiques. For instance, Yuan Jing once had a mortal body, but after reaching Foundation Establishment, he transformed into the Sword Physique. Now, with this second awakening of my Beast Taming Qi, could it have granted me a special physique as well?¡± ¡°The physique that suppresses all beasts under the heavens¡­ the Beast Taming Physique!¡± Lin Jing fell into deep thought as this bold hypothesis surfaced in his mind. Even if his physique hadn¡¯t achieved the aura required to suppress all beasts yet, the sheer anomaly of condensing two drops of Contract Blood during the Qi Refinement stage was enough to prove how extraordinary his current physique had become. ¡°Squeak!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse tossed a Replenishing Pill to Lin Jing. Both of them had been relying on pills to maintain their peak condition. It then chattered, asking if they would be able to immediately contract the Flame Dragon Carp once they returned. ¡°Hmm,¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°However, even though I¡¯ve managed to cultivate a second physique by chance, we still haven¡¯t reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement. I¡¯m not sure how much longer this Cavern Heaven will remain stable...¡± ¡°I¡¯m already nearing my limit...¡± He raised a trembling hand, struggling to move his fingers. His entire body felt like his blood had almost stopped circulating and was already freezing solid. If he continued using the power of the Ice Soul Gu, he feared that he would soon lose the ability to move altogether. This terrifying freezing power had even resisted his desperate attempts to counter it. He had tried eating black peppers capable of scorching one¡¯s soul, yet they had done nothing to dispel the cold. Still, without the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, the efficiency of his and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s hunting would plummet dramatically. ¡°What do you think...¡± Lin Jing asked the Pine Leaf Mouse as he narrowed his eyes. ¡°What if I use the second drop of Contract Blood I condensed during the Qi Refinement stage to contract the Ice Soul Gu directly?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It¡¯s currently sealed and suppressed, as well as in a state of dormancy. Since it shares my fate¡ªmy gains and losses are its gains and losses¡ªit¡¯s unlikely to resist the Beast Taming Contract. If I successfully contract it, I should be able to suppress its power more effectively using the contract and my Beast Taming Physique.¡± Previously, Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t have dared to make such a bold move. But now, with the Beast Taming Physique cultivated, and given that Gu worms were classified as beasts, he believed he might not even need to rely on a fire-type spirit beast to suppress the Ice Soul Gu. The Beast Taming Contract alone might be enough to control its power to some extent. If successful, he would be able to harness the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power far more effectively. However, there was one concern. Gu Masters had specialized techniques unique to their craft for controlling Gu worms, while the Beast Taming Art wasn¡¯t designed for contracting Gu. At least, the Beast Taming Sect had no records of such an attempt. What might happen was completely unknown. Book 2: Chapter 24: Three-Body Cultivator Vol 2 Chapter 24: Three-Body Cultivator After Lin Jing decided to preemptively contract the Ice Soul Gu, he wasted no time and began acting immediately, sitting cross-legged on the snowy ground. ¡°Pine Leaf Mouse, guard me.¡± Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse froze, dumbfounded. It hadn¡¯t expected the Ice Soul Gu to take over the Dragon Carp¡¯s contract slot so soon, instantly becoming the second contracted beast. The poor Dragon Carp not only missed out on the opportunity to benefit from the Cavern Heaven, but now its second contract position was also snatched away! ¡°...Alright.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse manipulated the surrounding vegetation to construct a wooden fortress, shielding Lin Jing within. It then stationed itself atop the fortress to ward off demonic beasts from the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t interrupt Lin Jing¡¯s attempt to contract the Ice Soul Gu. Knowing it was futile to dissuade Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse simply obeyed the order. Inside the sealed space. Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness manifested, and he gazed at the slumbering Ice Soul Gu before him. Though still asleep, its cultivation had already reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refinement. A ripple of thought crossed his mind. ¡°Back then, before the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s Parasitic Gu had the chance to absorb nutrients and provide feedback to the parent Gu, Cold Moon Sword Immortal exterminated them all, leaving the Ice Soul Gu underdeveloped¡­¡± ¡°After entering my body, it was further sealed and suppressed, resulting in extremely slow growth. But now, nurtured by the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, its bloodline may awaken and break through to Foundation Establishment once we leave this place. At that point, if I haven¡¯t yet contracted the Dragon Carp, it will be hard to maintain balance and restrain it. I must contract it before it awakens.¡± The current Beast Taming Art, which had been revised by the Beast Taming Sect, was no longer a master-slave life-and-death contract but rather claimed to establish equality. However, in practice, Beast Tamers still maintained a level of suppression over their contracted beasts. The dynamic was akin to that of ¡°brother and brother¡± or ¡°father and son¡± ¡ª not absolute equality but lacking the extremity where the Beast Tamer could determine the life and death of their beasts with a single thought. ¡°Blood, descend.¡± Lin Jing raised his hand. With a single thought, golden light sparkled in the sealed space¡¯s sky. A massive drop of golden contract blood descended slowly, falling toward the slumbering Ice Soul Gu. This method was clearly not the traditional contract technique used by today¡¯s Beast Taming Sect. It was more reminiscent of the early practices of the sect, where demonic beasts were subdued, sealed, and contracted by force while they were unable to resist. The golden contract blood seeped into the Ice Soul Gu through the Sacred Wood Seal¡¯s gaps. Although the Ice Soul Gu didn¡¯t resist, Lin Jing still felt immense pressure during the process. The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s bloodline was too powerful; even with his Beast Taming Physique, the contract wasn¡¯t proceeding smoothly. Lin Jing¡¯s manifested consciousness began to freeze. It could be said that as one of the Ten Rare Gus, its power level wasn¡¯t necessarily weaker than the same-tier Heavenly God Physique. Inside the wooden fortress, as the contract progressed, an intense cold aura surged out from Lin Jing¡¯s body, instantly freezing the entire structure. The Pine Leaf Mouse, seeing this, shivered uncontrollably and immediately used its Flying Leaf Technique to hover in mid-air while continuing to guard. ¡°Ack¡­ ack¡­¡± While guarding, the Pine Leaf Mouse occasionally glanced nervously back at Lin Jing. Inside the wooden fortress, Lin Jing was enduring immense pain. The reason he wasn¡¯t making any sound was that his entire body had been turned into an ice sculpture. Were it not for the contract link confirming Lin Jing still had consciousness, the Pine Leaf Mouse might have thought he had died during the process. ¡­ Within the sealed space, during the contract process, the slumbering Ice Soul Gu struggled as if trapped in a nightmare, repeatedly attempting to break free from the seal. Fortunately, the seal was created by the Divine Pine and not by Lin Jing or the Pine Leaf Mouse; otherwise, it might have already been shattered. ¡°This Ice Soul Gu¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s forcibly altering your physique!¡± After some time, Lin Jing noticed something unusual. Perhaps due to the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline being too weak, or perhaps it was the inherent nature of Gu insects, the process of contracting the Ice Soul Gu triggered a reaction similar to that of contracting unique spirit beasts or demonic beasts. During the bloodline contract stage, while the Ice Soul Gu didn¡¯t resist excessively, the ever-deepening bloodline connection caused it to feed back a force that forcibly reshaped Lin Jing¡¯s physical body! ¡°This is bad¡­¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡± The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s ultimate icy power seemed to have completely fused with Lin Jing¡¯s body. Now, even by borrowing the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s strength, Lin Jing could wield ice-type powers as if they were an innate part of himself. Most astonishingly, as Lin Jing¡¯s body temperature dropped further, he sensed that his life span was increasing by a unique means. Though he possessed the Longevity Body with an inherently long lifespan, the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s contract process was further extending it. He¡­ was becoming even more ¡°immortal.¡± ¡°Rumor has it that cultivators with ice-related physiques¡­ appear younger than normal cultivators and age more slowly. Am I now in a similar situation?¡± Inside the wooden fortress, the ice on Lin Jing¡¯s body gradually sublimated into white frost. The contract blood had perfectly merged with the Ice Soul Gu. However, within the sealed space, the Ice Soul Gu remained in its slumber, still unaware it had been contracted. Its reaction upon fully awakening remained a mystery. ¡°Still, this newfound power seems to come with its own cost¡­¡± The Outside World Lin Jing reappeared, hovering in midair as he manipulated his energy to fly. At that moment, the Pine Leaf Mouse was carefully monitoring the four incoming Dragonblood Fish from all directions. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this,¡± Lin Jing said, signaling the Pine Leaf Mouse not to intervene. As soon as he finished speaking, a surge of icy energy erupted from his body. Nine spiraling vortices of spiritual energy expanded outward, and the Dragonblood Fish attacking from all sides were immediately coated in a layer of white frost. Many of them froze and shattered, their broken pieces falling to the ground. At the same time, Lin Jing felt the same sensation as before: using this ice-attribute power still caused him to suffer from ¡°frostbite.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t truly possess a natural ice-attribute physique. Instead, I¡¯ve been influenced by the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, resulting in something similar to an acquired Ice Spirit Physique. However, this acquired physique is inherently flawed compared to a natural one. Therefore, when wielding this overwhelmingly dominant ice power¡ªmore powerful than even the Ice Spirit Physique¡ªit still causes frostbite, just as it did before.¡± Not only did his physical body suffer from frostbite, but even his soul was slightly injured. However, the severity was far less than before¡ªa significant benefit of the contract. As long as he didn¡¯t overuse the power and regularly used top-grade fire-attribute or yang-attribute spiritual medicines and pills to recover, it shouldn¡¯t be a major issue. ¡°Not bad. I¡¯ll call it the Acquired Ice Soul Physique.¡± Lin Jing smiled. This transformation had greatly enhanced his strength. Furthermore, the Ice Soul Physique could serve as a disguise, misleading others into mistaking it for a natural Ice Spirit Physique, causing them to underestimate him or misjudge his capabilities. ¡°What?!¡± With the Dragonblood Fish dead, the Pine Leaf Mouse looked at Lin Jing as he hovered midair. It noticed that the color of his hair and pupils had returned to normal, indicating that he had gained initial control over the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power. ¡°Squeak squeak!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse chirped excitedly, genuinely happy for Lin Jing. It didn¡¯t seem jealous of Lin Jing contracting yet another beast. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse often fretted over one particular issue: many of the resources it stockpiled would spoil if not maintained with its wood-attribute true energy. Over time, the resources would begin to rot. But now, with Lin Jing contracting an ice pet, such worries would be a thing of the past. As long as the storage space for the harvested resources was cold enough, their shelf life would be significantly extended, and the Pine Leaf Mouse wouldn¡¯t have to personally ¡°maintain¡± them anymore! From now on, the Ice Gu would handle preservation, the Dragon Carp could refine herbs into pills, and the Pine Leaf Mouse felt like this arrangement was perfect! ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ve already resealed the Ice Soul Gu. The power I displayed earlier... it has already been converted into my own strength. While it¡¯s not as potent as directly using the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, it¡¯s still comparable and more than enough to instantly kill these Dragonblood and Phoenixblood demonic beasts,¡± Lin Jing said, his body enveloped in cold mist. ¡°Let¡¯s move on.¡± He pondered for a moment, wondering whether these changes to his body meant he now possessed two additional unique physiques. If so, wouldn¡¯t that make him similar to the Ancient Imperial Prince, effectively becoming a ¡°Three-Body Cultivator¡±? Book 2: Chapter 25: Qi Refinement Tenth Stage? Vol 2 Chapter 25: Qi Refinement Tenth Stage? After enhancing their physiques, both Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse found themselves able to accommodate more true energy, giving them the possibility of advancing to the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage. The two continued hunting the Dragon-Phoenix projections together. However, to Lin Jing¡¯s surprise, even after resealing the Ice Soul Gu, it still continued to absorb a portion of his energy. ¡°You two better leave me some!¡± Lin Jing redoubled his efforts in hunting the Dragon-Phoenix beasts, driven by a bad premonition. Given how difficult it was for someone with the Longevity Body to break through, he feared that by the time the Cavern Heaven event ended, the Pine Leaf Mouse and Ice Soul Gu might both reach the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement while he remained stuck at the Ninth Stage! S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse blasted yet another projection attempting to consume the Longevity Blood, and the light particles released from the projection scattered uncontrollably. Absorbing these light particles, the Pine Leaf Mouse suddenly discovered a surge of spiritual energy within its body! True energy around it condensed into swirling spiritual patterns, circling its body. It had broken through to the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage! Although it hadn¡¯t reached Foundation Establishment, its strength was already comparable to that level! Under the control of even more powerful Everlasting Emperor¡¯s True Energy, enhanced by its willpower, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s speed with Flying Leaf Technique increased drastically! Watching this, Lin Jing felt conflicted. Even as a "Three-Body Cultivator" now, the Pine Leaf Mouse still managed to break through before him. This seemed to confirm that his two new physiques didn¡¯t significantly enhance his cultivation speed. Fortunately, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s breakthrough produced an abundance of spiritual energy that fed back into Lin Jing through their bloodline contract, bringing him closer to the Tenth Stage. ¡°Breakthrough!¡± Lin Jing muttered some time later. ¡°Too bad it wasn¡¯t me.¡± The Ice Soul Gu absorbed nutrients before Lin Jing and reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement first. Though still asleep, the Ice Soul Gu also fed back a substantial amount of spiritual energy to Lin Jing. Yet, Lin Jing remained just short of breaking through. Both his contracted beasts had broken through their limits, leaving him the only one still lagging behind. Feeling frustrated, Lin Jing unleashed an even more ferocious wave of icy energy, injuring himself in the process¡ªnot because of the Dragon-Phoenix beasts but because he had to release fresh blood to attract more of them! Finally, after a night of relentless hunting, Lin Jing hovered in midair, his body emanating massive waves of spiritual energy. Ten rings of spiritual energy formed, swirling around him like ten vortices, wrapping him in their embrace. With a deep exhale, Lin Jing released a frosty breath, then retracted all his true energy into his body. Within him, his true energy had grown vast, like an ocean of clouds. The Qi Sea of the Tenth Stage was ten times greater than that of the Ninth Stage, and every strand of true energy remained flawless. This unparalleled power filled Lin Jing with immense confidence. After days of tireless effort, Lin Jing had finally crossed into the pinnacle of the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage! ¡°Let¡¯s keep going!¡± Lin Jing flew onward without pausing to revel in his breakthrough. He recalled ancient books he had read in the academy¡¯s library, which claimed that anyone who reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement possessed talent worthy of catching the eye of the ancient Celestial Palaces, qualifying them to become outer disciples of such immortal sects. The Celestial Palaces, as forces of the upper realms, undoubtedly set the bar extremely high. The thought of it filled Lin Jing with excitement, though he knew he had not yet reached his limits. Elder Mo had once mentioned that the Ancient Imperial Prince, the son of the Second Ancient Emperor, achieved the absurd feat of reaching the Thirteenth Stage of Qi Refinement using the Boundary-Breaking Bird and the True Dragon Secret Arts. This proved that the Tenth Stage was far from the peak. ¡°Qi Refinement Twelfth or Thirteenth Stages may be out of reach for now, but I wonder¡­ could I push to the Eleventh Stage in this Cavern Heaven?¡± As Lin Jing flew, the Ice Soul Gu hovered behind him at a slow pace. In his storage pouch, various pills to replenish true energy were steadily being consumed, primarily to compensate for the energy lost during travel. In the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, what drained the most energy for the Ice Soul Gu and Pine Leaf Mouse wasn¡¯t fighting but traveling. The cavern was enormous, and even when using Longevity Blood as bait, they frequently had to move to different areas because the Dragon-Phoenix projections were clustered too densely in certain spots. Hidden Dragon Academy, Flying Dragon Mountain. As time passed, more and more people gathered here. Many candidates had initially come alone, but upon entering the Cavern Heaven, elders from their sects and families had also arrived to observe their progress. By now, Flying Dragon Mountain was filled with Nascent Soul cultivators, with Golden Core cultivators everywhere. At one corner of the mountaintop, a pine cone hidden within a tree was muttering to itself. ¡°By my calculations, the Cavern Heaven should be ending soon.¡± In midair, Cao Ziwei sat cross-legged. His cultivation at the Great Perfection of Nascent Soul placed him among the top five on Flying Dragon Mountain. Standing up slowly, his Nascent Soul aura radiated outward as he transmitted his voice across a hundred miles: ¡°The Cavern Heaven is about to close. Anyone who breaks through their limits within the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven will be awarded a sixty-year use of an academy cave dwelling after passing the assessment.¡± A sixty-year cave dwelling usage period¡­ Upon hearing this, cultivators from second- and third-rate sects became instantly envious. Cultivation depended on four key factors: techniques, wealth, companions, and location. The academy¡¯s spirit-veined cave dwellings were unquestionably prime cultivation sites, even superior to those of most ordinary sects. ¡°They¡¯re coming out!¡± With a shout from the crowd, the cultivators watching saw people emerging from the light pillar of the Cavern Heaven. One by one, candidates returned. Regardless of their current state, most wore smiles, clearly satisfied with their gains. ¡°How was it?¡± One candidate was immediately pulled aside by their elder for questioning. ¡°My true energy was refined more than tenfold in the Cavern Heaven! After continuous tempering, its strength now rivals true essence. Even against an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, I might hold my own in a direct confrontation!¡± the candidate exclaimed excitedly. ¡°Good, good, good!¡± The elder was delighted. They hadn¡¯t expected the candidate to break through any limits, so the current gains were already excellent. In midair, Cao Ziwei stood watching as one candidate after another emerged. He nodded slightly, satisfied with this batch. This cohort of candidates might be the strongest in terms of Qi Refinement power in the past century. ¡°Ninth Stage, Ninth Stage, Ninth Stage¡­¡± His spiritual sense swept over the candidates, but so far, all of them were still at the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement. Cao Ziwei sighed. ¡°No matter how solid your foundation in the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement, time alone will eventually bring you there. But the Tenth Stage? That¡¯s a matter of luck and opportunity, and it seems most candidates lack that bit of fortune.¡± His expression shifted suddenly. ¡°Hmm? Finally, someone has reached the Tenth Stage.¡± His gaze locked onto a woman in a yellow dress stepping calmly out of the Cavern Heaven¡ªChen Lingxi from the Divine Talisman Sect. As she descended from the light column, nine swirling vortices of spiritual energy appeared around her, exuding a transcendent aura. ¡°Xier!¡± A beautiful Nascent Soul woman immediately approached her. ¡°Master¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± Chen Lingxi looked remorseful as she greeted her master, clearly referring to her earlier defeat at Lin Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯ve already heard about it. It doesn¡¯t matter. Now that you¡¯ve reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement, your future prospects will be vastly different.¡± The Nascent Soul woman smiled warmly, placing a hand on her disciple¡¯s shoulder. Upon hearing that Chen Lingxi had been selected by the Cavern Heaven, she had rushed here without delay. ¡°Master, now that I¡¯ve reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement, I will not lose to him again.¡± Chen Lingxi was brimming with confidence, her aura unrestrained. This monumental breakthrough overshadowed her previous loss to Lin Jing, and she felt invigorated as if her progress with the Hidden Dragon Arts would now be unstoppable. With her arsenal of talismans and her brief appearance on the Physique Rankings for her Talisman Physique, Chen Lingxi believed her gains from the Cavern Heaven far outstripped everyone else¡¯s. Even those with the Heavenly God Physique couldn¡¯t compare. As for Lin Jing¡­ in her mind, he had only been at the Seventh Stage of Qi Refinement before entering the Cavern Heaven. Without a special physique, it would have been nearly impossible for him to break through the pinnacle. The gap between them from now on would be insurmountable. Just thinking about it filled her with renewed vigor, sweeping away the gloom of her earlier defeat. ¡°Fellow Daoist Xie, congratulations.¡± The father of Wang Xiao, another notable cultivator, stepped forward and addressed Chen Lingxi¡¯s master with a smile. Among those present, three stood out as the most powerful: Wang Xiao¡¯s father, the Nascent Soul woman from the Divine Talisman Sect, and Cao Ziwei from the academy. All three had reached the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage. Even among Nascent Soul cultivators, their strength and background commanded respect, and they addressed each other as equals. Just as the words left his mouth, Wang Xiao emerged from the Cavern Heaven. Dressed in a gleaming suit of silver armor, his aura was overwhelming. Spiritual energy erupted around him, and behind him loomed the faint silhouette of a deity. He, too, had broken into the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement! ¡°Haha, congratulations are in order!¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s father laughed heartily, realizing that his son had also ascended to the pinnacle. Wang Xiao nodded to his father and then turned his sharp gaze to Yuan Jing and Ziling¡¯er in the distance. Before entering the Cavern Heaven, even with his Heavenly God Physique, the gap in cultivation realms had given him only a 20% chance of defeating Foundation Establishment swordsmen. But now, after being tempered in the Cavern Heaven, Wang Xiao¡¯s confidence soared. He was 90% certain he could defeat Yuan Jing and make a name for himself across the Ancient Domain! ¡°You¡­¡± Yuan Jing had waited for days, but seeing the transformation in Wang Xiao, he felt immense pressure. Even his Sword Heart wavered slightly under Wang Xiao¡¯s aura. As the Cavern Heaven closed, most of the candidates had returned, and no fatalities were reported. ¡°It seems that only those truly chosen by the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, like Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi, were able to break the pinnacle,¡± Cao Ziwei noted. The other geniuses, who had entered through happenstance, ultimately lacked the same opportunities. Even latecomers like Gao Sheng and Xu Zhizhi hadn¡¯t reached the Tenth Stage. At that moment, as all attention was focused on Chen Lingxi and Wang Xiao, Cao Ziwei¡¯s voice rang out in shock. ¡°You¡¯ve reached the Tenth Stage as well!¡± ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s both of you!¡± Another Tenth Stage? The crowd followed Cao Ziwei¡¯s astonished gaze and saw a young man in a white robe stepping out of the Cavern Heaven. Perched on his shoulder was a robed Pine Leaf Mouse. An overwhelming explosion of spiritual energy erupted as Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse simultaneously unleashed their Qi Refinement Tenth Stage true energy. Twenty layers of spiritual energy vortices stacked atop one another, surging into the sky and shocking everyone present. A cultivator¡­ at the Tenth Stage! A beast¡­ at the Tenth Stage! This was¡­ the Beast Tamer! This duo, who had entered the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven and were thought to have split their opportunities, had both reached the Tenth Stage! What was even more shocking was that Lin Jing had entered the Cavern Heaven with the lowest cultivation level among all participants¡ªmerely at the Seventh Stage of Qi Refinement, with the weakest foundation. And yet¡­ When Chen Lingxi and Wang Xiao exchanged glances with Lin Jing, their hearts skipped a beat, as if they had fallen into an icy abyss, overwhelmed by an indescribable pressure. What was going on?! ¡°Ke ke ke¡­¡± Hidden within an ancient tree, a pine cone suddenly cracked open with laughter. The Divine Pine¡¯s voice rang out in astonishment. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but this Longevity Brat actually contracted the Ice Soul Gu¡­ and this Ice Soul Gu¡­¡± ¡°¡­has reached the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement! Its cultivation is higher than theirs!¡± As the only one able to see through the seals hiding Lin Jing¡¯s internal state, the Divine Pine was utterly shocked. Book 2: Chapter 26: Illness Vol 2 Chapter 26: Illness S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Until the Cavern Heaven event concluded, neither Lin Jing nor the Pine Leaf Mouse managed to break through to the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement. Instead, the Ice Soul Gu reached that level ahead of them both. This situation demonstrated that the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s innate talent far exceeded that of Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. For someone with the Longevity Body, breaking through remained exceptionally difficult. If Lin Jing had a different physique, he might have already reached the Eleventh or even Twelfth Stage by now. However, opportunities still lay ahead. Having emerged from the Cavern Heaven, Lin Jing speculated that since he had contracted the Ice Soul Gu and the Pine Leaf Mouse, their eventual breakthroughs to Foundation Establishment would provide him with significant spiritual energy feedback. That energy could potentially push him further in his cultivation. After stepping out, Lin Jing didn¡¯t bother hiding his cultivation level. He openly displayed his and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s realms, seeing this as an opportunity to draw attention to his training in the Hidden Dragon Arts. ¡°Even his pet beasts¡­ have reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement?¡± The surrounding cultivators were astonished, completely unprepared for such a development. Xu Zhizhi and Gao Sheng stared at Lin Jing in shock. Meanwhile, Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi found their once-dominant auras overshadowed by Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. Even Wang Xiao¡¯s father and the Divine Talisman Sect elder, both Great Perfection Nascent Soul powerhouses, observed Lin Jing with serious expressions. ¡°Who is this boy?¡± ¡°Could it be¡­¡± Only Gao Sheng seemed to piece something together, gaining a faint understanding of the situation. Facing the astonished and puzzled crowd, Lin Jing stepped forward and addressed Cao Ziwei, ¡°Chief Examiner, I exhausted myself using secret arts within the mystic realm and am temporarily unable to oversee the remainder of the assessment. I need to return to my cave dwelling to recover.¡± Cao Ziwei nodded, noticing Lin Jing¡¯s weakened state. Judging by his and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cultivation levels, it was clear that they must have used some extraordinary methods to hunt down the numerous Dragon-Phoenix projections. ¡°Go ahead.¡± With Cao Ziwei¡¯s approval, Lin Jing cupped his fists to the crowd, then took to the air and flew back to his cave dwelling. Having gained fame as a Beast Tamer who, along with his contracted beast, had both reached the Tenth Stage, there was no need to continue the assessment. Upon returning to his cave dwelling, Lin Jing immediately leapt into the furnace, startling the drowsy Dragon Carp within. Seeing Lin Jing return after several days, the Dragon Carp was both happy and confused. ¡°This feels much better.¡± Immersed in the furnace, Lin Jing instantly felt his body warming up. The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s breakthrough to the Eleventh Stage had fed back an overwhelming amount of ice-attribute spiritual energy. While this greatly enhanced Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation, it also made his Ice Soul Physique even colder. After days of frequently using icy powers, Lin Jing could no longer tolerate the cold. All he wanted now was to burrow into the warmth of the furnace and escape the freezing environment. The Dragon Scales Fire, a top-tier beast flame, was truly remarkable. Even though the Dragon Carp¡¯s cultivation level wasn¡¯t high, its flames were already capable of alleviating the burden of Lin Jing¡¯s Ice Soul Physique. Lin Jing ended up staying in the Hundred Beast Cauldron for an entire week, falling into a deep sleep and slowly digesting his gains. As for the Dragon Carp, it soon learned from the Pine Leaf Mouse that it had missed the Cavern Heaven event and that the second contract position had been taken by the Ice Soul Gu. The news hit it like a thunderbolt on a sunny day. ¡°!!!¡± The Dragon Carp was utterly devastated. ¡°¡­Well,¡± Lin Jing attempted to console it. Hearing this, the Dragon Carp¡¯s body turned pale, and a ghostly fire surrounded it. Though it hadn¡¯t yet become a Gu, it began harboring hostility toward the Ice Soul Gu. Taking Lin Jing¡¯s suggestion, it started rigorously training its fire control abilities, determined to prove to the Ice Soul Gu that it was superior. am the real Number Two. Watching the Dragon Carp dedicate itself to cultivation, Lin Jing nodded in satisfaction, feeling like he had accomplished something entirely pointless as a Beast Tamer. A week later, Lin Jing woke up. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± A cheerful voice greeted him as soon as he opened his eyes. ¡°Quite the harvest, huh, kid?¡± ¡°Senior Divine Pine?¡± Lin Jing immediately recognized the voice and asked, ¡°Why have you come to the academy?¡± ¡°The Cavern Heaven appeared¡ªhow could I not pay attention?!¡± The Divine Pine replied irritably. ¡°Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement, and you even contracted the Ice Soul Gu beforehand. Not bad at all, kid.¡± Lin Jing smiled wryly. ¡°It was a matter of necessity, Senior. Opportunities within the Cavern Heaven are rare; I couldn¡¯t afford to let them slip by.¡± ¡°Well done!¡± The Divine Pine praised him. ¡°The news of you and your contracted beasts breaking through to the Tenth Stage alongside Chen Lingxi and Wang Xiao is already spreading like wildfire, making you famous. If people knew you also contracted an Eleventh Stage Ice Soul Gu¡­ haha, their reactions would be priceless!¡± ¡°But it¡¯s better this way. No one knowing about your Ice Soul Gu is a good thing. Always keep a few cards up your sleeve. Don¡¯t worry¡ªunless an immoral Nascent Soul cultivator specializing in spiritual sense forcibly breaks through the seal on your body to probe your secrets, no one will find out about it.¡± As the Divine Pine finished speaking, Lin Jing glanced at the back of his hand, where the Fortune Dragon¡¯s color had turned to violet-gold. It had reached the pinnacle of its first stage, just shy of transforming into a golden dragon. His secret art was close to perfection. ¡°Although you didn¡¯t complete the academy assessment or defeat the Heavenly God Physique in front of everyone, the fact that all three of you reached the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement in the Cavern Heaven is far more significant than any academy test.¡± ¡°The Heavenly God Physique cultivator continued the assessment after emerging from the Cavern Heaven. With his Tenth Stage cultivation, he defeated the Foundation Establishment swordsman and gained widespread fame. But your reputation is no less. Not only did you defeat Chen Lingxi, who also reached the Tenth Stage, but both you and your beasts reached the Tenth Stage together¡ªa feat most can¡¯t even dream of.¡± ¡°Now, everyone is debating who is stronger¡ª you or Wang Xiao, the Heavenly God Physique cultivator. Let the rumors spread a little longer. There¡¯s no rush to fight him. Wait until his reputation grows even more; defeating him then will bring you even greater renown. For now, your fame is already enough to fuel your cultivation.¡± "Thank you, Senior Divine Pine," Lin Jing said, bowing in gratitude. He could tell that Senior Divine Pine had been guarding him during his recovery. Divine Pine waved him off. ¡°Enough of that! It looks like someone¡¯s here to see you. This time, I won¡¯t interfere!¡± With that, the Divine Pine disappeared from the academy, leaving Lin Jing to handle the visitor outside his cave dwelling. Standing there was a young man in black robes. ¡°Brother Lin!¡± Gao Sheng called from outside. ¡°I brought some exquisite dishes made from advanced yang-attribute and fire-attribute spiritual beasts, specially prepared by Xianke Lai¡¯s chefs. How are you feeling? May I come in?¡± The door to the cave dwelling opened, and Gao Sheng entered, only to see Lin Jing climbing out of the furnace. ¡°Brother Lin!¡± Gao Sheng grinned knowingly. ¡°Congratulations on reaching the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement! You must¡¯ve relied on thing¡¯s power in the Cavern Heaven, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lin Jing admitted, nodding. ¡°Without it, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to take down so many Dragon-Phoenix projections.¡± ¡°Lucky you,¡± Gao Sheng said with envy. ¡°Even though I came ¡®well-prepared,¡¯ I was still a step away from the Tenth Stage. This garbage mortal physique of mine holds me back. I can¡¯t wait to reach Foundation Establishment and develop an acquired cultivation physique.¡± Lin Jing smiled faintly, and Gao Sheng continued. ¡°Oh, by the way, my grand-uncle sent me a message. He asked me to tell you that the doors of the Demon-Slaying Bureau are always open to you. You don¡¯t need to worry about the Ice Soul Gu. Currently, only my grand-uncle, Sister Feng, and I know about it. ¡°Even the City Lord of Snow Moon has had his memory of the Ice Soul Gu erased by my grand-uncle. The whole Snow Moon incident has been written off as the work of a rogue practitioner from the Gu God Cult.¡± Gao Sheng pulled out a white token and handed it to Lin Jing. ¡°This is a special token from the Demon-Slaying Bureau. With this, even if you use the Ice Soul Gu, you¡¯ll be under official protection and won¡¯t be treated as a demonic cultivator. If you ever face pursuit from righteous cultivators, just show this token.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Lin Jing accepted the token with genuine gratitude. ¡°What are you thanking me for?¡± Gao Sheng laughed. ¡°Once you and your beasts reach Foundation Establishment, we¡¯ll be teaming up to crack cases for the Demon-Slaying Bureau!¡± From his storage pouch, Gao Sheng pulled out a table full of dishes and wine. ¡°You¡¯re just worried that if I use the Ice Soul Gu to solve a case, you¡¯ll get dragged into trouble with me,¡± Lin Jing retorted dryly. ¡°¡­Maybe,¡± Gao Sheng admitted with a sheepish grin. ¡°Fine.¡± Lin Jing, looking at the spread of food and the special token, nodded and said, ¡°Wait until you reach Foundation Establishment.¡± Though Lin Jing agreed, he figured his own breakthrough to Foundation Establishment would take quite some time. With his lifespan extended yet again, he planned to spend at least ten years calmly studying at the academy before considering his next step. ¡°Eat and drink!¡± Lin Jing grabbed a chicken leg and stuffed it into his mouth¡ªonly to gag immediately. He spat the bite out, spraying it all over Gao Sheng¡¯s face. ¡°What this? It¡¯s so disgusting!¡± Lin Jing exclaimed. ¡°Huh?¡± Gao Sheng wasn¡¯t angry but rather stunned. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I spent a fortune at Xianke Lai to have their top chef prepare this¡ªit¡¯s guaranteed to suppress the effects of the Ice Soul Gu!¡± Gao Sheng picked up a chicken leg and took a bite. ¡°It¡¯s not that bad.¡± Lin Jing, reluctantly taking another bite, gagged again and spat it out. It tasted unbearable, and he couldn¡¯t swallow it. ¡°I must be sick,¡± Lin Jing said, feeling nauseous. ¡°Cold and heat really don¡¯t mix well¡­¡± ¡°Oh no!¡± Gao Sheng suddenly looked regretful. ¡°I think I know what¡¯s happening. You¡¯ve been exposed to the taste of Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow too many times in the Cavern Heaven, and now your sense of taste has mutated! That flavor has completely warped your palate!¡± Gao Sheng sighed. ¡°I grew up eating delicacies, so I¡¯m less affected. But you¡­ well¡­¡± Lin Jing¡¯s vision darkened. Was the Pine Leaf Mouse suffering the same problem? Although Lin Jing could sustain himself through breatharian techniques now, eating delicious food was one of life¡¯s great pleasures, and he couldn¡¯t imagine giving it up! ¡°Is Brother Lin here?¡± A voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°This is Wang Xiao of the Wang family.¡± Lin Jing sighed. While he had planned to let Wang Xiao¡¯s reputation grow before challenging him, it seemed Wang Xiao couldn¡¯t let go of the pressure he had felt during their brief encounter. He had come here to issue a challenge. Book 2: Chapter 27: Suppressing the Divine Physique Vol 2 Chapter 27: Suppressing the Divine Physique ¡°Wang Xiao? What¡¯s that guy doing here?¡± Inside the cave, Gao Sheng¡¯s expression turned sour upon hearing the shout from outside. At the moment, he was deepening his bond with Lin Jing, and Wang Xiao¡¯s arrival was truly untimely. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look,¡± Lin Jing said, desperate for an excuse to escape the unpalatable food in front of him. Outside the cave, Wang Xiao saw Lin Jing emerge and immediately opened his mouth arrogantly, his divine eyes flashing: ¡°Lin Jing, three days from now, at the peak of Flying Dragon Mountain¡ªdo you dare face me in battle?¡± Lin Jing heard this and shook his head. ¡°Go back. I¡¯m not in the mood for this right now.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this? Are you scared?¡± Wang Xiao frowned. Lin Jing¡¯s fame had skyrocketed recently, and if rumors of his defeat spread, it would tarnish his reputation. After all, Lin Jing had even defeated a Foundation Establishment sword cultivator from the Heavenly Sword Gate¡ªif he was afraid, it would be understandable. ¡°Refusing to fight someone of the same level doesn¡¯t sound great either if the word gets out,¡± Wang Xiao added, provoking him further. ¡°You¡¯re really something¡­¡± Lin Jing¡¯s patience had reached its limit. ¡°Fine, let me send you on your way.¡± Frustrated from the food and in a foul mood already, Lin Jing raised his right hand, his fingers laced with threads of Qi. ¡°Spiritual Threads?¡± Wang Xiao sneered at the sight. This technique, forming threads of Qi, was similar to controlling objects in the air¡ªit wasn¡¯t even a proper spell. It was mainly used by mechanists and puppet masters to manipulate their creations. Lin Jing intended to use such a method against him? Laughable. ¡°Thunder¡­¡± Wang Xiao was about to counter with his domineering thunder-based techniques when Lin Jing vanished without a trace. His speed was so fast that Wang Xiao didn¡¯t even have time to react. By the time Wang Xiao realized it, he felt a chill at the back of his neck. Lin Jing was already standing behind him, his palm aimed at the back of Wang Xiao¡¯s neck. Under Lin Jing¡¯s feet¡ªor rather, all around the area outside the cave¡ªthere were scattered red leaves blending perfectly with the surrounding maple leaves. One of the red leaves emanated faint spatial ripples. Perched on Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder, the Pine Leaf Mouse yawned lazily as the spatial fluctuations subsided. Wang Xiao¡¯s entire body was now covered in frost. ¡°You¡­ Spatial Arts!¡± Wang Xiao was utterly shocked. The technique that left him no time to react was undoubtedly a spatial ability. This Beast Tamer actually had mastery over such a powerful art! Wang Xiao¡¯s eyes widened as he tried to use his unparalleled Heavenly God Qi of the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage to break through the frost. However, the chilling aura from the spiritual threads piercing his body was overwhelming, even freezing his Qi entirely. What was even more terrifying was that as the threads moved within him, Wang Xiao found himself unable to control his body. Instead, his movements were dictated by Lin Jing¡¯s finger gestures, and his body unwillingly began walking down the mountain. He couldn¡¯t understand it at all¡ªhow could this basic technique used by puppet masters and mechanists control even someone like him, a Divine Physique cultivator? ¡°Leave already,¡± Lin Jing said, dismissing him. ¡°I¡¯m not fighting you because I consider how hard it was for you to build your reputation. You should focus on leveraging your fame and advancing your strength with the Hidden Dragon Arts before challenging me again.¡± For Lin Jing, even if he and his Pine Leaf Mouse, both at the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage, managed to defeat this Heavenly God Physique, it wouldn¡¯t bring much of a boost to his own reputation. It was better to wait until Wang Xiao had achieved greater renown before defeating him for maximum impact. In just moments, Lin Jing sent Wang Xiao down the mountain. As the spiritual threads withdrew, Lin Jing smirked to himself. Although the threads were a crude imitation of the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, their combination with spatial teleportation had still caught Wang Xiao off guard. At the base of the mountain, Wang Xiao turned his stiff neck to glance back, deeply shaken. He had always thought Lin Jing¡¯s mechanical creations were limited to crafting weapons from special materials. Who could have imagined that the spiritual thread technique was powerful enough to even control a Divine Physique? And the frost¡­ Wang Xiao¡¯s mind raced as he recalled the pressure he had felt back when Lin Jing emerged from the Cavern Heaven with the Ice Soul Gu. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought I didn¡¯t have any special constitution, but now it seems I¡¯ve been hiding a deeply concealed cold attribute physique. Could it be¡­ that I possess an Ice Divine Physique?¡± ¡°You will come back¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse lazily gave up its grudge match against Wang Xiao, knowing that even with the aid of magical treasures, it couldn¡¯t match Lin Jing, let alone the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power. Wang Xiao slowly walked away, planning to enter closed-door cultivation. He resolved to master his techniques and improve his abilities before seeking another challenge. The scene of Lin Jing suppressing the Divine Physique was observed in its entirety by Gao Sheng, who was inside the cave. He was astonished beyond words. When Lin Jing returned to the cave, Gao Sheng immediately raised a toast. ¡°I¡¯m impressed,¡± Gao Sheng said sincerely. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It¡¯s just the Ice Soul Gu doing the work,¡± Lin Jing replied modestly. ¡°But still,¡± Gao Sheng insisted, ¡°not just anyone can control the Ice Soul Gu. The Demon-Slaying Bureau has obtained it a few times, but even there, only a select few can handle it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that,¡± Lin Jing said with a bitter smile. ¡°Tell me, what should I do about this situation?¡± ¡°Are you really unable to eat at all? Perhaps time will smooth things out¡­¡± Gao Sheng suggested. ¡°Or,¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up with an idea, ¡°why don¡¯t you indulge a bit and only eat dishes of the highest quality, like Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow?¡± ¡°Too expensive,¡± Lin Jing replied decisively. ¡°Oh, right!¡± Gao Sheng suddenly remembered something. ¡°Before we left the Cavern Heaven, Mr. Cao mentioned that anyone who breaks through to the extreme within the Cavern Heaven can use the academy¡¯s Cavern Heaven free of charge for a year!¡± "I don¡¯t know how you and the Pine Leaf Mouse are being accounted for. If you¡¯re considered separately and assigned two caves, you could rent one out. Collect decades¡¯ worth of rent upfront, and voil¨¤¡ªyou¡¯d have the money you need," Gao Sheng suggested. ¡°Hm?¡± Lin Jing tilted his head, considering the idea. ... After Gao Sheng left, Lin Jing sat cross-legged in his cave, focusing inward to assess his current cultivation state. If the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage were divided further into early, middle, and late phases, then the Pine Leaf Mouse would clearly be in the late phase, while Lin Jing himself was currently in the middle phase. ¡°Next up, I¡¯ll refine my alchemy skills and figure out how to upgrade the bloodline levels of both the Pine Leaf Mouse and the Dragon Carp!¡± Lin Jing resolved. The recent journey through the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven had given him a deeper understanding of how crucial physique and bloodline talents were. He opened his eyes, deciding to enter another period of closed-door cultivation. The Pine Leaf Mouse had the same idea¡ªit had nearly depleted its carefully accumulated resources inside the Cavern Heaven and wanted to stockpile more for its sense of security. ¡°Come here.¡± Lin Jing reached into the depths of his cave and pulled out the Dragon Carp. ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a bad mood?¡± ¡°Blub blub~ (It¡¯s just the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s credit~),¡± the Dragon Carp¡¯s mouth opened and closed as it made disgruntled sounds. Lin Jing couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°You¡¯re destined to soar in the nine heavens as a true dragon. Why are you jealous of a mere spider?¡± ¡°And to think you¡¯re supposed to be a proud male carp,¡± he teased. As he spoke, Lin Jing extended his palm, releasing the aura of Hidden Dragon Fortune. ¡°Alright. This time, our trip to the Cavern Heaven was largely thanks to the thousand-plus pills you helped me refine. Now, let me enhance your potential again.¡± ¡°When the day comes that you transform into a dragon, it will also be the day you ascend to the nine heavens and become invincible.¡± The Hidden Dragon Arts were approaching the stage of minor mastery, and Lin Jing wasn¡¯t stingy with his fortune power. Once again, he used it to enhance the Dragon Carp¡¯s abilities. Seeing how much care the Beast Tamer had for it, the Dragon Carp¡¯s mood lifted, and it regained its cheerfulness. ¡°Enhancement complete. Next, I¡¯ll need to start refining second-tier pills.¡± The Dragon Carp¡¯s smile instantly disappeared. Refining pills again?! Its entire body already reeked of the scent of medicinal herbs, and no matter what it tried, it couldn¡¯t get rid of it. Book 2: Chapter 28: Teaching the Way Vol 2 Chapter 28: Teaching the Way The news of the Cavern Heaven¡¯s emergence at Hidden Dragon Academy, where three students had advanced to the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage, continued to spread. Lin Jing¡¯s mastery of the Hidden Dragon Arts had reached minor completion, transforming his Fortune Qi into a golden young dragon. However, while reaching the Qi Refinement Tenth Stage was exceedingly rare, it didn¡¯t compare to the unparalleled accomplishments of figures like the Ancient Imperial Prince. Over the centuries, many geniuses had reached this stage through various fortuitous encounters, so Lin Jing¡¯s achievements didn¡¯t earn him widespread fame across the Ancient Celestial Kingdom as he had hoped. Most of Lin Jing¡¯s reputation came from discussions among the influential families and powerful cultivators backing the academy¡¯s students. While these discussions focused on the quality of his achievements, his fame was mostly limited to the Ancient Domain. Beyond that, his recognition dropped significantly. Nowadays, Lin Jing regularly helped the Dragon Carp unlock its potential, enabling it to grow rapidly. With the combination of Dragon Scales Fire and Ghostfire, its combat strength was exceptional, though the mixed use of the two flames was tricky and best avoided. In terms of physical toughness, Lin Jing had become ferocious. His defensive capabilities now rivaled those of the Snow Plains Body Cultivators he had encountered earlier, making him capable of withstanding a Spirit Bean Bomb head-on. As for alchemy, thanks to the Dragon Carp¡¯s exceptional flames and its cauldron-like qualities, Lin Jing¡¯s fire control proficiency soared to the level of an alchemy genius. While his success rate in refining Beast Blood Pills was still low, it was enough to qualify him as a second-tier alchemist. These achievements were remarkable for a Dragon Carp widely considered weak and useless before its ascension through the Dragon Gate. One day, a voice echoed throughout the academy: ¡°I, Cao Ziwei, will be holding a lecture on Tianyi Mountain in three days. The topic will be Treasure-Hunting Techniques. All who have initiated the Hidden Dragon Arts are welcome to attend.¡± Inside his cave, Lin Jing, who had just finished tending to the Dragon Carp and hadn¡¯t yet begun to deeply explore the Beast Taming Physique and Ice Soul Physique he had named himself, heard Cao Ziwei¡¯s announcement resound across the academy. This was the first lecture Lin Jing would attend at Hidden Dragon Academy. Unfortunately, the topic wasn¡¯t Cao Ziwei¡¯s famed ¡°Prosperous Wife Techniques,¡± much to the disappointment of many academy students. Still, the four words ¡°Treasure-Hunting Techniques¡± carried undeniable allure. Lin Jing¡¯s curiosity was piqued, and he decided to attend the lecture in three days. ... Tianyi Mountain was soon shrouded in a massive barrier of radiant light that covered the entire area. Three days later, a large number of academy students arrived to attend the lecture, including those in the Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment stages. However, not a single Golden Core cultivator was present. Each cultivator who entered the barrier disappeared instantly, their presence vanishing as if they were transported to another space. When Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse arrived, they stepped through the barrier and found themselves inside a room filled with white light. The space was entirely bare, except for a massive whirlpool of spiritual energy suspended in midair, projecting the image of Cao Ziwei sitting cross-legged. ¡°A familiar teaching method,¡± Lin Jing murmured as he sat cross-legged on the ground, calming his mind and preparing to listen. The Pine Leaf Mouse slid off his shoulder, lying flat on the ground and staring at the ceiling, utterly confused as to why Lin Jing had dragged it here. ¡°Two people listening to the lecture for the price of one¡ªit¡¯s more economical,¡± Lin Jing explained for the umpteenth time. Moments later, Cao Ziwei opened his eyes and said, ¡°The time has come. Today¡¯s lecture will cover Treasure-Hunting Techniques.¡± ¡°Treasure-Hunting Techniques and Qi Gazing Techniques share many similarities, as both rely on resonating with the world¡¯s energy to perform their respective arts.¡± ¡°Furthermore, there are various types of Treasure-Hunting Techniques. Today, I won¡¯t be teaching you how to find rare spiritual plants or minerals¡ªthe traditional treasures. Instead, we¡¯ll focus on .¡± ¡°Whether during the era of the Immortal Palaces or the era of the Immortal Alliances, the continent has seen many great wars, leaving countless ancient treasures buried across the land. For instance, the Air Domain is widely known as the region with the most ancient relics and secret realms from the Celestial Kingdom era, hiding innumerable ancient treasures and opportunities.¡± ¡°But beyond the Air Domain, every city has its own glorious past. What might seem like an ordinary mortal village today could very well have been the closed-door cultivation site of a minor ancient power in the past.¡± ¡°Treasure-Hunting Techniques will teach you how to explore, identify, and excavate these treasures. And before you ask, no, there will be no questions allowed after the lecture. You¡¯ll have to figure out any uncertainties yourself afterward.¡± A voice suddenly emerged from the void: ¡°Mr. Cao, treasure hunting sounds fascinating. If one were to find an ancient artifact left by a minor power, it could change one¡¯s fate entirely! But¡­ does the academy also teach practical techniques like city management?¡± Cao Ziwei replied, ¡°Any ancient artifact with significant power would have long been discovered and taken. Do you think such treasures would be left for you? The entry-level treasure-hunting techniques I¡¯m teaching require talent and luck. By the time you¡¯ve mastered them, you¡¯ll have at least unearthed some historically valuable items, if not practical treasures.¡± ¡°These ancient relics can then be placed in museums or cultural halls within the cities you govern, enhancing their historical and cultural depth. Isn¡¯t that also a form of effective city management?¡± The students: ¡°¡­¡± Lin Jing: ¡°¡­So, basically, a history museum?¡± The academy¡¯s students knew full well that the academy¡¯s teachings rarely involved straightforward techniques. But since they were already here, many decided to learn the skill patiently, hoping it might improve their future prospects as officials. For three consecutive days, the students listened to the lecture in a daze. Compared to other techniques that involved channeling Qi to perform spells, treasure-hunting techniques were incredibly abstract. They required not only gathering spiritual energy into one¡¯s eyes using a unique method but also sensing the energy of the heavens and the earth while feeling the ¡°pulse¡± of history. Only by doing so could one perceive the faint light of ancient treasures amidst the passage of time. Cao Ziwei concluded, ¡°For the next ten days, you can practice treasure-hunting techniques here. There¡¯s no need to force results. If you¡¯re not interested, you may leave now. If, after a few days of practice, you find that you lack the talent for it, you¡¯re free to leave then as well.¡± ¡°In this place, I have hidden many ancient relics. If you can find them using the Treasure-Hunting Technique, they will be yours to keep.¡± With that, the lecture concluded. The students discovered that they had been transported from their small, independent spaces to a massive mountain range. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse were no exception. This mountain range was even larger than the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s headquarters, containing over a hundred sprawling peaks. Who knew how many ancient treasures were hidden here? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing sat cross-legged on a boulder, half-closing his eyes as he tried to enter a meditative state and sense the so-called ¡°pulse of history.¡± After a long time, he sighed in frustration. He hadn¡¯t sensed anything¡ªnot even a flicker¡ªand his eyes were beginning to ache from the strain. Not a single glimmer of ancient treasure light was in sight. ¡°Looks like I don¡¯t have the talent for this,¡± he muttered, sighing again. He wasn¡¯t keen on wasting his Hidden Dragon Fortune to cultivate a technique for which he had no aptitude. ¡°How about you? Did you see any glimmers of ancient treasure light?¡± he asked the Pine Leaf Mouse, which had been sitting cross-legged on his shoulder. Lin Jing had made sure it participated in the lecture alongside him, though he wasn¡¯t sure how much potential it had for treasure hunting. ¡°Uh¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse remained utterly silent, its mood visibly uneasy. It had a lingering sense that something had gone terribly wrong during its practice of the Treasure-Hunting Technique. ¡°Hmm?¡± Lin Jing looked at it curiously. The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated before cautiously asking, ¡°This Treasure-Hunting Technique¡­ are you sure spirit beasts can even learn it?¡± ¡°Cao Ziwei clearly said that the technique isn¡¯t limited by race¡ªit wasn¡¯t created by humans in the first place,¡± Lin Jing replied. Hearing this, the Pine Leaf Mouse nodded in acknowledgment. It rubbed its eyes, which glimmered with a unique brilliance. Something definitely wasn¡¯t right. Everywhere it looked, the mountains were bursting with ancient treasure light. The sheer number of glimmers made its Glazed Immortal Eyes feel like they were about to go blind. Especially on one far-off mountain peak. Compared to the faint light scattered across other areas, the radiance from that peak was so intense, it was like a blazing star in the night sky. The brilliance was nearly overwhelming. ¡°Uh¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated before weakly admitting, ¡°I think I saw¡­ maybe a few hundred beams of light.¡± Lin Jing fell silent. ¡°¡­Are you a hoarding mouse or a treasure-hunting mouse? A few hundred beams of light? Seriously?¡± Book 2: Chapter 29: Treasure-Hunting Mouse Vol 2 Chapter 29: Treasure-Hunting Mouse ¡°Could it be the blessing of the Glazed Immortal Eyes?¡± The treasure-hunting technique taught by Mr. Cao still involved "seeing" with one''s eyes. Thus, it was possible that a treasure-hunting talent was related to some kind of ocular ability. After the Pine Leaf Mouse mutated into a rare beast, its unique ability was also eye-related. This was Lin Jing''s best guess. "Take me to the nearest spot," he said after some contemplation, grabbing the Pine Leaf Mouse. Before long, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain. The Pine Leaf Mouse pointed at a broken, ordinary-looking tree, indicating that a beam of ancient treasure light had originated from there. "Dig," Lin Jing instructed, feeling quite fond of this treasure-hunting activity. After digging for about three or four meters, they unearthed a chamber pot with no spiritual energy fluctuations. The chamber pot was carved with dragon and phoenix motifs, giving it a mysterious and ancient appearance. It seemed extremely old. ¡°What the h*ll!¡± Lin Jing cursed, kicking the chamber pot back into the pit with frustration before covering it up again. "Is this what Mr. Cao referred to as the ancient artifact placed here?" He began to suspect that the remaining antiques were all of a similar nature. "Sigh..." The Pine Leaf Mouse gestured toward another direction. They quickly headed there and unearthed a stone stele. Just as Lin Jing thought they might have found something valuable, the text engraved on the stele left him speechless. It was a tombstone. [Grave of Immortal Li Tiangang, a cultivator during the Qi Refinement Stage.] [He perished from severe injuries after slaying a demonic pig that attacked the Li family village.] Once again, it was a tombstone without any spiritual energy. ¡°May the deceased rest in peace. My apologies for disturbing you, Senior,¡± Lin Jing muttered as he buried it back again. No wonder Mr. Cao had so generously said that they were free to take whatever ancient items they found. Honestly, even if it were gifted daily, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t particularly interested. "Are all these beams of ancient treasure light the same?" The Pine Leaf Mouse shrugged, indicating that most of the beams were indeed faint and unremarkable¡ªexcept for a particularly dazzling one in the distance. "Let¡¯s leave these ordinary relics to others. Let¡¯s go directly to the one you mentioned," Lin Jing said. With those words, he rose into the air with Qi Manipulation, soaring toward the mountain peak where the most brilliant beam of treasure light shone, guided by the Pine Leaf Mouse. As he flew, Lin Jing noticed that many other cultivators'' talents in treasure hunting were better than his. Many had already mastered the technique. However, they too were unearthing piles of useless junk, with no real value. ¡°This stone sword¡­¡± Outside a mountain cave, Lin Jing happened to encounter Yuan Jing, who held an ancient stone sword. Just as Yuan Jing imbued it with sword intent, the sword crumbled into dust. The young swordsman¡¯s face darkened with disappointment at the so-called ancient treasure. ¡°Lin Jing?¡± Yuan Jing also noticed him. The two exchanged polite nods before continuing on their own paths. After flying for nearly an hour, Lin Jing finally arrived at the destination. Here, the ancient treasure light was particularly dazzling¡ªobviously different from the other relics they had encountered. Lin Jing took a deep breath and was about to start digging when a powerful aura suddenly descended. ¡°Young man, I discovered this first,¡± said a voice. The newcomer was a youth with three eyes, clad in an elegant blue-green robe, exuding an aura of sophistication like an immortal descended to the mortal world. ¡°Late Foundation Establishment!¡± Lin Jing observed. This person was likely a senior student. Clearly, he had also noticed the unusual brilliance of the treasure light here. ¡°We arrived first,¡± Lin Jing replied firmly. Although the treasure hadn¡¯t been unearthed yet, he had no intention of giving it up. Apart from the two eyes on his face, the youth had a third eye on his forehead, suggesting some kind of special constitution. ¡°Qi Refinement Stage 10¡­¡± The three-eyed youth remarked, ¡°I¡¯ve been in seclusion for so long, and to my surprise, this year¡¯s academy freshmen are quite impressive¡ªnot only reaching the tenth stage of Qi Refinement themselves but even their companion beasts are at the same level.¡± ¡°This item is ominous. Would you consider giving it to me? With your cultivation, obtaining it may bring more harm than good,¡± the youth added. ¡°Senior, I happen to like ominous things,¡± Lin Jing replied, unmoved. Seeing that Lin Jing had no intention of yielding, the three-eyed youth shook his head and said, ¡°Very well, then. You can have it. My name is Liu Yu. Consider this a friendly gesture. If you¡¯re interested, you can seek me out after this area closes. The ¡®Eye Alliance¡¯ I¡¯ve established is currently recruiting. It¡¯s not a sect but a temporary organization among academy students, where members help each other. Unlike me, others might not be so easygoing. Joining a group will make it easier to cultivate the Hidden Dragon Arts, and the results will be much better.¡± With that, he glanced into the distance and flew away. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse had expected a fight over the treasure but, seeing Liu Yu leave so easily, they resumed digging without hesitation. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Liu Yu, the three-eyed cultivator¡ªhe¡¯s ranked thirty-first on the Human Ranking of the Genius Rankings.¡± While digging, Lin Jing recalled the man¡¯s identity. If they had truly fought, unless he unsealed the Ice Soul Gu, there was no way he and the Pine Leaf Mouse could defeat Liu Yu on their own. ¡°This guy also has an exceptional treasure-hunting talent!¡± ¡°But why did he say this item was ominous?¡± As they continued digging, they finally unearthed the ancient treasure at this location. It turned out to be an old wooden box. However, the so-called treasure wasn¡¯t the wooden box itself, but the item inside! At the urging of the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing opened the wooden box. Inside was a tattered, blood-stained marriage certificate! The certificate was badly damaged, with most of the text illegible. Only a faintly visible "Double Happiness" character remained. Despite its age, the certificate still emanated spiritual energy¡ªthough this energy was extremely cold, with a chilling aura reminiscent of Ghostfire. ¡°Mr. Cao, are you there?¡± Lin Jing, holding the wooden box, fell into deep thought and called for Mr. Cao. ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Moments later, a projection of Mr. Cao materialized in the air. He glanced at Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you two to display such talent in treasure hunting.¡± ¡°I thought the one with the greatest talent would be that three-eyed Liu Yu. Yet, it turns out to be you two. If you were both at the Qi Refinement stage, I doubt even he could have discovered this wooden box.¡± Mr. Cao studied Lin Jing and then looked at the Pine Leaf Mouse. Puzzled, he asked, ¡°Could it be that this little one has the bloodline of the Treasure-Hunting Mouse? After all, the treasure-hunting technique itself was originally created by the ancient demonic Treasure-Hunting Mouse Clan and later taught to their followers.¡± ¡°Eh?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse pointed at itself in confusion. ¡°Me?¡± Lin Jing nodded but thought it was more likely due to the Glazed Immortal Eyes. He didn¡¯t want to delve too deeply into the matter and instead lifted the wooden box to ask Mr. Cao, ¡°Mr. Cao, what is this? Why is it so different from the other ancient items? Is this something you placed here as well?¡± Mr. Cao chuckled. ¡°Indeed, I placed three spiritually-infused ancient treasures here for destined students to find. This marriage certificate is one of them.¡± ¡°This certificate was something I stumbled upon by chance. Its origin is unknown, but I can roughly infer its backstory¡­ In ancient times, wars were frequent. This certificate exudes a chilling and resentful energy, likely because a woman¡¯s fianc¨¦ died in battle before they could be married. The lingering grief and resentment condensed into this object.¡± Lin Jing fell silent. No wonder Liu Yu had called it ominous¡ªit truly was. With his powerful ocular abilities, Liu Yu must have sensed it. ¡°Mr. Cao¡­ what¡¯s the purpose of this marriage certificate?¡± Lin Jing asked. Mr. Cao looked up at the sky and replied, ¡°It doesn¡¯t have much use. I just tossed some useless ancient items from my storage bag here to help you all practice treasure-hunting techniques. If you don¡¯t like it, feel free to discard it.¡± ¡°However, if you insist on finding a use for it, the energy within this certificate is extremely cold and filled with resentment. For ordinary people, possessing it would bring misfortune and illness. But for cultivators, it can be used to temper one¡¯s resistance to such energy! In the future, if you encounter demonic cultivators from the Yin Corpse Sect or the Nether Hall, this could help you better handle their attacks.¡± Book 2: Chapter 30: The Flow of Time Vol 2 Chapter 30: The Flow of Time Lin Jing nodded. The chilling spiritual energy from the marriage certificate was indeed potent. Had he not reached the tenth stage of Qi Refinement and possessed an ice-attribute physique, merely touching the item would have caused him harm. He carefully stored the marriage certificate in his storage bag. While the item wasn¡¯t highly useful, it did contain spiritual energy. If he simply discarded it, this lesson would yield no gains at all. After storing the marriage certificate, Lin Jing turned to the Pine Leaf Mouse. Although it had talent, its treasure-hunting technique was still at a beginner¡¯s level. It had only located one of the three spiritually infused ancient treasures that Mr. Cao had placed in the area. The other two remained undiscovered. However, realizing that the highest-quality ancient treasure was merely an ominous marriage certificate, Lin Jing no longer held high expectations for the other two items. ¡°Mr. Cao, I recall you once said that anyone who achieves an extreme breakthrough in the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven would gain sixty years of access to an academy cave dwelling. Both the Pine Leaf Mouse and I broke through to extremes within the cavern. Does that mean we receive 120 years of access, or two cave dwellings for sixty years each?¡± Lin Jing asked, remembering a crucial matter as he addressed Mr. Cao. Hearing this, Mr. Cao chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re a sly one, always looking for a win-win. By logic, you and this squirrel spirit should be considered a single entity¡­¡± Lin Jing feigned a pained expression. ¡°Sir, my sect is in decline, and my family is impoverished¡­¡± ¡°The cave dwelling on the adjacent mountain peak is currently unoccupied. I¡¯ll grant you access to it as well,¡± Mr. Cao said with a wave of his hand. ¡°Use it wisely.¡± Lin Jing immediately bowed. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Cao.¡± In the blink of an eye, a few days passed. Whether the other two spiritually infused treasures had been found by others or the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s treasure-hunting skill failed to locate them, Lin Jing ended the course with the ancient marriage certificate as his sole harvest. Over these days, Lin Jing had also worked hard to cultivate the treasure-hunting technique. Unfortunately, his talent in this area was lacking. After several days of effort, he could only find three or five pieces of junk. The gap between him and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s innate ability was vast, leading Lin Jing to ultimately give up on mastering the technique. However, his greatest gain was undoubtedly the additional cave dwelling. After considering it, Lin Jing decided not to rent it out. Instead, he planned to transform it into a spiritual field, expanding its cultivation area to grow medicinal ingredients for pill refining and for the Pine Leaf Mouse to use. As for his current cave dwelling, he decided to remodel it into a pill refinement chamber, which he would share with the Flame Dragon Carp. By dividing their activities into separate spaces, they could avoid competing for spiritual energy, allowing for greater efficiency. ¡°The Hidden Dragon Arts have finally reached minor mastery¡­¡± Returning to his cave dwelling, Lin Jing glanced at the back of his hand, where a golden infant dragon had fully formed. This symbolized his ability to freely access all levels of the academy¡¯s Scripture Pavilion, enabling him to learn and explore much more knowledge. ¡°Next, I¡¯ll need to face the challenge of Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°However, I have plenty of time. Staying in the Qi Refinement stage for three or five more years won¡¯t affect me in the slightest.¡± ¡°A skyscraper is built from the ground up. I should use this time advantage to learn as much as possible and prepare for a more perfect Foundation Establishment.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s gaze was firm. He pushed aside his impatience and calmed his heart as much as possible. Excessive impatience was incompatible with his Longevity Body, which would be detrimental to his cultivation. Time flowed on. In the blink of an eye, three years passed. During these three years, Lin Jing remained reclusive. Besides continuing to sell Mechanical Bamboo Rifles to various cities in the Ancient Domain, he dedicated himself to refining pills and attending a few academy courses. Meanwhile, his peers had all advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage. Xu Zhizhi, Gao Sheng, Chen Lingxi, and Wang Xiao had all achieved breakthroughs, leaving Lin Jing as the only one still lingering in the Qi Refinement stage. Many were puzzled as to why this genius, who had also reached the tenth stage of Qi Refinement, had yet to advance. During this time, Wang Xiao repeatedly challenged Lin Jing, only to be turned away by the Flame Dragon Carp. Eventually, before Wang Xiao¡¯s own Foundation Establishment, he gave up on his attempts entirely. As for Gao Sheng, he invited Lin Jing to join him on some case investigations after noticing that even the Flame Dragon Carp was preparing for Foundation Establishment. Inside the cave dwelling, surrounded by Danxia mists and soaring dragon flames, the Flame Dragon Carp opened its eyes. From the Hundred Beast Cauldron, a fiery pine leaf floated out, followed by the carp spitting out a red pill. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It¡¯s finally a success,¡± Lin Jing murmured. Few people knew that over the past eight years, the Flame Dragon Carp had devoted much of its time to studying pill refinement. It even used its accumulated Hidden Dragon Fortune to simulate and improve pill refinement techniques while cultivating spiritual plants with the Pine Leaf Mouse. Although the carp and the mouse couldn¡¯t yet be called eighth-grade alchemists, they had reached a point where they could occasionally produce eighth-grade pills. However, this wasn¡¯t their smallest gain over the eight years. Their greatest achievement was the creation of entirely new pills by integrating the spiritual plants cultivated by the Pine Leaf Mouse, modifying and innovating pill recipes using fortune simulation and experimentation. Currently, Lin Jing held in his hand a Rising Dragon Pill, refined from dragon-attribute beast fire, Purple Dragonbone Flower, and Dragon Blood as its core ingredients. It was a third-grade pill. ¡°According to pharmacological calculations, this pill should be able to grant any demonic beast a high-purity dragon bloodline, transforming them into a Dragon-Blooded Demonic Beast! If the beast already has dragon blood, this pill can significantly enhance the quality of its bloodline. However, to verify its effects and ensure it¡¯s non-toxic, we¡¯ll need to test it on a white mouse first.¡± Lin Jing glanced at the exhausted Flame Dragon Carp. He couldn¡¯t possibly have it test the pill. The third-grade pill was extremely potent, and if something went wrong, the consequences could be dire. The current results of the Rising Dragon Pill were still based on theoretical calculations. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that even after synthesizing spiritual plants without the need for white mice, pills refined from these plants would still require testing on white mice,¡± Lin Jing muttered. He stepped out of his cave dwelling, having been cooped up for three months without sunlight to refine this single Rising Dragon Pill. Now that it was finally complete, he couldn¡¯t wait to verify its effects. ¡°Found it!¡± Lin Jing laughed after a short walk, catching sight of a small green caterpillar nibbling on a leaf. Thanks to prolonged exposure to spiritual energy, this little insect had even reached the first stage of Qi Refinement. ¡°You¡¯ll do. Old Master here will grant you a stroke of fortune,¡± he said, adopting an elder¡¯s tone. ¡°If you survive, I¡¯ll make you my official pill-testing assistant.¡± Grabbing the small caterpillar in one hand, Lin Jing stuffed the Rising Dragon Pill into its mouth despite the creature¡¯s terrified gaze. Worried it might struggle to digest the pill, Lin Jing also shoved a second, golden pill into its mouth. The second pill, crafted from golden spiritual rice, resolved the issue of losing rationality after consuming golden rice. Instead, it greatly enhanced digestion. Lin Jing had named it the Devouring Pill. ¡°Chirp¡ª!¡± After swallowing the Devouring Pill and Rising Dragon Pill, the caterpillar¡¯s eyes rolled back, and it nearly passed out. However, a miraculous transformation soon unfolded. ¡°Roar!!¡± The once-insignificant caterpillar began to emit an intense dragon¡¯s might. Dragon-shaped shadows swirled around its body as its cultivation skyrocketed: Qi Refinement Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4... it continued rising until it reached the ninth stage of Qi Refinement, where it finally stabilized. At the same time, its body glowed with brilliant white light. Under this radiance, the caterpillar¡¯s form expanded, its body sprouting green scales. Although it remained roughly the size of a human forearm and retained its caterpillar-like shape, its aura had become extraordinary, far surpassing other demonic beasts of the same level! ¡°Whew!!¡± The caterpillar, now with awakened intelligence, cast a panicked yet ferocious gaze at Lin Jing. Without hesitation, it opened its mouth and unleashed a blast of green dragon breath before turning to flee. Boom! The dragon breath struck Lin Jing directly. He didn¡¯t dodge and instead emerged from the smoke, his clothes slightly disheveled but his eyes burning with excitement. ¡°The power of this dragon breath... it¡¯s already stronger than a Spirit Bean Bomb,¡± Lin Jing said with a chuckle. ¡°And this was just a caterpillar mutation with no prior training. If a powerful demonic beast consumed the pill, the effects would likely be even greater, and their strength wouldn¡¯t fall short of the projections in the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven.¡± ¡°However¡­ it probably won¡¯t be effective for the Flame Dragon Carp. Its bloodline strength has already been enhanced too much through the Hidden Dragon Arts.¡± Still, that didn¡¯t matter. What truly excited Lin Jing was that the Rising Dragon Pill was the precursor to his envisioned Longevity Foundation Pill. The overlapping alchemy techniques involved meant that if he could refine the Rising Dragon Pill, he was likely on the verge of being able to refine his specialized Foundation Pill as well. Afterward, Lin Jing looked at his own hand. The golden fortune dragon on the back of his hand, a product of the Hidden Dragon Arts, hadn¡¯t revived. ¡°It¡¯s been eight years. It seems its revival has been forgotten.¡± He glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse, thinking aloud, ¡°In the Beast Taming Sect, they have similar concoctions for enhancing spirit plants into medicinal treasures. I wonder how the market for this would look.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s first test it within the academy,¡± he decided. ¡°I¡¯ll let the students see the strength of a Dragon-Blooded Carp cultivated through the Hidden Dragon Arts. Then, I¡¯ll promote the Rising Dragon Pill to them¡­¡± Book 2: Chapter 31: Three Years Vol 2 Chapter 31: Three Years The little green caterpillar scurried off, but Lin Jing paid it no mind¡ªit was heading straight toward the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cave dwelling. ¡°Let¡¯s find him first,¡± Lin Jing thought to himself as his body floated into the air, flying toward a nearby mountain peak. Before long, he landed in front of a cave dwelling and called out loudly, ¡°Brother Xu, are you home?¡± Boom. The stone door of the cave opened, and a young man in a scholar¡¯s robe stepped out, smiling. ¡°What a rare visitor! Brother Lin, it¡¯s been three years since you¡¯ve left your cave, hasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t missed a single lecture by Mr. Zhu, Mr. Ji, or Mr. L¨¹,¡± Lin Jing replied with a smile. After Mr. Cao¡¯s lecture three years ago, these three instructors had also each held their own classes: ¡°The Art of Feng Shui (City Planning Chapter)¡± taught the principles of designing the geographical layout of cities and sects to influence fortune and avoid disaster.¡°The Art of Astrology (Marriage Chapter)¡± involved calculating auspicious wedding dates based on celestial phenomena. A well-chosen date could even grant mortal couples a high probability of giving birth to children with exceptional cultivation potential.¡°The Art of Formations (Military Chapter)¡± emphasized the importance of low-level cultivators in city defenses. For instance, a city defense force of a hundred Qi Refinement Stage 9 cultivators, combined with a proper formation, could repel Monster Core-level demonic beasts. Sect-protecting formations followed a similar principle. Both Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse had diligently attended these classes. ¡°Brother Lin, you didn¡¯t come here just to catch up, did you?¡± Xu Zhizhi, who had already advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage, couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. He noticed that Lin Jing was still in the Qi Refinement stage, and like others, he was puzzled. With a perfect tenth-stage foundation, why hadn¡¯t Lin Jing broken through yet? Many speculated that Lin Jing was aiming to cultivate an exceptionally powerful acquired physique. Even with his solid foundation, success wasn¡¯t guaranteed, which could explain his hesitation. ¡°These past three years, I¡¯ve been cultivating a new companion beast¡ªa Dragon-Blooded Beast!¡± Lin Jing began. ¡°It has already reached the ninth stage of Qi Refinement but hasn¡¯t formed a contract yet. I¡¯d like to have it spar with the academy¡¯s geniuses. Brother Xu, I assume you have contact information for this year¡¯s candidates, correct? Could you notify them and see who¡¯s interested in a match?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Xu Zhizhi was stunned. He asked incredulously, ¡°You¡¯ve spent the past three years cultivating a new companion beast???¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°So you¡¯ve been raising a second companion beast¡­ but using the Hidden Dragon Arts for this? That¡¯s far too extravagant! I¡¯ve only ever used my Hidden Dragon Fortune to push the boundaries of my spell techniques,¡± Xu Zhizhi remarked, still in disbelief. ¡°Brother Xu, just help me pass the word. I¡¯ll make it worth your while,¡± Lin Jing said with a smile. ¡°And what would this reward be? I have no use for Spirit Bean Bombs anymore,¡± Xu Zhizhi said. Now that he had reached Foundation Establishment and had grown tired of experimenting with Mechanical Bamboo Rifles, his interest in such creations had waned. ¡°You¡¯ll find out when the time comes,¡± Lin Jing replied cryptically. He intended to prioritize selling his limited supply of Rising Dragon Pills to trusted acquaintances like Xu Zhizhi. Xu Zhizhi didn¡¯t disappoint. While Lin Jing hadn¡¯t mingled much with senior students over his eight years at the academy, Xu Zhizhi, possessing the Innate Administrative Physique, had personally evaluated and built connections with most of the current freshmen during their entrance assessments. For someone aspiring to govern, building a network of relationships within the academy was just as important as cultivating. Eight years ago, during the infamous case involving Gan Qian, these new students had already been exposed to the brilliance of Lin Jing. Nearly 40% of those Qi Refinement Stage 4 freshmen had now advanced to Foundation Establishment, but they hadn¡¯t forgotten Lin Jing¡¯s astounding achievements¡ªsuch as crafting Mechanical Bamboo Rifles or leaving the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven with unmatched mastery of the tenth stage of Qi Refinement. And now, to learn that Lin Jing had spent three years in seclusion to cultivate a new companion beast stirred their curiosity. ¡°Three years... He¡¯s had the patience to spend three whole years raising a new beast?¡± ¡°He used the potential of the Hidden Dragon Arts to cultivate a Dragon-Blooded Companion Beast? He¡¯s really willing to invest!¡± The students were intrigued. They decided to attend, eager to witness the strength of this companion beast. After all, no student in their cohort had ever used their Hidden Dragon Fortune to raise a beast or mount before. Hidden Dragon Fortune was so rare that most people couldn¡¯t get enough of it for themselves. They were curious¡ªjust how far could it push the potential of a companion beast? One month later, at the south gate of Hidden Dragon Academy, Lin Jing had already set up an arena, waiting for the students invited by Xu Zhizhi to arrive. On the stage, Lin Jing sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, resting quietly. In front of Lin Jing was a flopping red carp. ¡°A Dragon Carp?¡± ¡°His newly cultivated companion beast is actually a Dragon Carp?¡± The students who had gathered at the scene one after another froze in place when they saw the Qi Refinement Stage 9 Dragon Carp on the arena platform. A carp spirit... a Dragon Carp¡­ It was a creature that many cultivators were very familiar with. After all, the tale of the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate was a legendary story that most cultivators had grown up hearing. However, because they were so familiar with it, they also knew the truth: a carp spirit, before it transforms into a dragon, is far weaker in battle compared to most Dragon-Blooded Beasts. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All the students present had been to the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, where Qi Refinement Stage 9 Dragon-Blooded Beasts were anything but weak. There, you¡¯d encounter Flood Dragons, massive serpents, or giant crocodiles. Other than those, the Dragon-Blooded beasts often included fierce lions and tigers, all of which were incredibly powerful. Yet there had been no Dragon Carps in the cavern heaven, which was telling. It indicated that even celestial beings in the immortal palace didn¡¯t consider the Dragon Carp to be a combat-worthy Dragon-Blooded Beast. ¡°Maybe after it successfully transforms into a dragon, its strength would improve more dramatically than other Dragon-Blooded Beasts. But for now, its combat abilities shouldn¡¯t be too strong. Besides, this isn¡¯t even a water-attribute environment.¡± ¡°Wait, hold on. Something¡¯s not right¡ªwhy is this Dragon Carp fire-attribute?¡± someone suddenly exclaimed. Most of the cultivators present were already at the Foundation Establishment Stage and had developed their spiritual senses. Observing the Dragon Carp with spiritual senses, they discovered that its spiritual energy contained faint traces of firepower¡ªit was actually a fire-attribute beast. The crowd was filled with confusion, curiosity, and astonishment. As more people arrived, Lin Jing stood on the platform, wearing a white alchemist¡¯s robe. While a few, like Ziling¡¯er, another alchemist, noticed this detail, most of the audience had their attention fixed on the Dragon Carp, paying little heed to Lin Jing¡¯s outfit. ¡°What is he planning?¡± Ziling¡¯er, as an alchemist herself, couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Lin Jing was dressed in alchemist attire at this moment. ¡°Everyone,¡± Lin Jing began, scanning the crowd and spotting many familiar faces. ¡°This is a companion beast I cultivated using the Hidden Dragon Arts, my exclusive pills, and my unique methods: the Flame Dragon Carp. It has not yet formed a contract with me. However, I¡¯d like to test its capabilities first. Would any of the junior brothers present be willing to spar with it? Regardless of whether you¡¯re at the Qi Refinement Stage or the Foundation Establishment Stage, you are welcome to step forward.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Suddenly, Lin Jing turned to look at a silver-clad figure walking toward the platform from the distance. ¡°Is that Wang Xiao, possessor of the Heavenly God Physique?¡± Lin Jing asked with a smirk. ¡°Over the past three years, you¡¯ve challenged me multiple times, but I couldn¡¯t respond as I was in seclusion. Brother Wang, how about trying your luck now?¡± Book 2: Chapter 32: Dragon King Vol 2 Chapter 32: Dragon King A silver figure approached from the distance¡ªit was Wang Xiao. His expression was grim as he said, "You want me to fight this fish of yours? I¡¯ve already reached Foundation Establishment. Even if the two of you attack together, it¡¯d feel like bullying the weak. Did you spend three years in seclusion just to raise this fish?" As Wang Xiao''s words landed, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Wang Xiao was undoubtedly the most prominent of the new disciples. Since stepping into the Foundation Establishment stage, he had defeated many senior disciples at the late Foundation Establishment stage. His minor mastery of the Heavenly God Physique made him overwhelmingly powerful. Previously, there were debates about whether Wang Xiao or Lin Jing was stronger. However, after Wang Xiao advanced to Foundation Establishment and Lin Jing went into seclusion, the discussions stopped. Now, the crowd finally understood that Wang Xiao had repeatedly issued challenges, yet Lin Jing had ignored him under the pretense of being busy. Wang Xiao himself was furious. Ever since he lost to Lin Jing during their first encounter, he had trained relentlessly. After mastering various spells and techniques, he issued several challenges, only to be brushed off by Lin Jing. Eventually, due to a fortuitous opportunity, Wang Xiao was forced to break through to Foundation Establishment. ¡°Just suppress your cultivation to the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement and fight it. Problem solved,¡± Lin Jing said casually. The Heavenly God Physique user raised an eyebrow¡ªthis was indeed a feasible solution. Suppressing his cultivation to the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement to battle Lin Jing at the same level would also address his lingering regret. ¡°Fine. Then you and this Dragon Carp can come at me together.¡± Taking a few steps forward, Wang Xiao ascended into the air, landing on the arena. He sealed his spiritual sense and locked away the majority of his true essence within his Spirit Lake. Channeling his energy, he reconfigured his body to its peak Qi Refinement Tenth Stage state. The full aura of the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement erupted. Divine radiance enveloped Wang Xiao, and the crowd collectively took a deep breath. What they initially thought was merely a warm-up fight for Lin Jing''s new pet had escalated into a duel between Lin Jing and someone wielding the Heavenly God Physique. This promised to be a spectacle. Many disciples quickly sent messages to inform friends who weren¡¯t present at the scene. Amid the surging anticipation, Wang Xiao''s erupting true energy manifested a celestial phantom¡ªa shadow of a god. Its aura condensed into tangible silver light and shot directly at the Dragon Carp. ¡°The might of a god!¡± The beam of light shone like divine radiance descending upon the mortal realm. Dust and stones within the arena floated in its wake. Outside the stage, some of the spectators trembled uncontrollably merely from witnessing the divine light, their bodies paralyzed. ¡°Is this really just the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement?¡± Many had never faced Wang Xiao at this level before and were awestruck by the overwhelming dominance of the Heavenly God Physique. Resistance seemed impossible. At this moment, they finally understood why Yuan Jing, a Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator, had lost back then. The Heavenly God Physique¡ªit was invincible! ¡°This power cannot be withstood by anyone at Qi Refinement Nine or even the average Foundation Establishment cultivator. Lin Jing himself is only at the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement. Can he protect his beast from this power?¡± The spectators¡¯ gazes flickered. However, Lin Jing, the Beast Tamer, showed no intention of helping his pet. He merely smiled faintly and said, ¡°Stop testing it. Intimidation alone won¡¯t scare it.¡± ¡°Roar¡ª!¡± The Dragon Carp glanced at the divine light. It opened its mouth slightly, and a terrifying dragon roar erupted. Its bloodline boiled, and an equally potent aura of bloodline suppression spread throughout the arena. The dragon¡¯s roar was like the king of beasts¡¯ furious bellow, full of unparalleled dominance. The soundwave surged forward, shattering the divine light with a ¡ªand the roar continued unabated! Wang Xiao¡¯s expression shifted. He crossed his arms defensively and was blasted several meters backward, only stopping at the edge of the arena. ¡°Hm?¡± Seeing his Heavenly God Physique¡¯s might being suppressed, Wang Xiao looked confused. In the next instant, the Dragon Carp entered a battle-ready state. It floated into the air, fueled by its vast reservoir of demonic energy, glaring at Wang Xiao with savage intent. Suddenly, the Dragon Carp lunged forward, its massive tail sweeping toward Lin Jing. Lin Jing raised his Starry Blade to block the tail strike. The blade trembled violently as an intense wave of spiritual power rippled from the collision point, transforming into a gale that swept toward the onlookers. Lin Jing stared into the Dragon Carp¡¯s eyes, his expression darkening. In a split second, the Dragon Carp unleashed a burst of physical strength that even exceeded the power of the Heavenly God Physique. The sheer force sent Lin Jing flying toward the center of the arena. This scene left the spectators utterly stunned. Even with Wang Xiao suppressing his cultivation, he was still a Heavenly God Physique user. How could he be overpowered by a Dragon Carp at the Ninth Stage of Qi Refinement? Unless¡­ Finally, Wang Xiao realized something. ¡°Demonic King bloodline¡­ This creature possesses a royal bloodline!¡± His declaration ignited waves of shock among the crowd. ¡°This Dragon Carp¡­ possesses the bloodline of a Demonic King?!¡± The bloodline of a Demonic King refers to the inheritance of a Nascent Soul-level Demonic King. While a Demonic King can have countless offspring, only those who inherit the entirety of its bloodline power can be called bearers of the Demonic King bloodline. Producing such a descendant severely depletes the life force of the Demonic King itself, often rendering it infertile afterward. As a result, demonic beasts with the bloodline of a Demonic King are akin to human cultivators with rare special constitutions¡ªthey possess immense strength and, barring unexpected death, are highly likely to achieve the Nascent Soul stage. No one had anticipated that Lin Jing''s seemingly ordinary little carp would possess the bloodline of a Demonic King. Lin Jing, however, remained calm. The Dragon Carp¡¯s bloodline had undergone atavism, making it incredibly powerful. Additionally, with the enhancement of "Fortune Dragon" energy, its bloodline quality had been elevated to the king level, even before it reached Foundation Establishment, surpassing Lin Jing''s Pine Leaf Mouse in terms of potential. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What¡¯s more, unlike regular king-level bloodlines, the Dragon Carp is a dragon-blooded demonic beast, and the dragon race is the monarch of all demonic beasts. Its bloodline is unimaginably powerful. "Not bad. Take this!" Lin Jing said with a faint smile. Around the Dragon Carp, an infinite surge of erupted. Within the flames, dragon-shaped true energy swirled and coiled. As this supreme beast flame emerged, it instantly formed a , connecting heaven and earth. Layers upon layers of fiery waves rotated endlessly, trapping Wang Xiao within. His expression darkened even further. The manifestation of this furnace drew an astonished cry from Ziling¡¯er. ¡°Top-tier beast flames¡­ and a Heaven-Earth Furnace! This is a fire-controlling technique that only a third-grade alchemist could master!¡± Xu Zhizhi, Yuan Jing, Gao Kai, and others stared at Wang Xiao, who was trapped inside the blazing furnace. They were utterly dumbfounded. No one could have imagined that this Dragon Carp, which had not even leaped over the Dragon Gate yet, could be so ferocious! ¡°Heh¡­¡± Only a hidden observer, disguised as a pine cone, sneered coldly, ¡°A bunch of naive righteous cultivators. Faced with a demonic fish, they¡¯ve gone dumb with shock. To catch up in power to that Ice Gu, this carp has spent day and night refining itself like a pill using ghostfire and feasting on Longevity Blood Mosquitoes every single meal!¡± If anyone thought this Dragon Carp was just an ordinary young king-level beast, they would be gravely mistaken! The Heavenly God Physique was still as formidable as ever. After being trapped for a moment, Wang Xiao managed to slash through the furnace. However, his once radiant silver armor was now blackened. Although his body was unharmed, his dominance and oppressive aura remained intact as he stepped forward, glowing faintly in the dim light. ¡°Interesting. Over the past three years, you¡¯ve raised yet another monster¡­ Seems I underestimated you!¡± Wang Xiao laughed heartily. Instead of weakening, his power surged even further. Divine radiance shone brighter, and arcs of lightning crackled across his astral energy. Just as he was about to launch a counterattack¡ª Lin Jing interjected, ¡°You¡¯re wondering how I managed to raise such an exceptionally powerful Dragon Carp from something so ordinary? You¡¯re right¡ªit¡¯s not solely due to the . But when paired with this that I refined, the results are entirely different.¡± ¡°A demonic beast with a powerful bloodline, when combined with this pill, has the potential to reach the level of a Dragon King. With this pill, you could also find a demonic beast with a strong bloodline¡ªnot necessarily dragon-blooded¡ªand quickly raise a young Dragon King to serve as your mount!¡± As Lin Jing spoke, he extended his hand, revealing a crimson pill. Wang Xiao: ? ¡°I didn¡¯t even ask!¡± he barked, gripping his battle blade tightly. Book 2: Chapter 33: The Gifted Pill Vol 2 Chapter 33: The Gifted Pill "Who asked you?!" The moment Lin Jing brought out the pill, the new disciples immediately understood his true intentions for coming out of seclusion. It seemed that training his new pet was just an excuse¡ªhis real purpose was to introduce a new product and earn some fame! ¡°Didn¡¯t ask, huh?¡± Lin Jing blinked, retracting the pill with a smile. ¡°Looks like I misheard.¡± ¡°But, Fellow Daoist Wang, won¡¯t you buy one? You¡¯ve seen its power for yourself!¡± Wang Xiao let out a cold snort, raising his . A deafening thunderclap boomed as heavenly lightning descended, channeling through the blade and striking his Heavenly God Physique. His entire body radiated with lightning and wind energy, shrouded in violent currents. ¡°Wind Thunder Flash!¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s figure vanished in an instant. The Dragon Carp¡¯s eyes darted around nervously, and in the next moment, a loud cracking sound came as its scales shattered. Despite holding the advantage moments ago, the Dragon Carp was now smashed into the distance, leaving a deep trench across the arena. Wang Xiao stood in place, surrounded by swirling wind and thunder, his expression cold and stern. ¡°The Dragon Carp you raised is indeed stronger than an ordinary beast with king-level bloodlines, but that¡¯s all there is to it. Nothing more. Earlier, it was merely because I hadn¡¯t fully adjusted to suppressing my cultivation¡­¡± He spoke calmly, but before he could finish, his brow furrowed. To his surprise, the Dragon Carp, having just been struck down, leaped back up, lively and vigorous as if nothing had happened. ¡°Even the innate Heavenly God Physique at the Tenth Stage of Qi Refinement has to admit that a dragon-blooded beast raised with the surpasses ordinary Demonic King progeny!¡± Lin Jing remarked. ¡°I DID NOT SAY THAT!!!¡± Wang Xiao gritted his teeth, gripping his battle blade even tighter, utterly infuriated. He was clearly mocking the Dragon Carp, not praising it! Once again, Wang Xiao¡¯s figure disappeared. Though the Dragon Carp had managed to overpower him in ¡°aura¡± and ¡°strength¡± earlier, in terms of , Wang Xiao was on an entirely different level. The Dragon Carp spat out several fireballs toward Wang Xiao, but he easily dodged them all. In the blink of an eye, Wang Xiao reappeared behind the Dragon Carp, slamming it dozens of meters away once more. ¡°Now do you see?¡± Wang Xiao took deliberate steps toward the Dragon Carp. Just as he was about to continue speaking, Lin Jing cut in again. ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be fooled by the fact that the Dragon Carp is currently being suppressed. I suspect that this state of stimulating the body with heavenly lightning is something Fellow Daoist Wang can¡¯t maintain for long. Besides¡ª¡± ¡°SHUT UP.¡± Wang Xiao was beginning to regret accepting the challenge. Earlier, when the Dragon Carp had the upper hand, Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t stop rambling. Now that Wang Xiao had turned the tide, Lin Jing was still talking nonstop. Irritated, Wang Xiao decided to change tactics. Instead of targeting the Dragon Carp, he leaped forward, shattering the arena as he charged straight at Lin Jing! ¡°Break¡ª¡± But just as Wang Xiao focused entirely on Lin Jing, he failed to notice the astonishing transformation taking place on the Dragon Carp. The on its body began to compress wildly, its temperature skyrocketing. The flames turned violent, coalescing into the shape of a massive flaming dragon head, which shot toward Wang Xiao with a deafening roar. Wang Xiao, with his full attention on Lin Jing, let his guard down for just a moment. That moment was enough. The flaming dragon head slammed into his abdomen, caving it inward. His eyes rolled back slightly, saliva spurted from his mouth, and he was sent flying more than ten meters before managing to steady himself. Clutching his abdomen, his expression was grim. Lin Jing looked at him with an odd expression. ¡°Demonic beasts with dragon bloodlines possess incredibly strong physical bodies. Even an innate Heavenly God Physique attacking at full power can¡¯t suppress them quickly.¡± Despite its shattered scales and fresh wounds, the Dragon Carp still flailed about energetically. The most shocking part was its terrifying self-healing ability¡ªits injuries were closing at an exaggerated speed. ¡°Pfft.¡± Yao Ai coughed up a mouthful of blood. Meanwhile, Lin Jing, struck by Wang Xiao, was also sent flying, and for a moment, the scene fell into silence. That last exchange had caused immense destruction, far surpassing the Dragon Carp¡¯s earlier attacks, and had clearly dealt a significant blow to Wang Xiao. The impact was enough to break Wang Xiao¡¯s self-imposed suppression. He coughed up another mouthful of blood as his cultivation returned to the Foundation Establishment stage, stabilizing him. ¡°Flame compression... that¡¯s yet another fire-controlling technique only a third-grade alchemist could master!¡± To the untrained eye, it was a spectacle, but to someone knowledgeable like Ziling¡¯er, the truth was far more impressive. She pondered aloud, ¡°Typically, demonic beasts are crude when it comes to controlling spiritual energy. They rely entirely on their bloodline strength, and their techniques are wild and unrefined. How is this Dragon Carp so different?¡± Ziling¡¯er wasn¡¯t aware of this, but the Dragon Carp had no choice in the matter. Normally, reasonable people know that demonic beasts are naturally bad at controlling power, so they simply avoid pushing them too hard, playing to their strengths instead to save time. But Lin Jing? He didn¡¯t follow normal conventions. He forced the Dragon Carp to practice alchemy with him. Is fire control progressing too slowly? No problem. With their long lifespan, they could afford to train patiently over time. Gradually, as the Dragon Carp kept practicing, it realized it wasn¡¯t as difficult as it first seemed. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°¡± Wang Xiao glanced at the arena, then extended his hand to recall his weapon. His anger burned furiously as he realized that Lin Jing had disrupted his focus. He was too eager to defeat Lin Jing, which had caused him to make repeated mistakes. Just as Wang Xiao was preparing to suppress his cultivation once more and continue the fight, Lin Jing shook his head, signaling that it was time to wrap things up. ¡°Fellow Daoist Wang, this is a . It can grant ordinary demonic beasts a powerful dragon bloodline. I raised my dragon-blooded pet using this pill and the Hidden Dragon Arts. Let¡¯s call this match a draw, and thank you for your guidance. Please accept this pill as a token of my gratitude.¡± Lin Jing casually tossed a pill to Wang Xiao. ¡°What kind of joke is this?!¡± Wang Xiao caught the pill, clearly unwilling to let the fight end here. However, as he thought about the battle, a realization dawned on him: he had yet to face Lin Jing directly. If a mere Dragon Carp had already pushed him to such extremes, how difficult would it be if Lin Jing himself joined the fight? His expression darkened. This Dragon-blooded Carp¡­ why was it so strange? He had fought juvenile Demonic Kings before, yet none had been as troublesome as this carp. Wang Xiao glanced at the Dragon Carp, whose expression oscillated between ferocity and blankness, then let out a deep breath. Clenching the pill in his hand, he turned and left, knowing that continuing the fight would only make things worse for himself. What Wang Xiao didn¡¯t realize was that while he believed he could defeat the Dragon Carp, the beast had only used the surface level of its strength. Its more sinister abilities, such as and other demonic techniques, had yet to come into play. After Wang Xiao left, Lin Jing understood that his goal had been achieved. The story of Lin Jing from the Beast Taming Sect raising a dragon-blooded demonic beast using the Hidden Dragon Arts and a special pill to fight the Heavenly God Physique to a draw would undoubtedly spread like wildfire. With a slight smile, Lin Jing turned to face the silent crowd of geniuses below the arena. ¡°Are there any other Fellow Daoists who would like to exchange pointers?¡± ¡°If, like Fellow Daoist Wang, you suppress your cultivation to the same level and either draw with or defeat my pet, you¡¯ll receive a as a reward.¡± The crowd remained silent. A draw? Competing against a carp that could stand on equal ground with the Heavenly God Physique at the same level? Who here could claim they had the ability to fight it evenly? Suddenly, someone in the audience broke the silence. ¡°This of yours¡ªwhat¡¯s the price? If I bought a few, could I really raise a dragon pet as powerful as your carp?¡± Book 2: Chapter 34: The Dragon Group of the Academy Vol 2 Chapter 34: The Dragon Group of the Academy The one who suddenly spoke up was none other than the curious Gao Sheng. "I may not practice the techniques of the Beast Taming Sect and cannot sign a bloodline contract with a dragon pet, but the methods of beast taming are not limited to bloodline contracts. Just imagine how exciting it would be to own a dragon pet capable of rivaling a Heavenly God Physique!" In the crowd, Xu Zhizhi looked toward Gao Sheng. Could this guy be a plant Lin Jing hired? To be honest, he even suspected that Wang Xiao had been bribed. Until now, he still couldn''t fully accept what he was seeing. He glanced at the dumb-looking Dragon Carp on the stage. How could this Dragon Carp possibly rival the Heavenly God Physique? If this had been a battle between cultivators of the same level, wouldn''t this fish have instantly defeated him? Could it really achieve such a feat just with the Hidden Dragon Arts and this single pill? Lin Jing looked at Gao Sheng and smiled. "As long as it¡¯s trained properly, even if it doesn¡¯t compare to my Dragon Carp, it would still be extremely powerful. As for the price¡­" Achieving the same level as the Flame Dragon Carp was impossible. After all, no one else had Longevity Blood to feed their pet beasts. However, Lin Jing had tested the product many times and only dared to sell it after gaining full confidence. "We¡¯re all classmates here. If anyone wants to train a dragon pet, I definitely won¡¯t hold back on guidance." "The price will be set at the average cost of a third-grade pill!" "Moreover, I plan to establish a student organization where interested peers can explore the methods of training dragon pets together. Anyone who purchases a Rising Dragon Pill can join this organization. I, Lin Jing, will personally guide you on how to nurture a dragon pet throughout the process. What do you think? Quite a good deal, isn¡¯t it?" A ?! The crowd was stunned. Xu Zhizhi took a deep breath. He realized Lin Jing''s ambitions were far from simple. In this academy, student organizations were essentially factions of the Ancient Kingdom. Typically, only the most talented from prominent families could establish such organizations. Talented individuals from smaller forces who joined them would essentially be pledging allegiance to these factions, making it easier to navigate the cultivation world in the future. Lin Jing, a freshman from a third-rate sect, actually dared to entertain the idea of founding a student organization! Who would possibly want to follow him?! "Are you serious? I¡¯m joining!" someone exclaimed the next moment¡ªit was Gao Sheng again. "What the h***?! Someone¡¯s actually joining?!" Xu Zhizhi was dumbfounded. Gao Sheng, a descendant of a Nascent Soul cultivator, was ignoring the elite offspring of prominent families and instead choosing to associate with Lin Jing. What was he thinking?! "Student organization? What¡¯s it called?" Gao Sheng asked, genuinely interested. He happened to own a Foundation Establishment Dragon Horse, but it lacked a royal bloodline. Even with his status, his family wasn¡¯t willing to provide him with a royal beast cub as a mount, let alone a dragon-blooded royal beast cub. The allure of Lin Jing''s Dragon Carp was undeniable. Just imagining his Dragon Horse being able to rival cultivators with Heavenly God Physiques was enough to make him salivate. He¡¯d come to the academy under family pressure and had no interest in broadening his network. Pursuing what interested him was far more appealing. "Dragon Palace," Lin Jing replied. "The organization I plan to establish will be called Dragon Palace." "Besides Brother Gao, are there any other classmates interested?" As Lin Jing¡¯s words fell, the crowd erupted into discussion. Many freshmen looked at him with intrigue, unsure of what he was up to. "Dragon Palace? Could you sell me a Rising Dragon Pill now? I want to try it out first," a voice said. It was Ziling¡¯er, the seventh-ranked Dragon Carp cultivator of the Pill Cauldron Sect. She was clearly intrigued by the Rising Dragon Pill. "Not yet," Yuan Jing remarked as he eyed the dragon pet. Although his ideal companion was a "Sword Spirit," he couldn¡¯t deny being tempted by a young dragon capable of rivaling a Heavenly God Physique. "What about you, Brother Xu?" Lin Jing smiled at Xu Zhizhi, seeing that some of his former companions from their time in the Cavern Heaven were already showing interest. Xu Zhizhi, however, hesitated. On one hand, he was indeed envious of dragon pets. Everyone had seen the battle earlier. On the other hand, he felt that following Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t help him build connections useful for his future in the cultivation world. He was still deliberating between joining student organizations established by scions of noble families. "Count me in! But make sure to give me a discount on the pill!" Xu Zhizhi exclaimed, his eyes red with frustration. The Kirin scion from the Wang family in the capital had already been overshadowed by Lin Jing¡ªwhat was the point of currying favor with noble descendants anymore?! He only hoped Lin Jing wasn¡¯t just a flash-in-the-pan genius. Whether this decision was right or wrong, he didn¡¯t know, but he gave up the chance to cling to a noble family¡¯s coattails and boarded Lin Jing¡¯s . The battle between the Dragon Carp and Wang Xiao had already achieved its promotional goal. Now, every freshman present wanted to witness the Rising Dragon Pill¡¯s effects firsthand. "I¡¯m short on Spirit Stones. Can I trade this pill for a Rising Dragon Pill instead?" Ziling¡¯er tossed a vial toward Lin Jing. "This is a third-grade pill¡ªthe Titan Pill. It allows lower-level cultivators to simulate a ''Nascent Soul Avatar'' once and experience the power of the Nascent Soul. Among third-grade pills, it¡¯s one of the most valuable." "Naturally," Lin Jing said, accepting the Titan Pill. Third-grade pills were typically used by Golden Core cultivators, and the Titan Pill was quite valuable. In truth, the cost of a Rising Dragon Pill wasn¡¯t particularly high among third-grade pills. The only expensive component was the dragon blood from a Monster Core-stage dragon-blooded beast. The other ingredients were all synthesized by Pine Leaf Mice. Once the Dragon Carp reached the Monster Core stage, Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t even need to purchase dragon blood anymore. Lin Jing handed a Rising Dragon Pill to Ziling¡¯er. "Fairy Zi, do you have a pet beast?" he asked. "I have a Foundation Establishment pill beast I use for testing pills. It¡¯s currently at my cave abode," Ziling¡¯er replied. "Fellow Daoists, you¡¯re welcome to come with me." With that, she eagerly took the Rising Dragon Pill, condensed her True Essence, and flew toward a nearby mountain. The crowd immediately followed her. Before long, everyone arrived at Ziling¡¯er¡¯s academy cave abode. She performed a hand seal, and the stone door to her cave opened. A white Foundation Establishment rabbit demon slowly emerged. "Master, what¡¯s the matter¡­ so many people. I¡¯m scared," the rabbit demon said in a soft, trembling voice, gazing nervously at the dozens of cultivators. "I have a pill here. Give it a try," Ziling¡¯er said, tossing the Rising Dragon Pill to the rabbit demon. "That¡¯s¡­ a pill rabbit!" someone exclaimed, recognizing the rabbit demon¡¯s species. It was a unique type of beast with a bloodline that could mitigate the toxicity of various pills. Pill Rabbits were specially bred by the Pill Cauldron Sect. Their combat abilities were weak, but they were ideal companions for alchemists. "Fairy Zi, while a Pill Rabbit is a perfect test subject for pills, its bloodline strength is low. It might not fully display the Rising Dragon Pill¡¯s effects," Lin Jing remarked. "The stronger the bloodline before consuming the pill, the purer the transformation into dragon blood." "It doesn¡¯t matter," Ziling¡¯er replied. Under her gaze, the Pill Rabbit consumed the Rising Dragon Pill. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its heartbeat grew incredibly loud. The red in its eyes began to cloud, and a terrifying dragon aura began to emanate from its body, causing even the Foundation Establishment geniuses around it to feel a faint sense of fear. Dragon aura was far more overwhelming than the pressure of a cultivator of the same level! With a hum, spiritual energy surged as the Pill Rabbit broke through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Its body underwent a dramatic transformation: its fur shed, its frame expanded significantly, and its forelimbs became unusually thick and muscular, resembling coiled vines wrapped around its bones. Its hind legs were even more astonishing, with muscles bulging like mountains. The muscles on its back and waist were tightly knit and fluid, outlining a majestic dragon-like shape. When it shifted slightly, the movement of its back muscles resembled the undulations of a divine dragon. Even its abdomen, though covered by short fur, displayed eight distinct abdominal muscles. Its long ears transformed into a pair of crimson dragon horns. Seeing this, Ziling¡¯er took a deep breath and said, "Attack me to test your strength." In the next instant, the Dragon Rabbit lunged at Ziling¡¯er, kicking her with immense force. Her protective True Essence shattered, and she was sent flying into the mountain, spitting blood. The crowd was dumbfounded. Was this the same timid Pill Rabbit from before? And why did that kick feel like it carried some pent-up resentment, rather than merely testing its strength? Book 2: Chapter 35: Myriad Beast Circle Vol 2 Chapter 35: Myriad Beast Circle ¡°You wretched thing!!!¡± Ziling¡¯er flew out of the mountain crevice, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, glaring angrily at the Dan Rabbit. ¡°I asked you to attack me to test your strength, not to kill me!¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Master, I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± The muscular rabbit hid behind a rock, looking innocent and scared of Ziling¡¯er¡¯s retaliation. Ziling¡¯er was furious. She quickly descended in front of her cave and scolded the Dan Rabbit, ¡°Go inside and reflect on your actions! Don¡¯t come out unless I allow it!¡± The Dan Rabbit pouted and hopped straight into the cave. The others watched Ziling¡¯er¡¯s disheveled appearance, suppressing their laughter but unable to hide their amusement. It seemed this Dan Rabbit wasn¡¯t all that submissive toward Ziling¡¯er. The genius Violet Flame Alchemist turned to Lin Jing and said, ¡°This Rising Dragon Pill can indeed change bloodlines¡ªit¡¯s already transformed into a Dragon-Blooded Spirit Beast¡­ But Dan Rabbits are usually gentle and obedient. What¡¯s going on here?¡± Lin Jing chuckled and explained, ¡°Dan Rabbits are indeed very docile, but now it has become a Dragon-Blooded Dan Rabbit. Dragons are inherently proud and self-assured. Considering how you¡¯ve likely pushed it hard during your experiments, it¡¯s not surprising that now, with its newfound strength, it wants to let off some steam.¡± ¡°I can see that this Dan Rabbit is still quite loyal to you, Miss Ziling. If you treat it better in the future, it¡¯ll naturally become even more obedient.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll join the Dragon Palace,¡± Ziling¡¯er finally said with a pout. She was clearly captivated by the effects of the Rising Dragon Pill¡ªor perhaps by the Beast Taming profession itself. Whenever a cultivation technique or profession demonstrated immense power, it inevitably garnered admiration. It was human nature. History had no shortage of examples where powerful cultivators ignited new cultivation trends. As an alchemist, Ziling¡¯er¡¯s own combat strength was relatively weak. Having a strong pet beast wouldn¡¯t be such a bad thing. ¡°I recall that the Dan Pill Manual from the Dan Ding Sect mentions a type of pill that can make demonic beasts docile and tame, even purifying their wild nature,¡± Ziling¡¯er mused to herself, deciding to leverage her alchemy skills to better control the Dragon-Blooded Dan Rabbit. As for how the Dragon Palace handled pet beasts, Lin Jing didn¡¯t care. These geniuses weren¡¯t disciples of the Beast Taming Sect, so he didn¡¯t plan to impose his sect¡¯s rules on them. ¡°Welcome aboard,¡± Lin Jing said, clapping his hands. ¡°Miss Ziling, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be glad you made this choice.¡± Ziling¡¯er gave Lin Jing a curious look, still puzzled about the origin of the Rising Dragon Pill. Was it his creation? That didn¡¯t seem likely. Was it a secret formula from the Beast Taming Sect? Even if it was, the fact that Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp could refine it was absurd. Refining a third-tier pill at the Qi Refinement Stage was already challenging. If she, a prodigy of the Dan Ding Sect, could do it, it would be expected. But Lin Jing? He wasn¡¯t just a Beast Tamer; he was also proficient in Mechanized Arts alchemy?! ¡°The effects are indeed remarkable,¡± Ziling¡¯er admitted, finally recognizing the Rising Dragon Pill. Hearing this, Yuan Jing felt reassured. ¡°Although raising a Dragon Beast is costly, it¡¯s a worthwhile investment for the future,¡± Yuan Jing thought to himself. In the Heavenly Sword Gate, there were two ways to cultivate a Sword Spirit. The first was for exceptionally talented swordsmen to nurture their swords with their hearts, allowing the sword to develop its own spirit¡ªa rarity. The second method was to seal a beast¡¯s soul within the sword and use a special secret art to transform it into a Sword Spirit. However, this method was also fraught with challenges. If a genius sword cultivator were to raise a pet beast, their ultimate goal would undoubtedly be to merge the beast entirely with their sword. ¡°I¡¯ll join as well,¡± Yuan Jing said, deciding that using a Dragon Beast as his Sword Spirit would not disappoint. ¡°You¡¯re joining too? Good. Take some time to gather Spirit Stones and go buy a demonic beast!¡± At this point, many of the new students began to waver. Most of them came from well-off backgrounds and could afford third-tier pills. ¡°Once you¡¯re ready, come find me at my cave,¡± Lin Jing said with a welcoming smile, not turning anyone away. He was genuinely curious to see how the academy would evolve if he slowly turned it into a ¡°Beast Taming Sect.¡± Soon, whether they planned to join the ¡°Dragon Palace¡± or not, all the new students dispersed¡ªexcept for Gao Sheng and Xu Zhizhi. ¡­ When Lin Jing returned to his cave, Gao Sheng and Xu Zhizhi were still tailing him closely. Gao Sheng grinned and asked, ¡°How many Rising Dragon Pills do you have left? If my Dragon Horse takes one, what effect will it have? Could it possibly achieve a King-Tier Bloodline?¡± Lin Jing rolled his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re dreaming. While the Rising Dragon Pill can enhance dragon blood purity, achieving King-Tier Bloodline isn¡¯t that easy. Your Dragon Horse¡¯s bloodline isn¡¯t bad. If it consumes multiple Rising Dragon Pills and you invest a significant amount of Hidden Dragon Fortune to cultivate it, then it might be possible.¡± ¡°I can buy the Rising Dragon Pills, but Hidden Fortune is hard to come by¡­¡± Gao Sheng sighed bitterly. ¡°Ahem, Brother Gao, I¡¯ve got a few plans to make a name for myself, but I¡¯m short on startup funds. Would you be interested in investing?¡± Xu Zhizhi said ingratiatingly after cursing ¡°rich bastards¡± under his breath. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Gao Sheng replied. ¡°You two can discuss this later,¡± Lin Jing interrupted, tossing two Rising Dragon Pills to them. ¡°Consider these a gift. However, refining the Rising Dragon Pills isn¡¯t easy, and the cost is high. If you want more, you¡¯ll have to trade for something of equal value like Ziling¡¯er.¡± The Dragon Blood used to refine the pills came from Lin Jing¡¯s own pocket, purchased from the Lotus Pavilion. ¡°Brother Xu, help me spread the word about today¡¯s events. Consider this pill a thank-you gift.¡± ¡°Of course!!!¡± Xu Zhizhi¡¯s eyes lit up as he accepted the pill. ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ll make sure everyone in the Ancient Domain knows that even a Heavenly God Physique is no match for your Dragon Pets. I¡¯ll ensure the entire Ancient Domain becomes curious about your Rising Dragon Pills!¡± He pocketed the pill, already planning to buy a Lynx Demon for cultivation. The fur of Lynx Demons was essential for making brushes, and Xu Zhizhi was curious about the effects of using Dragon-Blooded Lynx fur for creating brushes. How much would it enhance literary techniques? ¡°I won¡¯t take advantage of you either,¡± Gao Sheng said, taking out a circular artifact and handing it to Lin Jing. ¡°This is the Myriad Beast Circle, a treasure refined by the Myriad Beast Sect in Qingzhou. It¡¯s similar to the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s artifacts and can also store living creatures and capture demonic beasts. However, any beast subdued by the Myriad Beast Circle will have its intelligence erased, turning it into a puppet that only follows orders.¡± Beyond the Ancient Kingdom, in Qingzhou, there was the Myriad Beast Sect¡ªa faction similar to the early Beast Taming Sect. But unlike the Beast Taming Sect, the Myriad Beast Sect had always enslaved demonic beasts. They erased the intelligence of the beasts they captured instead of nurturing them. Once a beast died in battle, they simply replaced it with another, endlessly cycling through them. The sect earned its name from this approach. If the Beast Taming Sect disciples cultivated elite pet beasts, then the Myriad Beast Sect cultivators employed a swarm strategy¡ªsubjugating vast numbers of low-level demonic beasts, erasing their intelligence, and unleashing beast tides to overwhelm enemies. Book 2: Chapter 36: Longevity Foundation Pill Vol 2 Chapter 36: Longevity Foundation Pill When Xu Zhizhi saw the Myriad Beast Circle, his eyes lit up again. Gao Sheng truly seemed to be a walking treasure trove! Honestly, Xu Zhizhi had been conflicted about how to handle a dragon beast if he raised one. Without practicing the techniques of the Beast Taming Sect, they couldn¡¯t form bloodline contracts with their pets. It would be difficult to ensure their obedience. Xu Zhizhi didn¡¯t want a scenario where he raised a pet only for it to disobey him. But with a treasure like this, all those concerns would vanish. He could directly erase the beast''s consciousness and subdue it with the Myriad Beast Circle. "Brother Gao, did you buy this treasure?" Xu Zhizhi asked. Gao Sheng nodded. "It¡¯s available at the Lotus Pavilion, but the stock is extremely limited. Even for the Lotus Pavilion, trading with Qingzhou is no easy task. The journey is far, and there are plenty of demon kings and bandits along the way who intercept shipments." Lin Jing, holding the Myriad Beast Circle, could feel its overwhelming weight. "This item is too precious¡­" This was a Golden Core-grade magical artifact, far more valuable than a third-grade pill. "It¡¯s all the same. Just prioritize giving me your newly refined Rising Dragon Pills, and we¡¯re even," Gao Sheng said casually. Lin Jing fell silent. Its value wasn¡¯t the main issue. Accepting it would be like regressing to outdated methods of the past. Erasing the intelligence of demonic beasts for control had been banned after the Beast Taming Sect abolished such techniques. "Don¡¯t worry, Brother Lin," Gao Sheng said, seemingly reading Lin Jing''s hesitation. "On the path of cultivation, you¡¯re bound to encounter some ignorant demonic beasts. This Myriad Beast Circle will be perfect for dealing with them!" "I actually bought this intending to use it during this year¡¯s Academy Autumn Hunt. But thinking it through, a treasure like this would just be wasted if kept idle. It¡¯s better to put it to use with the Pine Leaf Mouse instead." Lin Jing sighed. "Thanks a lot." Even though the rules of the Beast Taming Sect forbade the use of such methods, Gao Sheng''s reasoning wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. "Indeed, the Autumn Hunt is almost upon us," Xu Zhizhi interjected. "It¡¯ll be a good opportunity to enter the hunting grounds and see if there are any rare and extraordinary beasts to subdue." "Is Zou Qi going to participate?" "The Autumn Hunt? Let¡¯s see," Gao Sheng replied indifferently. The Academy¡¯s Autumn Hunt occurred once every seven years. It was organized by the academy, which would send its students into a specific area to hunt demonic beasts. It was also a chance for students to make a name for themselves. The process of hunting ferocious beasts was inherently a process of gaining fame. In essence, the Autumn Hunt wasn¡¯t much different from the trial set up by Master Cao back then. Or rather, the treasure-hunting trial designed by Master Cao was a simulation of the Academy¡¯s Autumn Hunt. The hunting grounds for the Autumn Hunt wouldn¡¯t just include ferocious beasts and savage animals. The academy would also release rare spiritual beasts from the Ancient Kingdom for the students to compete over. Beasts from the Snow Plains, the Cloud Sea Mountains, Qingzhou, the deep seas, and the Desert Wastelands would all be present. These rare spiritual beasts were exceptional, whether used as mounts, alchemy and artifact-refining materials, or for cultivation. Even for Golden Core cultivators, these beasts were walking treasures. "It¡¯ll definitely be worth a visit. After all, with the academy¡¯s supervisors overseeing things, there won¡¯t be any danger," Gao Sheng commented. "That¡¯s true. But is the Pine Leaf Mouse really going to participate at its Qi Refinement stage?" Zou Qi asked. "The Autumn Hunt is only a few months away. It should at least break through to the Foundation Establishment stage first, right?" "Even if it¡¯s strong enough to fight above its level and challenge Foundation Establishment cultivators, the participants won¡¯t just be new students at the early Foundation Establishment stage. There will be mid- and late-Foundation Establishment cultivators, as well as senior students at the peak of Foundation Establishment." "It¡¯s going to be difficult to snatch treasures from us," Zou Qi remarked with a smile. Lin Jing shook his head. "You really want to compete with us¡­?" Not long after, the three went their separate ways. Lin Jing returned to his cave abode and took out a pill recipe. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Longevity Foundation Pill! It was based on the following pill recipes: the Foundation Establishment Pill, the Treant Pill, the Beast Blood Pill, and the Longevity Pill. "Foundation Establishment, huh? I¡¯m still not entirely confident¡­" "For now, I¡¯ve only prepared a Foundation Establishment recipe for the Pine Leaf Mouse." "I¡¯ll wait until the success rate for refining Rising Dragon Pills exceeds sixty percent before attempting to refine the Longevity Foundation Pill." "Besides, I¡¯m still missing a critical ingredient for refining the Longevity Foundation Pill¡­" Deep in thought, Lin Jing carefully stored the pill recipe, exited his cave, and left the academy. Soon after, he called out to Senior Pine. "Senior Pine, are you there?" "It¡¯s been three years, and you finally remember this old man." The transformed Pine Spirit appeared as a pine cone, gazing at Lin Jing. "Senior, this is the Foundation Establishment pill recipe I¡¯ve been developing over the past three years, using the fortune of the Hidden Dragon Arts to improve my alchemy skills. What do you think?" Lin Jing handed the Longevity Foundation Pill recipe to Senior Pine. "Hmm?" Senior Pine¡¯s attention was caught when he noticed the inclusion of the Treant Pill. "The academy actually has such a pill recipe in its collection?!" The Treant Pill was a recipe that added plant-based organs to the body. The original creator had intended it as a way to cultivate a wood-based physique but failed, resulting in the Treant Pill. Its side effects transformed arms into tree branches. Despite the failure, acquiring a Treant Physique provided enhanced abilities to manipulate plants. Later attempts saw transformations like hair turning into straw and the heart becoming a fruit¡­ "Indeed, the Treant Pill can be used not only by humans but also by wood-attribute demonic beasts. Through fortune-based calculations, it has the highest compatibility with the Foundation Establishment Pill," Lin Jing explained. Senior Pine pondered aloud. "Longevity Foundation Pill¡­ With this pill, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could gain plant-based organs and an unparalleled lifespan¡­" Lin Jing nodded. "The lifespan of plants far exceeds that of humans or beasts. Even ordinary trees in the mortal world can easily live for a thousand years." "Thus, through calculations, the Treant Pill has a very high compatibility with longevity-related attributes." "The key lies in the compatibility between the Foundation Establishment cultivator and a specific plant! The Pine Leaf Mouse has its natal Crimson Leaf, but that leaf is ultimately an external object. If it could merge perfectly with the mouse¡¯s body and evolve alongside it, the results would be extraordinary!" Senior Pine¡¯s gaze burned as he studied the recipe, though he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was amiss. After reading it several times, Senior Pine commented, "Something¡¯s wrong. This Longevity Foundation Pill involves integrating into the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body!" "The Crimson Leaf is just one of them!" "What¡¯s the other?" Lin Jing fell into deep thought. "The Crimson Leaf is a rootless plant. It will need something to provide nutrients¡ªa root¡ªto complete the cycle for the Longevity Foundation Pill." "My initial idea was to use the Bloodsucking Vine, which could link to Longevity Blood." "But the quality of the Bloodsucking Vine is too low and isn¡¯t the ideal choice." ¡­ "Now that I think of it, back in the Great Wasteland, you consumed demonic beast blood. This suggests that, Senior, you possess the ability to convert blood into nutrients." "Moreover, you and the Pine Leaf Mouse both practice the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, meaning your physique is highly compatible with the Pine Leaf Mouse." The Pine Spirit erupted in anger. "You little brat! Are you scheming to use me for your pill refining?!" "Are you planning to ?! Even demonic cultivators must respect their elders!" "Disciple¡­ I just need a single pine cone¡­" Book 2: Chapter 37: Killing Vol 2 Chapter 37: Killing "Disciple... I just need one pine cone..." "A pine cone?!" "You dare ask for a pine cone just to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill? What¡¯s next? When you refine a Nascent Soul Pill, will you ask for my tree heart?" Although pine cones were something it had in abundance, Senior Pine was outraged by Lin Jing¡¯s audacity in targeting its body. "Unbelievable! I haven¡¯t even asked for your Longevity Blood, yet you¡¯re already scheming for my fruits!" "Senior..." "Heh." Senior Pine chuckled coldly. "Getting a pine cone isn¡¯t impossible. You just need to do one thing." "Oh? Please tell me, Senior!" Lin Jing''s eyes brightened. As long as there was room for negotiation, everything else could be worked out! "You¡¯ve cultivated all this time, but you¡¯ve never killed anyone." "You''re still at the Qi Refinement stage, yet you¡¯ve been in closed-door cultivation for three years. And what¡¯s worse, your cultivation hasn¡¯t improved one bit! I can¡¯t even imagine how long you¡¯ll isolate yourself when you reach the Foundation Establishment stage!" "I foresee that the next hundred years will pass in the blink of an eye. Before I leave, I need to ensure you can stand on your own. Only then will I feel at ease and consider myself worthy of repaying the Second Sect Master¡¯s life-saving grace. So¡­ I want you to kill and temper yourself!" "Killing your own kind is entirely different from hunting demonic beasts. You must kill at least with your own hands, and then I will grant you a pine cone to assist in your Foundation Establishment!" Senior Pine¡¯s demand left Lin Jing in stunned silence. Kill one hundred people¡­ "Oh, and it has to be cultivators! You must kill them with your own hands; you can¡¯t let your pet beasts do the job," Senior Pine added. "Killing people¡­" The conditions for obtaining the pine cone made Lin Jing''s head spin. In all his previous encounters, no matter what kind of duel or conflict, Lin Jing had never harbored killing intent toward other humans. Even when facing foreign Snow Plains cultivators, he merely incapacitated them, leaving Xu Zhizhi to deliver the final blow. Now, Senior Pine wanted him to personally kill one hundred people. This made Lin Jing feel conflicted. Yet, he couldn¡¯t deny his strong desire for the pine cone. "The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Mission Hall often has tasks to eliminate mountain bandits. If they¡¯re the type to plunder and murder, or if they¡¯re demonic cultivators like those from the Yin Corpse Sect who engage in human trafficking, killing them shouldn¡¯t weigh on my conscience." "But the Ancient Domain is said to be the most well-governed of the Nine Domains of the Ancient Kingdom. Under the shadow of the imperial capital, where would I even find mountain bandits or demonic cultivators to eliminate?" "Unless I take up Gao Sheng¡¯s suggestion and join a cross-domain task force to eradicate a demonic cultivator base?" Lin Jing murmured to himself as he wandered through the academy. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and his eyes lit up. Lin Jing rose into the air using his spiritual energy and flew to Gao Sheng¡¯s cave abode. When he arrived, he saw Gao Sheng feeding a Rising Dragon Pill to a Dragon Horse. "Eat it! Come on, eat!" Gao Sheng coaxed as he struggled to get the reluctant Dragon Horse to consume the pill. "Huh?" Gao Sheng noticed Lin Jing¡¯s sudden arrival. He quickly tidied his clothes, wiped the drool off his hands, and greeted him enthusiastically, "Brother Lin? What brings you here? We just parted ways, and now you¡¯ve come chasing after me again." He grew wary. "Wait, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still eyeing my Dragon Horse!" Lin Jing remained silent. While the bloodline of Gao Sheng¡¯s Dragon Horn Horse wasn¡¯t bad and had the potential to form a Monster Core, Lin Jing no longer cared for it since he now had the Dragon Carp with Kirin bloodline. "Brother Gao, have you ever killed anyone?" Lin Jing asked bluntly. Gao Sheng was momentarily taken aback. Then he recalled, "Of course. When I was six, my father, determined to make me an excellent demon hunter, had me execute a Qi Refinement criminal on death row." "Perfect!" Lin Jing took a deep breath and continued, "Brother Gao, do you have any connections that could get me a job at a mortal courthouse or the Demon-Slaying Bureau as an executioner for heinous criminals?" "Huh?" Gao Sheng was dumbfounded. "Are you crazy?!" "Why would you want to take on such dirty and exhausting work?" He grew suspicious and began analyzing. "No, something¡¯s off. Did you stumble upon some demonic technique that uses murderous energy as its core?" Lin Jing rolled his eyes. "How could that be? I have the Ice Soul Gu. Why would I even bother with such low-level demonic techniques?" "True," Gao Sheng agreed. "Demonic cultivators who focus on murderous energy or resentment typically come from third-rate sects." "And those third-rate demonic sects that could be completely wiped out by the Ancient Kingdom can¡¯t compare to the grand path of Gu cultivation." "At least the founder of the Gu God Sect was at the Dao Seeking stage. If not for the severed immortal path, they might have ascended." "It has nothing to do with demonic techniques," Lin Jing clarified. "It¡¯s just that an elder of mine thinks my cultivation path has been too smooth and wants me to toughen up by killing." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gao Sheng frowned. "Killing? That¡¯s not the same as hunting demonic beasts. It¡¯s easy to become entangled with murderous energy and resentment, which can disrupt your mental state and hinder your cultivation." "Still¡­ if it¡¯s only a shallow attempt and you use special pills afterward to cleanse the murderous energy, it should be fine." After some thought, he said, "Let me think about it. Give me a few days, and I¡¯ll get back to you." "Thank you." Lin Jing trusted Gao Sheng¡¯s reliability. Having connections truly made a difference when facing challenges. Senior Pine¡¯s seemingly impossible task was already halfway resolved. At that moment, the Dragon Horse suddenly spoke up. "That pill you gave me earlier¡ªdo you have more? I thought you were trying to poison me, but it turned out to be a treasure! My bloodline purity has improved significantly!" "I told you it was a treasure!" Gao Sheng shot the Dragon Horse a resentful glance. "Do you think I can¡¯t tell the difference between treasure and poison?" "Exactly. I was worried you couldn¡¯t," the Dragon Horse retorted. "Heh¡­" Lin Jing chuckled from the side. "Brother Gao, to show my gratitude, you can have an unlimited supply of Rising Dragon Pills in the future. As long as you provide the main ingredient¡ª¡®dragon blood¡¯¡ªI¡¯ll prepare the other materials and refine them for you free of charge." "Seriously?!" Gao Sheng was overjoyed. "Will the Dragon Horse¡¯s blood do?" The Dragon Horse: ? "It¡¯s a bit weak¡­ I need blood from a Monster Core-stage creature." Gao Sheng sighed in disappointment but quickly regained his enthusiasm. "No problem, I¡¯ll take care of it. Just relax and wait. I¡¯ll have it sorted within seven days!" With Gao Sheng¡¯s assistance, Lin Jing returned to his cave abode and resumed refining Rising Dragon Pills with the Dragon Carp. He focused on improving his alchemical skills to lay the groundwork for crafting the Longevity Foundation Pill. Several days later. Thanks to Xu Zhizhi¡¯s flair for spreading gossip, most of Hidden Dragon City had heard about the battle between Wang Xiao, the possessor of the Heavenly God Physique, and Lin Jing¡¯s Dragon Carp. In a teahouse, several cultivators sat sipping tea and listening to music while chatting. "Have you heard? The Wang family¡¯s Kirin child, who was expected to make it onto the Genius Rankings, actually lost to a Qi Refinement ninth-stage Dragon Carp!" "How is that possible? Are you drunk? Isn¡¯t the Heavenly God Physique already at the Foundation Establishment stage?" "The battle was fought with suppressed cultivation levels! That Dragon Carp may not have high cultivation, but its bloodline is terrifying¡ªit¡¯s at the ¡®royal¡¯ level. And it¡¯s not just any ordinary demon king bloodline; it¡¯s pure royal dragon blood. Even a Heavenly God Physique can¡¯t withstand it!" "A royal dragon cub?! Is it a pet raised by one of the academy¡¯s instructors?" "No, no! Don¡¯t you remember Lin Jing from the Beast Taming Sect? This Dragon Carp was cultivated by him over three years using special pills and the Hidden Dragon Arts. It¡¯s said that he poured all the fortune accumulated from the Hidden Dragon Arts into raising the Dragon Carp, planning to contract it after reaching Foundation Establishment." "I¡¯ve also heard that since the Beast Taming Sect was sealed, Lin Jing plans to establish a new Dragon Taming Sect and is recruiting within the academy, proclaiming himself as the sect master." Book 2: Chapter 38: Executioner Lin Jing Vol 2 Chapter 38: Executioner Lin Jing Within the academy, news of Lin Jing''s intention to establish the "Dragon Palace" organization was spreading rapidly. Outside a cave residence, a cultivator with a third eye glanced at the intelligence scroll in his hand. After a brief chuckle, he burned it to ashes. "These new students are getting more arrogant by the day. I remember personally inviting this Lin Jing to join the ''Eye Alliance.'' Not only did he decline, but now he¡¯s even starting his own organization." "Rising Dragon Pill? A Qi Refinement cultivator from some third-rate sect, playing at forming cliques and alliances? A year or two? No, perhaps just a few months before this so-called Dragon Palace falls apart." A frail young man dressed as a scholar stepped forward from behind him and said, "The founders of the academy''s major organizations are all geniuses in the Foundation Establishment stage like you, ranked on the Genius Rankings. Even if his talent is decent, Lin Jing is moving too hastily. Without enough strength or reputation, he¡¯s bound to run into trouble. For someone like him, aligning himself with a powerful faction would be the best choice." "Perhaps it¡¯s because his sect has been sealed off, and he¡¯s desperate to rally support from heirs of other sects. If the Beast Taming Sect gains more allies among the human race, their Heavenly Fortune might improve," Liu Yu interjected. "However, if the Rising Dragon Pill is as miraculous as the rumors suggest, he won¡¯t be able to protect it with his strength and background. Even I am tempted by it." "Although the idea of cultivating a dragon-blooded demonic pet with the Hidden Dragon Art and a single pill seems far-fetched, there are always those who don¡¯t care about practicality. They¡¯ll definitely try to seize the pill recipe." ... Meanwhile, outside Lin Jing¡¯s cave residence, visitors were coming in droves. The marketing of the Rising Dragon Pill was far more successful than expected. The overwhelming interest was even affecting Lin Jing¡¯s pill refining sessions. Over the past few days, many new students had placed orders for the pill, along with some older students who hadn¡¯t made much progress. This was all thanks to Xu Zhizhi''s efforts in spreading the word. "Even Wang Xiao, after acquiring a Flame Dragon Carp, took the Rising Dragon Pill. He seems to be planning to raise a dragon pet!" "A Heavenly God Physique is already an unstoppable path; having multiple dragon pets just adds more avenues of strength!" "If even the invincible physiques acknowledge it, what are you waiting for? In the path of cultivation, if you lag behind, you¡¯ll always be behind!" Recently, Wang Xiao had seemingly left Hidden Dragon City. While Xu Zhizhi hadn¡¯t spread false rumors, the growing buzz led to exaggerated claims, including one that Wang Xiao had been so scared by a Flame Dragon Carp that he wet himself. Despite this, Wang Xiao hadn¡¯t appeared to refute the claims, leaving Xu Zhizhi to speculate that he had likely returned to the Wang family to search for a demonic beast with stronger bloodlines. "Is Lin Jing in?" Another visitor had arrived. "And you are?" Lin Jing stepped out of his cave residence, looking at the black-robed young man before him. The man radiated an oppressive aura, and Lin Jing faintly sensed that his cultivation was likely at the Great Perfection of the Foundation Establishment stage. "My name is Chu Ren. Are you willing to sell the recipe for the Rising Dragon Pill?" the black-robed youth asked directly. "I only sell the pills, prioritizing those planning to join the Dragon Palace. The recipe is not for sale," Lin Jing replied, shaking his head. The black-robed youth pressed on, "Name your price. You won¡¯t be disappointed." "The Rising Dragon Pill requires unique materials exclusive to the Beast Taming Sect. Even if I sold the recipe, you wouldn¡¯t be able to refine it yourself," Lin Jing explained. Chu Ren¡¯s brows furrowed. "Are you sure there¡¯s no room for negotiation? Don¡¯t you know who I am?" "The Chu family of the Ancient Domain, ranked 98th on the Genius Rankings, Chu Ren, at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. So what? My brother said it¡¯s not for sale, and that¡¯s final!" At that moment, another black-clothed figure landed outside the cave residence. The newcomer glared at Chu Ren with a warning expression. "It¡¯s him." Lin Jing recognized the man and smirked slightly. "Think it over." Chu Ren shot Lin Jing a final glance before leaving. After Chu Ren had gone, the newcomer, Gao Sheng, sneered. "Lin Jing, do you know him?" Gao Sheng snorted. "Of course. He was a hedonistic scion like me in the past, but his innate talent is much better, possessing a rare innate physique. He probably sees the Rising Dragon Pill as an opportunity and thinks your small sect, the Beast Taming Sect, is easy to bully since you have no strong backers. He likely planned to force you to sell." "But don¡¯t worry. With me here, he won¡¯t succeed. Besides, in the academy, he wouldn¡¯t dare act recklessly." Lin Jing shook his head. "People like that really exist, huh? It¡¯s fine. I was mentally prepared when I started selling Mechanical Bamboo Rifles. But it seems the Rising Dragon Pill is a much greater temptation." "That¡¯s for sure," Gao Sheng agreed. "The Chu family raises a Dragon-Blooded Demonic King, which frequently spawns dragon offspring. Chu Ren likely sees the Rising Dragon Pill as a way to cultivate a king-level bloodline. Compared to the Mechanical Bamboo Rifles, this pill is far more valuable." "In any case, don¡¯t worry about him for now. By the way, I¡¯ve taken care of that favor you asked me for," Gao Sheng said with a grin. "Really?" Lin Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. "Yes. Actually, there¡¯s an immortal prison here in Hidden Dragon City where demonic cultivators are detained under the control of the Demon-Slaying Bureau. I pulled some strings to get you a position as an executioner there." "An immortal prison in Hidden Dragon City?" Lin Jing was slightly surprised. "With so many powerful figures here, there are still demonic cultivators around?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gao Sheng explained, "No, these demonic cultivators were captured from various parts of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. The kingdom is founded on Heavenly Fortune, and these demonic cultivators harm that fortune. But executing them also enhances the kingdom¡¯s luck. Where they¡¯re executed is important, too. Hidden Dragon City, as a hub of fortune, provides great benefits to the academy¡¯s talents when executions are carried out here." "I see," Lin Jing nodded. "When do I start?" ... The immortal prison controlled by the Demon-Slaying Bureau was located deep underground. Gao Sheng led Lin Jing through multiple checkpoints until they reached a heavy prison gate. Outside the gate, a middle-aged Core Formation cultivator with a murderous aura awaited them. "Young Master Gao, is this Lin Jing you mentioned?" The Demon-Slaying Guard glared coldly at Lin Jing. "Yes... Uncle Zhang, I¡¯ll leave my friend in your care," Gao Sheng replied with a smile. "It¡¯s a small matter." The guard named Zhang turned to Lin Jing and said, "Lin Jing, I see you¡¯re only at the Qi Refinement stage. This prison is saturated with killing intent, and the prisoners here are all at least Foundation Establishment cultivators, many with countless lives on their hands. Before carrying out executions, shouldn¡¯t you first learn a calming and mind-clearing technique?" "Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid this place will start to affect you over time. Back when I started, I couldn¡¯t go a day without killing someone," he added grimly. "I¡¯ve already told him," Gao Sheng said seriously. "Lin Jing, it¡¯s best to cultivate something like the There¡¯s a collection of techniques here, and Uncle Zhang will help you choose one. These are mandatory for working in this environment." "That¡¯s right. I currently use the technique to process my killing intent," Zhang added. "But since you¡¯re not planning to stay here long, just pick something easy to learn." "Thank you." Lin Jing nodded. Although he had prepared pills beforehand, he understood the importance of additional precautions. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Lin Jing, and he asked, "By the way, do you have any Buddhist techniques here?" He remembered that a Demon-Slaying Bureau expert had once performed a blessing on him, and cultivating Buddhist techniques might be more effective for him. Since his cultivation aptitude wasn¡¯t particularly high, it would be best to choose something simple to learn. Book 2: Chapter 39: Buddhist Techniques Vol 2 Chapter 39: Buddhist Techniques S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Buddhist techniques?" Hearing Lin Jing''s request, Zhang Hu couldn''t help but be puzzled. In the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, although Buddhist followers were scattered across the Nine Domains, their influence was shallow, and their overall power was weaker than even second-tier cultivation sects. Why would Lin Jing want to cultivate Buddhist techniques? What¡¯s even worth learning in them? "There are some¡­" Zhang Hu mused for a moment. Although Buddhism wasn¡¯t mainstream in the Ancient Kingdom, Lin Jing was actually asking the right person. This was because almost every Buddhist expert who entered the Ancient Kingdom was roped into working for the Demon-Slaying Bureau as guest elders. Naturally, the Demon-Slaying Bureau had amassed a large collection of Buddhist techniques. "Why would you even want to cultivate that stuff? Aren¡¯t you worried about going bald?" Zhang Hu asked, perplexed. Beside him, Gao Sheng also looked equally puzzled. "You go bald cultivating Buddhist techniques? Isn¡¯t that because monks shave their heads?" Lin Jing was startled, hearing this for the first time. "Oh, yeah, that¡¯s probably true," Gao Sheng nodded, suddenly realizing. Lin Jing didn¡¯t bother hiding anything. "A Buddhist expert once unlocked my potential, so cultivating Buddhist techniques benefits me more and is easier to learn." "Ah, I see!" Gao Sheng laughed. "You¡¯re so skilled at beast taming; you don¡¯t need to worry about being led astray by Buddhism. Go ahead and cultivate it." He suddenly paused to think¡ªLin Jing was sort of half a Gu cultivator. Did that make him a dual cultivator of Buddhism and demonic techniques? "Cultivating Buddhist techniques is fine, but I recall there are only three such techniques recorded here, far fewer than other methods. Not sure if you¡¯ll like any of them," Zhang Hu replied. "They are the , the , and the ." "I¡¯ll explain them to you." "The is a martial technique with demon-subduing effects. Once you master it, you¡¯ll be immune to all kinds of evil influences. After performing executions, practicing a set of techniques can effectively dispel negative effects." "It¡¯s a bold, powerful technique, especially suited for body cultivators." "The is a chant recited before killing. It can partially protect you from the negative effects of taking lives, such as murderous energy, resentment, and killing aura, preventing them from clinging to you." "Reciting the mantra requires some mental energy, though." "As for the ¡­ it¡¯s a sealing technique." Zhang Hu thought for a moment before continuing, "It¡¯s the most effective and high-potential technique among the three." "Oh?" Lin Jing showed interest. "Senior Zhang, what can you tell me about the ?" Zhang Hu explained, "The involves condensing a Buddha Pearl within your body. This pearl can seal negative energies like killing aura and demonic energy inside it without affecting you. "With enough mastery, the pearl can even seal living demons or magical creatures, far surpassing the cultivator¡¯s own strength in terms of sealing power." "There was once a Buddhist prodigy who suppressed a calamity-bringing Demon God by sacrificing himself and saying, ''If I don¡¯t enter hell, who will?''" "Many Buddhist disciples cultivate the . However, it has a major drawback: if the sealed negative energy within the pearl isn¡¯t purified in time, the Buddha Pearl can turn into a Demon Pearl, causing the cultivator to fall into demonic ways!" "There are many tales of demonic, evil, or corrupted Buddhas in Buddhist history. Most of them arose during the cultivation of the when the practitioner was overwhelmed by its power." "Wait," Lin Jing asked, "does the Buddha Pearl have any additional functions beyond sealing demonic power?" Zhang Hu nodded. "Not much else, really. The more demonic power it seals, the less it radiates Buddhist qualities. Even when it does display its Buddhist essence, at best it makes you look like a virtuous monk. Not really practical in combat." "Displaying Buddhist essence might cause wandering ghosts and spirits to avoid you. For mortal monks, that could be useful, but for us cultivators? If we encounter such beings, we just exterminate them!" "Probably only those pearls from top-tier Buddhist experts who used their lives to seal demons would have divine effects," Zhang Hu added. "I see," Lin Jing smiled. "That¡¯s great, then! I actually like techniques that prove I¡¯m a good person." "I¡¯ll cultivate the ." "As expected," Zhang Hu sighed. "Among the three techniques, this one is indeed the most advanced, so it¡¯s a reasonable choice. But it¡¯s also the most dangerous. While it can help you subdue demonic power, don¡¯t forget to purify the energies sealed inside regularly." "Don¡¯t worry," Gao Sheng interjected. "With me keeping an eye on him, there won¡¯t be any problems." Zhang Hu hesitated, glancing at Gao Sheng, finding him somewhat unreliable. However, looking at Lin Jing, who appeared upright and capable, he felt a bit reassured. Lin Jing¡¯s name was familiar to him, and though Zhang Hu rarely entered the city, he had heard some things about him. ... Soon after, Zhang Hu led Lin Jing and Gao Sheng to a room where they waited while he retrieved the cultivation method for the . Before long, Zhang Hu returned with a tightly closed Buddhist scripture. It appeared sealed, with no visible pages. "Lin Jing, the Buddhist techniques left in the Demon-Slaying Bureau are quite unique. They all have seals, and only those deemed ¡®fated¡¯ with Buddhism can open them." "But honestly, this is as pointless as putting pants on over your underwear. I¡¯ve never met anyone who couldn¡¯t open a Buddhist scripture." "So, everyone is ¡®fated with Buddhism,¡¯ huh?" Gao Sheng scoffed. "These Buddhist missionaries sure know how to sell themselves." Zhang Hu chuckled. "Indeed, while everyone can technically open these scriptures, actually cultivating Buddhist techniques requires talent. Here in the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s immortal prison, almost no one chooses these techniques because they¡¯re much harder to master compared to other exorcism methods. Even those who do select them often take forever to get started." "But since a Buddhist expert once recognized your potential, you should have no problem cultivating this technique." He handed the scripture containing the technique to Lin Jing. Taking it in his hands, Lin Jing immediately opened the scripture without encountering any resistance. As he did, Buddhist light radiated from the text, and the scripture¡¯s glowing words imprinted themselves directly into his mind. Much like opening a jade slip of cultivation methods, a wealth of information flooded Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness. Lin Jing immediately sat cross-legged and began circulating his true energy. To his surprise, the method required merit to form the pearl. Those who hadn¡¯t performed good deeds would struggle to condense one. "Use the Heart Mantra to guide the power of merit, condensing energy into the pearl," Lin Jing read. He couldn¡¯t even remember what good deeds he¡¯d done, but as the Heart Mantra activated, traces of merit within his body were drawn out. Images replayed in his mind¡ªdonating to disaster relief, giving up his seat to a pregnant woman, rescuing an injured bird that had fallen outside his window. All these small, forgotten acts of kindness had transformed into strands of merit, now merging with his true energy. Following the method detailed in the scripture, Lin Jing began constructing the pearl. It wasn¡¯t just a simple sphere. Its intricate structure resembled a miniature pearl-shaped immortal prison¡ªdeep, complex, and incredibly sturdy. Book 2: Chapter 40: Dual Cultivation of Buddhism and Demonic Arts Vol 2 Chapter 40: Dual Cultivation of Buddhism and Demonic Arts Outside the chamber: Zhang Hu and Gao Sheng observed Lin Jing, who had been meditating for just a few minutes. To their astonishment, a faint golden glow began to radiate from Lin Jing¡¯s body, making him appear sacred, as if shrouded in Buddhist light. ¡°Buddhist essence!¡± Zhang Hu exclaimed in shock. ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been the time it takes to burn one stick of incense, and he¡¯s already condensed a Buddha Pearl? This kind of Buddhist cultivation talent is outrageous. I wonder which Buddhist expert performed the blessing for Lin Jing.¡± ¡°Already cultivated it?¡± Gao Sheng was stunned. After some thought, he said, ¡°I might know who it was¡ªMaster Konglin. Thousands of years ago, he joined the Demon-Slaying Bureau for a time. He once sealed an immortal beast in the Great Wasteland but left the Ancient Kingdom long ago to return to the Western Deserts. There hasn¡¯t been news of him for ages. Who knows if he¡¯s still alive?¡± ¡°If he is alive, his cultivation level must have reached an incredible stage,¡± Gao Sheng speculated. Nascent Soul cultivators have a lifespan of a thousand years, Soul Transformation cultivators two thousand, the Void Refinement stage five thousand, and the Dao Inquiry stage ten thousand. Gao Sheng calculated that if Master Konglin¡¯s final cultivation was at the Soul Transformation stage, he would likely already be dead. If he had advanced to the Void Refinement stage, he might still be alive. Thinking of this, Gao Sheng couldn¡¯t help but envy Lin Jing. This guy had a Longevity Body; his lifespan as a Nascent Soul cultivator would rival the strongest beings on the continent. It was truly something to be jealous of. As the two conversed via voice transmission, Lin Jing opened his eyes. Golden light flickered in his pupils. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Buddha Pearl is condensed,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Congratulations, congratulations!¡± Gao Sheng quickly smiled, though he scratched his head while looking at Lin Jing, who was still glowing. ¡°But isn¡¯t your Buddhist talent a bit too absurd? It feels like you didn¡¯t do anything, yet your Buddhist essence is still increasing.¡± Lin Jing remained silent, sensing the situation in his body. The power leaking from the sealed within him, which had always required his Ice Soul Physique to neutralize, was now automatically being absorbed and sealed by the Buddha Pearl. The Ice Soul Gu was created through countless venomous insects refined with Gu techniques, often involving cruel and sinister methods. It was natural for the Buddha Pearl to classify its energy as demonic power. This meant that the Buddha Pearl was sealing the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s energy within him, passively generating immense Buddhist essence and merit. Lin Jing realized that he didn¡¯t have to do anything, yet his aura exuded divine righteousness. ¡°It¡¯s your imagination,¡± Lin Jing said flatly. Gao Sheng liked deducing things, so let him piece it together. Gao Sheng already knew about the Ice Soul Gu sealed within Lin Jing, so it shouldn¡¯t be hard for him to figure out that Lin Jing was essentially suppressing a demon within himself. The Buddha-Demon Pearl truly was a perfect fit for Lin Jing. ¡°Really?¡± Gao Sheng rubbed his chin thoughtfully. At that moment, Zhang Hu interrupted, ¡°Since you¡¯ve already succeeded in cultivating it, would you like to test the Buddha Pearl¡¯s abilities by executing a death row prisoner?¡± ¡°Please arrange it, Senior Zhang,¡± Lin Jing replied with a bow. He was eager to execute a hundred prisoners right now so he could claim the pine cones from Senior Pine. Execution was still killing, and Senior Pine couldn¡¯t deny that, could he? Deeper into the prison: Zhang Hu led Lin Jing deeper into the execution chamber. Guards stationed along the way maintained their stoic expressions, though they stood at attention in deference to Zhang Hu. With Zhang Hu¡¯s status, their path was unimpeded. ¡°The prisoner in Execution Room Fourteen is scheduled for today,¡± Zhang Hu said. ¡°From which sect? Yin Corpse Sect? Gu God Sect? Or the Netherworld Hall?¡± Gao Sheng asked curiously. Lin Jing shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s rare to capture a demonic cultivator from one of the Eight Great Demonic Sects. Most are from smaller ones.¡± ¡°This particular prisoner was once an elder at the Great Perfection of the Foundation Establishment stage in the . Due to his potential to form a Golden Core, he sought out the ¡®Blood Pill Technique¡¯ from the remnants of the Blood God Sect. This technique required the blood essence of a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, a thousand Qi Refinement cultivators, and ten thousand mortals to refine pills.¡± ¡°He targeted rogue cultivators, wandering between cities and secretly murdering them. By the time he was captured, his hands were stained with countless lives. His crimes are unforgivable.¡± ¡°He deserves to die,¡± Lin Jing said coldly, furrowing his brows. ¡°Senior Zhang, should I just go in directly?¡± He glanced at the stone prison gate, which bore the pattern of a divine tiger. ¡°That demonic cultivator has been drained of spiritual power and is restrained on the execution platform. You may use any method to kill him,¡± Zhang Hu replied. ¡°Afterward, throw his corpse into the incinerator behind the chamber.¡± Lin Jing nodded and pushed open the heavy prison gate. Inside the dimly lit execution chamber, a red-haired elder was chained to the execution platform. As Lin Jing entered, the elder slowly opened his eyes, lifeless yet filled with malice. A surge of killing intent exploded towards Lin Jing. Despite containing no spiritual energy, it overwhelmed him with visions of blood and slaughter. ¡°To think they sent a mere Qi Refinement brat to execute me¡­¡± the elder muttered weakly. Before he could finish his sentence, his head was severed, two white strands of energy wrapping around the stump of his neck. The severed head fell to the ground, its lifeless eyes wide open. Lin Jing looked back at the head. This was his first time killing someone, yet he felt no discomfort. The next moment, he sensed a faint wisp of resentment clinging to him. This invisible, intangible force wouldn¡¯t harm a cultivator in small amounts, but if it accumulated, it could eventually create inner demons and disrupt one¡¯s mental state during critical moments. ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job as an executioner. Why blame me?¡± Lin Jing muttered. He sealed the resentment into the Buddha Pearl, then used a strand of true energy to toss the elder¡¯s corpse into the incinerator behind the execution chamber. After neatly finishing the task, Lin Jing didn¡¯t linger and left the chamber. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Zhang Hu asked as Lin Jing emerged. ¡°Pretty good, no discomfort,¡± Lin Jing replied with a smile. For some reason, killing this person left him feeling unexpectedly satisfied. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Zhang Hu said. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, how about I arrange one death row prisoner for you every seven days?¡± ¡°Once every seven days? Senior Zhang, can we make it seven prisoners a day?¡± Lin Jing asked, frowning. At this rate, it would take him two years to meet Senior Pine¡¯s requirements! ¡°Seven a day? What do you think this is, a pig slaughterhouse?¡± Zhang Hu snapped. Lin Jing sighed. He was already 27 years old. Although this was still very young for someone with a Longevity Body, the Genius Rankings for the Human List only accepted cultivators under 30. This meant he had just three years to help the Pine Leaf Mouse reach Foundation Establishment, evolve its bloodline, and attempt to challenge the Genius Rankings. If he missed this chance, he would lose out on the massive recognition the Genius Rankings brought across the continent. This would severely limit the progress of his Hidden Dragon Arts, and his Flame Dragon Carp wouldn¡¯t be able to achieve a perfect transformation. After negotiating, they settled on one execution per day. This way, Lin Jing could complete Senior Pine¡¯s task in about three months. Outside the prison: As Lin Jing exited the immortal prison, Senior Pine, who had been secretly observing, snorted. ¡°This sly brat¡­ Fine, let it slide. Burning? He learned that. Killing? He¡¯s tried it. But as a demonic cultivator, he still hasn¡¯t learned how to rob. Next time he wants my help, I¡¯ll make him go loot something! Always handing out pills to others during duels without gaining anything. No wonder he¡¯s poor. Wasting the spatial gift of that squirrel!¡± Book 2: Chapter 41: Prison Break? Vol 2 Chapter 41: Prison Break? In the following days, Lin Jing executed a demonic cultivator every day. During the remaining time, he focused on managing the production of the Rising Dragon Pills refined by the Flame Dragon Carp and recruiting new members. The Pine Leaf Mouse cultivated fields, the Flame Dragon Carp refined pills, and Lin Jing handled pre-sales. Before long, the orders were overflowing, but due to the Flame Dragon Carp''s limited production capacity, Lin Jing prioritized selling to those willing to join the Dragon Palace. Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, Tianyuan Immortal City, lay the residence of the Wang family, a prominent family of cultivators. As an old and established cultivation clan, the Wang family¡¯s ancestor had been a great cultivator in the Void Profound Stage, famous across the kingdom. Though that ancestor had long passed, a Peak Nascent Soul ancestor still presided over the family. Wang Xiao, the most talented junior of the current generation, was highly valued by the family. ¡°Xiao¡¯er, why have you returned?¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s father asked when he saw him returning home one day. Wang Xiao paused before replying, ¡°I¡¯ve come to retrieve a Battle Tiger.¡± The Battle Tigers, known for their combat prowess and extraordinary beast bloodline, were the mounts of Wang family disciples. Some were even capable of momentarily standing against King-tier Beasts. When Wang Xiao had left for the Hidden Dragon Academy, his father had asked if he needed a mount, but Wang Xiao had declined. Now, his request for a Battle Tiger left his father puzzled. After Wang Xiao took the Battle Tiger with the bloodline closest to King-tier, a Shadow Guard appeared beside the Wang family head. ¡°Investigate what happened in the Hidden Dragon Academy,¡± the family head commanded. The Shadow Guard soon returned. ¡°Master, word has spread in Hidden Dragon City about a duel involving the Divine Son¡­¡± ¡°Xiao¡¯er lost?¡± The Wang family head showed little surprise. He had sent Wang Xiao to the academy precisely to temper him. Though the Heavenly God Physique was strong, it ranked only around 90th among the Physique Rankings. For the Wang family, it was decent, but far from the strongest within the academy, let alone the cultivation world. The academy housed numerous divine physiques, some of which had once been listed in the Physique Rankings, like the Talisman Physique, which later fell off the list. The differences between such physiques were not as significant as imagined; their strength depended largely on the wielder. Having anticipated setbacks for Wang Xiao, his father was mentally prepared. ¡°He didn¡¯t lose. It was a draw,¡± the Shadow Guard replied. ¡°A draw? With whom? For Xiao¡¯er to return home and seek a War Beast to strengthen himself? He once dismissed King Bloodline Demonic Beasts as insignificant.¡± The Shadow Guard hesitated before saying, ¡°The Divine Son¡­ drew with Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°Lin Jing? The one at Qi Refinement Stage 10 with both himself and his pets?¡± The Wang family head was stunned. ¡°He broke through to Foundation Establishment already? The Beast Taming Sect must have undergone a revival, producing a genius with great fortune. I¡¯ve met this Lin Jing before¡ªquite remarkable. If Xiao¡¯er fought him to a draw, it¡¯s plausible.¡± ¡°Xiao¡¯er must have fought against multiple enemies and felt frustrated, so he sought a mount to assist him,¡± the family head concluded, shaking his head. ¡°Master, that¡¯s not the case,¡± the Shadow Guard interjected. ¡°Rumors say the Divine Son¡­ drew with a newly trained Qi Refinement Stage Flame Dragon Carp of Lin Jing¡¯s. Lin Jing¡¯s contracted Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t even fight, nor did Lin Jing himself, who hasn¡¯t broken through to Foundation Establishment. The Divine Son suppressed his cultivation level for the duel, witnessed by many.¡± The Wang family head: ??? ¡°My son lost to a carp? HAHAHAHA! Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Investigate further and report back!¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s father waved his hand, laughing uproariously. After taking a Battle Tiger with King-level bloodline, Wang Xiao disappeared. His whereabouts remained unknown, but under the rising influence of his name, Lin Jing¡¯s Dragon Palace continued to grow. In front of Lin Jing¡¯s cave residence, Xu Zhizhi, dressed like a strategist, reported, ¡°In the past three months, the Dragon Palace has recruited 24 members, including 20 new Foundation Establishment disciples at the early stage and four seniors at the mid-stage.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°All 24 have now obtained Dragon-Blooded Pets and are training them rigorously, preparing to participate in the Autumn Hunt.¡± ¡°Not bad.¡± Lin Jing gazed at the morning sun and instructed, ¡°If they perform well in the Autumn Hunt, more people will pre-order the Rising Dragon Pills. Tell them to focus not only on training their pets but also on improving their own strength. Pet and owner must grow together for optimal combat power.¡± He handed Xu Zhizhi a manual. ¡°Distribute this Dragon-Blooded Pet Training Guide to them and let them know that outstanding performance in the Autumn Hunt will earn them free Rising Dragon Pills as rewards.¡± In the past three months, Lin Jing had sold Rising Dragon Pills to every genius who joined the Dragon Palace. A few impoverished ones couldn¡¯t afford them, as acquiring pills, buying pets, and preparing to control them required a large amount of Spirit Stones. Out of goodwill, Lin Jing offered his test beasts, such as the Dragon-Scaled Caterpillar, at low prices. For non-members, Lin Jing withheld sales, planning to sell only after the Autumn Hunt. The Rising Dragon Pill business was immensely profitable. Each sale yielded significant profits, and the pets¡¯ training required a continuous supply of pills. Lin Jing envisioned a flourishing future for the Dragon Palace. Currently, the four deacons of the Dragon Palace were Gao Sheng, Xu Zhizhi, Yuan Jing, and Ziling¡¯er. Initially, Gao Sheng wanted to be a strategist but was persuaded otherwise by Lin Jing. Xu Zhizhi managed publicity and strategic planning, discussing affairs with Lin Jing. Yuan Jing and Gao Sheng served as core combat strength, while Ziling¡¯er was being groomed to handle the pill refinement for Rising Dragon Pills, ensuring the recipe wouldn¡¯t spread since the core ingredients were with the Pine Leaf Mouse. However, Lin Jing regretted not being able to recruit Wang Xiao and Chen Lingxi, two of the academy¡¯s strongest freshmen. Chen Lingxi had already joined another organization. After sending off Xu Zhizhi, Lin Jing left the academy and headed for the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s underground immortal prison. Today marked the hundredth day of his executions. With one more kill, he could obtain a Pine Cone. Over the past three months, the Flame Dragon Carp had rapidly improved its pill-refining techniques, nearing mastery of Foundation Establishment Pills. Once Lin Jing obtained the Pine Cone, they could begin attempting the Longevity Foundation Pill. In the execution chamber, Lin Jing used Diamond Fist to crush the head of the demonic cultivator for the day. Diamond Fist was a Buddhist technique Lin Jing had recently cultivated. He discovered that the Buddhist Pearl, which suppressed the Ice Soul Gu, emitted a Buddhist aura that enhanced his ordinary punches and kicks. Through experimenting with Diamond Fist, Lin Jing found that strong Buddhist energy amplified the technique¡¯s power, surpassing conventional spells. Thus, his recent executions often involved the Diamond Fist, integrating punches, palms, and finger techniques to enhance both his strength and physique. The technique not only subdued demons but also tempered the body. ¡°Thank you, Senior Zhang, for looking after me these past few months,¡± Lin Jing said, bidding farewell to Zhang Hu, a Demon-Slaying Guard. ¡°No need for thanks,¡± Zhang Hu laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll escort you out.¡± ¡°To be honest, I wish I could keep you here. You¡¯re the best executioner I¡¯ve seen in this place. Most Foundation Establishment cultivators would lose their sanity after three months of high-intensity work here, but you look unaffected.¡± Lin Jing smiled, taking it as a compliment. As Zhang Hu accompanied Lin Jing aboveground, they were about to part ways when Lin Jing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. His body was flooded with warnings. The sky shifted. A massive void vortex appeared above, and a gigantic claw emerged from within. Zhang Hu¡¯s face turned pale with shock. ¡°Someone¡¯s breaking into the prison?!¡± he exclaimed. Lin Jing froze, feeling a life-threatening danger. ¡°Why would someone attack this prison? The strongest here are only Golden Core demons¡­ This is aimed at me!¡± In that moment, Lin Jing¡¯s mind raced to identify who might be coming for him. Book 2: Chapter 42: The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor Vol 2 Chapter 42: The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor On the Tianyuan Continent, one of the ten most perilous regions is the Mist Forest. Spanning half of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom''s borders, this colossal forest is an unavoidable passage for anyone traveling from the kingdom to Qingzhou. There had been attempts by great cultivators in the Void Profound Stage to construct a spatial teleportation channel between the Ancient Celestial Kingdom and Qingzhou, but the peculiar mists pervading the forest were even capable of penetrating space, often causing people to get lost in the void. Thus, traversing the Mist Forest on foot was the only option, a path fraught with immense danger. If the Ancient Celestial Kingdom is the land where human destiny converges, the Mist Forest serves as a paradise for demonic beasts. To date, only the Lotus Pavilion is rumored to have a relatively stable method of crossing the Mist Forest. Many cultivators from the kingdom rely on accompanying Lotus Pavilion caravans when traveling to Qingzhou. Deep in the Mist Forest, a colossal dragon resembling a mountain and covered in Malignant Plants suddenly opened its sun-and-moon-like eyes. It fixed its gaze on a human cultivator draped entirely in white corpse cloth, whose face was obscured. ¡°Protector Yuan Buyi of the Yin Corpse Sect greets the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor,¡± said the corpse-cloaked cultivator as he bowed. ¡°You of the Yin Corpse Sect... Are you planning to set your sights on my body?¡± The massive dragon¡¯s voice rumbled, deep and menacing. The protector smiled faintly. ¡°Your Majesty the Demon Emperor overthinks. No one, not even the Yin Corpse Sect, would dare offend a demon emperor nearing the end of its life.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve come today only to propose a deal. Your Majesty, are you interested in living another lifetime?¡± The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor¡¯s massive dragon eyes narrowed as it stared intently at the protector. ¡°The Longevity Body of a human? After so long, another one with this physique has emerged?¡± ¡°Speak. What are your terms?¡± The dragon¡¯s heavy breathing betrayed its excitement. Its days were numbered, and all means of extending its life had failed. But the Longevity Body¡­ that might be different. ¡°The body of one of your molted dragon forms,¡± the protector replied. The demon emperor snorted coldly, its tone dripping with disdain. So, it still boiled down to coveting its body! ¡°The information on the Longevity Body¡­¡± ¡°The Yin Corpse Sect guarantees to provide it exclusively to Your Majesty. Our sect''s reputation, as you are well aware, is built upon never violating contracts. This has been the foundation of our standing for tens of thousands of years and our cooperation with all races.¡± The demon emperor growled, ¡°Speak then. Where is this Longevity Body? This deal, I will accept.¡± The protector replied, ¡°The Longevity Body originally belonged to a disciple of the now-dissolved Beast Taming Sect in the kingdom¡¯s Great Wasteland Domain. The individual is currently in Hidden Dragon City within the Ancient Domain.¡± ¡°Hidden Dragon City?¡± The demon emperor let out another cold snort. ¡°The city is guarded by Void Profound cultivators. Are you asking me to seek death?¡± The protector chuckled. ¡°Everyone knows that during its prime, Your Majesty¡¯s cultivation was at the Half-Step Void Profound Stage, only a step away from the Refining Void Stage. Although your current realm has fallen, your spatial comprehension remains intact.¡± ¡°Allow me to offer Your Majesty a bonus piece of intelligence: the three deans of the Hidden Dragon Academy have been absent from Hidden Dragon City for the past two years, and they won¡¯t be returning for a long time.¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Currently, the academy is only guarded by some ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators. These individuals merely safeguard the academy and are not protectors of the Longevity Body.¡± ¡°Moreover, this Longevity Body is merely a small sect disciple, not the heir of a major family. The level of protection it enjoys will naturally be low. Those guarding the academy wouldn¡¯t expend energy constantly monitoring his situation. As long as Your Majesty avoids the academy and acts within the city, they won¡¯t react immediately.¡± ¡°With your skills, snatching the Longevity Body and escaping instantly should be within your grasp. Of course, there will be repercussions, but compared to extending your life into a seventh cycle, isn¡¯t it worth it?¡± ¡°Of course, Your Majesty could also wait until the Longevity Body leaves Hidden Dragon City¡ªif you still have the time and patience¡­¡± Not long after, the protector left the Mist Forest and returned to a dark underground altar. ¡°Elder, the information about the Longevity Body has been passed to the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor,¡± he reported to a purple-haired elder lurking in the shadows. ¡°That demon emperor is nearing its end and surely won¡¯t miss this opportunity. Using the Longevity Body as bait will undoubtedly cause chaos in Hidden Dragon City,¡± the elder remarked with satisfaction. ¡°This way, those three old monsters should return to Hidden Dragon City to deal with the situation.¡± ¡°A genius being taken by a demonic beast within the city¡­ That would indeed be a major scandal for the academy,¡± the protector said. ¡°Exactly. Though our branch in the Great Wasteland Domain failed to capture the Longevity Body, passing the information upward was enough to make it useful. The only question is whether the demon emperor can successfully abduct the Longevity Body¡­¡± ¡°During its prime, the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor was at the Half-Step Void Profound Stage. Though its cultivation has now dropped to the Nascent Soul early stage due to age, its spatial comprehension remains formidable. Escaping Hidden Dragon City unscathed should still be possible,¡± the elder explained. ¡°After all, the city¡¯s top cultivators are already being preoccupied by our sect¡¯s forces. Since these kingdom experts have set their sights on undermining our ten-thousand-year plan, it¡¯s only fitting that we create some trouble for them in return.¡± Ancient Domain, Hidden Dragon City The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor, once resigned to its fate and preparing to use its final strength to produce a descendant with its Demon Emperor Bloodline, was now rekindled with hope. It stealthily entered the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, moving through the void toward Hidden Dragon City. Thanks to its profound spatial comprehension, cultivated at its peak, it avoided detection. Upon confirming that no Void Profound cultivators were present in the city, the demon emperor was thrilled. However, to be cautious, it refrained from entering the city with its true body, fearing any hidden contingency plans left by a Void Profound expert. ¡°If there¡¯s no Void Profound guardian, only ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, I don¡¯t need my true body. A Half-Divine Avatar will suffice to seize the Longevity Body,¡± the demon emperor decided. Through its failing lifespan, the Longevity Body appeared to the demon emperor as a dazzling flame of vitality. ¡°Found it!¡± The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor quickly locked onto Lin Jing, who had just left the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s immortal prison. Lin Jing¡¯s aura was so enticing that it drove the demon emperor to madness. Delicious! From its hidden position in the void, the demon emperor struck. A massive vortex appeared in the sky, releasing demonic energy as a gigantic dragon claw reached out toward Lin Jing. However, just as the attack began, the demon emperor sensed a terrifying pressure approaching. ¡°Who dares snatch what belongs to this old man?!¡± The demon emperor was stunned. How had the academy¡¯s Nascent Soul cultivators reacted so quickly? And more importantly, this person¡¯s spatial comprehension was astonishing! Before the demon emperor could react, its hundred-meter-long Half-Divine Avatar and extended dragon claw were entangled by towering tree branches, which appeared seemingly out of nowhere and tightly restrained it. ¡°This power¡­¡± The demon emperor¡¯s expression grew grim. ¡°A Tree Spirit at the Nascent Soul Stage?! Why is there a tree deity here?!¡± Among Nascent Soul cultivators, tree spirits were known to be immensely powerful. Their cultivation was against the natural order, and those who succeeded were incredibly formidable. In the current era, they even surpassed dragons of equivalent rank. ¡°The damned Yin Corpse Sect! Didn¡¯t they claim the strongest protector around the Longevity Body was at most a late Nascent Soul demonic beast? Where did this tree deity come from?!¡± Meanwhile, Lin Jing and Zhang Hu, overwhelmed by the immense pressure, stared as a massive dragon claw extended from the void, only to be pulled back by enormous tree roots. ¡°Damn fool! You¡¯ve exposed my cultivation! Now I won¡¯t have a moment¡¯s peace again!¡± Shen Song, the divine pine, muttered angrily. Book 2: Chapter 43: The Nascent Soul Divine Pine Vol 2 Chapter 43: The Nascent Soul Divine Pine Zhang Hu stared at the sky in shock, feeling a terror he had never experienced before. As a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, he had interacted with many Nascent Soul-level experts, but the sheer power radiating from that massive dragon claw and the binding tree roots far exceeded Nascent Soul capabilities. ¡°¡­Could it be two Nascent Soul Transformation experts battling?¡± he muttered. The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor had come for Lin Jing, whose senses were even sharper. The moment the Hidden Dragon Technique warned of danger, Lin Jing¡¯s heart raced. However, his expression quickly turned strange as he realized what was happening. ¡°Shen Song¡­¡± He had also heard the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor¡¯s words. A Wood Spirit at the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage¡ªthat could only mean the Divine Pine that had been protecting him all along! ¡°Senior Shen Song is at the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage?!¡± Lin Jing had always assumed Shen Song¡¯s cultivation level was at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage, as reaching the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage was exceedingly difficult. Even in the vast Great Wasteland, with its hundreds of cultivation sects, not a single one had produced a Nascent Soul Transformation expert. Shen Song¡­ was truly an anomaly. Even the Beast Taming Sect likely had no idea that Shen Song had already broken through to the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage. The old Divine Pine had concealed its strength for possibly centuries or even millennia. Lin Jing couldn¡¯t help but marvel at Shen Song¡¯s ability to remain hidden. To suppress such strength and avoid revealing oneself as a Nascent Soul Transformation expert must have required incredible patience! Despite the attack, Lin Jing¡¯s initial panic quickly turned to calm. With Shen Song taking action, his heart settled completely. ¡°Who dares cause trouble in the Demon-Slaying Bureau?!¡± Moments later, a Nascent Soul cultivator emerged from the bureau¡¯s underground immortal prison. This cultivator, who was at the Peak Nascent Soul Stage, was already formidable. However, upon sensing the powerful primordial spirits of both the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor and the Divine Pine, his expression immediately changed. As the Yin Corpse Sect had predicted, the academy¡¯s true experts had not responded immediately. However, Shen Song¡¯s intervention bought precious time for the academy¡¯s powerhouses to react. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Four overwhelming Nascent Soul Transformation auras erupted, their divine radiance illuminating the sky. Along with their immense power came the energy of over a dozen Peak Nascent Soul cultivators, their combined presence awe-inspiring. In an instant, they descended upon the immortal prison of the Demon-Slaying Bureau. ¡°Southern Mountain Demon Emperor!¡± The four Nascent Soul Transformation experts had all heard of the demon emperor¡¯s notorious name. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me,¡± a booming voice echoed from the void. ¡°I am merely the guardian Divine Pine of academy student Lin Jing. This is only one of the demon emperor¡¯s avatars. Go after its true body!¡± The four experts scanned the area, their divine eyes retracing the events as if time itself had rewound. In an instant, they understood the situation. Though they were unsure why a mere disciple from the Beast Taming Sect had a Nascent Soul Transformation-level Wood Spirit as his guardian, the priority now was clear: they needed to eliminate the demon emperor¡¯s true body! ¡°Thank you for your intervention,¡± the four experts said in unison, bowing slightly before activating their divine bodies, which radiated with divine light. Four avatars spread across Hidden Dragon City, forming a city-protecting barrier, while their true forms pursued the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor beyond the city. The demon emperor was a wanted criminal within the kingdom, and now it had dared to intrude and attempt to abduct a genius cultivator. Letting it escape would bring disgrace to the city and the academy. ¡°Lin Jing, are you unharmed?¡± Cao Ziwei, an academy instructor, landed beside Lin Jing, his expression filled with concern and astonishment. He was well aware of Shen Song¡¯s existence. When he had escorted Lin Jing from the Great Wasteland to the academy, he had already sensed the presence of a tree spirit as Lin Jing¡¯s guardian. However, back then, he had only perceived Shen Song as a Nascent Soul-level spirit. A Nascent Soul-level tree spirit and a Wood Spirit at the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage were worlds apart. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I¡¯m fine, thanks to Senior Shen Song¡¯s assistance,¡± Lin Jing replied, breathing a sigh of relief. Moments later, the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor¡¯s Half-Divine Avatar was obliterated by Shen Song. Its dying screams reverberated through the void, shaking the entire Hidden Dragon City and leaving countless cultivators stunned. From the void, a massive golden-green pine cone emerged, radiating divine brilliance. Upon seeing it, the assembled Peak Nascent Soul cultivators immediately bowed respectfully. ¡°This demon emperor came for him,¡± Shen Song said coldly, his voice filled with annoyance. ¡°I also suspect this was a distraction tactic. Where are the academy¡¯s top experts? Why are they absent from the city?¡± Before anyone could respond, Shen Song enveloped Lin Jing in his branches and vanished, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll hide him away for now. Once you deal with the demon emperor, we¡¯ll come out again!¡± In the blink of an eye, Lin Jing found himself in an unfamiliar location. Surrounded by radiant mist, he saw the towering figure of Shen Song standing tall amid the haze. Before the Divine Pine lay the massive corpse of a dragon. ¡°Senior Shen Song?¡± Lin Jing asked, his voice filled with confusion. ¡°This demon emperor came for your Longevity Body,¡± Shen Song replied bluntly. ¡°From the state of its avatar, its lifespan is nearly exhausted.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I thought as much. It must be because of my Longevity Body. Still, I can¡¯t believe it dared to come to Hidden Dragon City¡­¡± ¡°It almost succeeded,¡± Shen Song snorted. ¡°With the academy¡¯s top experts absent, the demon emperor saw an opportunity to exploit the situation. Its spatial comprehension is indeed remarkable. If I hadn¡¯t had some fortuitous encounters in my youth, allowing me to gain insights into the Dao of Space, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to deal with it.¡± Lin Jing paused before asking, ¡°Senior, are you truly at the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage? Did you break through back when you were with the Beast Taming Sect?¡± Shen Song¡¯s voice turned exasperated. ¡°Are you trying to blame me for the sect¡¯s downfall? Claiming that the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s demonic fortune outweighed its human fortune because of me?¡± ¡°Absolute nonsense! I never even joined the Beast Taming Sect! I merely rested on its territory for thousands of years and protected it out of convenience. Blame your sect¡¯s numerous unaligned demonic kings, not me!¡± ¡°Of course not, Senior!¡± Lin Jing quickly waved his hands, a smile spreading across his face. Learning that Shen Song had reached the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage only filled him with joy. ¡°But, Senior, if you¡¯re so powerful, why have you hidden your cultivation all this time?¡± ¡°You think I want to hide?¡± Shen Song snapped. ¡°To humans, I may not be as enticing as you are to demonic beasts, but I¡¯m still a treasure tree!¡± ¡°Do you know the shortcut most cultivators take to break through from Peak Nascent Soul to the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage?¡± Lin Jing shook his head. ¡°After reaching Peak Nascent Soul, the key to advancing is mastering the natural forces of heaven and earth. Only by comprehending these forces and fusing them into one¡¯s primordial spirit can one achieve transformation. ¡°But comprehending natural forces is incredibly difficult. Out of a hundred Peak Nascent Soul cultivators, not even one may succeed. Only those with special physiques, like that Heavenly God Physique brat you fought, have an easier time.¡± ¡°Some idiot discovered a shortcut: use supreme-grade vegetation nurtured by heaven and earth to craft a body highly attuned to natural forces. Then, a Peak Nascent Soul cultivator¡¯s primordial spirit could occupy this body, fusing with it to gain insights and achieve transformation!¡± ¡°Over the years, most Nascent Soul breakthroughs have used this method. That¡¯s why you saw those four old geezers earlier¡ªthey all have two bodies!¡± ¡°I, however, naturally comprehended the forces of heaven and earth, making me an ideal material for crafting such a vessel. If I wandered around freely, I wouldn¡¯t even know how I died!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s mind buzzed. Using vegetation and Nascent Soul cultivators to craft new bodies? He¡¯d heard of such things before. Nezha, was it? Book 2: Chapter 44: Before Foundation Establishment Vol 2 Chapter 44: Before Foundation Establishment ¡°I deeply apologize for exposing your cultivation, Senior¡­¡± Having learned why Shen Song wished to remain hidden, Lin Jing felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. ¡°No matter,¡± Shen Song replied calmly. ¡°I already considered the possibility of being exposed when I agreed to protect you for a hundred years.¡± ¡°If someone dares to try and use me as a material to craft a Nascent Soul Transformation avatar, let them see if they even have the ability to pull it off. I didn¡¯t grow this tall by eating meat!¡± Taking advantage of the moment, Lin Jing finally voiced a question that had been lingering in his mind. Shen Song had always referred to himself as a Wood Spirit Demonic Cultivator and possessed such an incredible cultivation level. What kind of connection did he have with the Second Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect? Why had he remained by the sect¡¯s side for so many years and even agreed to protect Lin Jing? ¡°Why are you so curious about everything?¡± Shen Song snorted. ¡°Knowing too much isn¡¯t good for you. Just focus on cultivating and raising your strength.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been in seclusion for three years with no improvement in cultivation. Honestly, I¡¯m doubtful whether you¡¯ll even reach the Golden Core Stage within the hundred-year time limit,¡± he added skeptically. Lin Jing immediately shut his mouth, not daring to continue the conversation. After some time, Shen Song spoke again. ¡°Well, that was efficient. You can leave now. The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor¡¯s true body has already been slain. However, it¡¯s unclear what price the academy¡¯s cultivators paid to bring it down.¡± ¡°After all, a demon emperor nearing the end of its lifespan may seem weak, but it¡¯s precisely because it¡¯s on its last legs that it fights like it has nothing to lose¡ªdragging everyone down with it!¡± ¡°The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor is dead?¡± Lin Jing was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected the academy¡¯s powerhouses to act so quickly. ¡°They likely had some external assistance,¡± Shen Song speculated. ¡°Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t personally chase after it while protecting you. A demon emperor¡¯s body is a treasure trove¡ªespecially one as rare as a dragon demon emperor.¡± ¡°Still, even its Half-Divine Avatar wasn¡¯t bad. No wonder those two Demon-Slaying Bureau folks wanted to use you as bait¡ªit¡¯s truly satisfying!¡± Shen Song chuckled darkly. Demonic cultivation stages: Demon King: Nascent SoulDemon Emperor: Nascent Soul TransformationDemon Ancestor: Void ProfoundDemon Sovereign: Dao-Seeking The bloodline of a demon emperor was far superior to that of a demon king. And a dragon demon emperor like the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor, infamous for its savagery, was even more extraordinary. Back in Hidden Dragon City, the large-scale mobilization of academy powerhouses and the activation of the city¡¯s barrier formation had left many cultivators stunned. Such an event hadn¡¯t occurred in a long time, leading to widespread speculation about what had happened. Upon returning to the academy, Lin Jing was immediately summoned to a council chamber. At the head of the room sat an elderly man with a goatee. He appeared entirely ordinary, like a mortal without any distinct aura. Seated on either side of the hall were the four Nascent Soul Transformation experts Lin Jing had seen earlier. As for the elderly man at the head of the table... He was one of the three vice deans of Hidden Dragon Academy, and Lin Jing surmised that he was likely the one who had slain the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor. ¡°So, you are Lin Jing?¡± The goateed elder scrutinized Lin Jing and nodded slightly. ¡°A Longevity Body, huh? It¡¯s been a long time since one of your physique has appeared. No wonder the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor went mad trying to seize you.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve done a decent job keeping your abilities hidden. However, the Yin Corpse Sect already possesses information on your Longevity Body. From the memories we extracted from the demon emperor, it was they who leaked the intelligence.¡± ¡°Even though the demon emperor is dead, your Longevity Body¡¯s existence will likely be sold to others by the Yin Corpse Sect. Your life as a cultivator won¡¯t be easy from here on out.¡± Lin Jing forced a bitter smile. ¡°Still, you should thank the junior cultivators who helped slay the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor. As for what comes next, we¡¯ll take things one step at a time.¡± ¡°You needn¡¯t worry too much,¡± the vice dean said with a faint smile. ¡°Your guardian is quite extraordinary. To break through as a Wood Spirit to the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage in such a hostile era is no small feat. With it protecting you, your safety shouldn¡¯t be significantly compromised.¡± ¡°Additionally, this incident, where the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor exploited the academy¡¯s lapse in security, was the academy¡¯s fault. Going forward, we will strengthen Hidden Dragon City¡¯s defenses. As long as you remain in the city, such incidents shouldn¡¯t happen again.¡± After comforting Lin Jing, the academy powerhouses dismissed him. Once Lin Jing left, the atmosphere in the council chamber turned somber. One of the female Nascent Soul Transformation experts looked at the vice dean and said, ¡°Vice Dean, this is clearly an act of retaliation by the Yin Corpse Sect.¡± ¡°I know,¡± the goateed elder replied grimly. ¡°The Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s goal of refining a Celestial Corpse cannot be allowed to succeed.¡± ¡°If not for the recent demon-cleansing campaigns, we wouldn¡¯t have discovered that they possess the corpse of a celestial beast. If they successfully refine it into a corpse puppet, the consequences will be catastrophic.¡± ¡°Currently, most of the kingdom¡¯s powerhouses are focused on eradicating the Yin Corpse Sect. The fact that they resorted to luring a demon emperor to Hidden Dragon City shows that their situation is dire.¡± ¡°As for this Longevity Body¡­ There¡¯s no need for us to give it excessive attention,¡± the vice dean said with a shake of his head. While a Longevity Body in the Qi Refinement Stage was relatively easy to protect, its allure was limited unless a demon emperor was nearing the end of its lifespan. But as the Longevity Body grew stronger, it would attract far more dangerous threats, including demon sovereigns. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without a Dao-Seeking powerhouse as its guardian, Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation journey would inevitably be fraught with peril. Moreover, cultivating a Longevity Body was notoriously slow. Aside from smaller sects like the Beast Taming Sect, which lacked broader experience, most top-tier experts were unwilling to invest resources into nurturing one. The risks of it being consumed were simply too high. Even the vice dean had no intention of devoting himself to Lin Jing¡¯s protection. It was too difficult and exhausting. Success would ultimately depend on Lin Jing¡¯s own fortune. Back in his cave residence, Lin Jing suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to ask Shen Song for a pine cone. The earlier commotion had halted the Flame Dragon Carp¡¯s pill refining and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s farming. Both of them had been anxiously watching from the hilltop. Upon seeing Lin Jing return safely, they sighed in relief and hugged each other. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go make pills!¡± Lin Jing declared cheerfully, concealing the troubles from earlier. He dragged the two of them along and called for Shen Song, eager to begin refining the Longevity Foundation Pill. With Shen Song¡¯s Nascent Soul Transformation cultivation, its pine cone would surely be extraordinary. Incorporating it into the pill would produce unimaginable results¡ªespecially for the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Foundation Establishment! ¡°So, you want a pine cone?¡± Shen Song appeared, manifesting as a pine cone, and sighed. ¡°Fine, fine. It¡¯s about time for you to break through to Foundation Establishment. I¡¯ve been waiting long enough.¡± ¡°Senior, please grant us the pine cone and stand guard while we refine the pill,¡± Lin Jing requested. ¡°No rush.¡± Shen Song planted a small sapling near Lin Jing¡¯s cave. The sapling emitted a faint red glow, exuding a strange aura. ¡°This sapling contains my essence. It will grow a few Third-Grade Pine Cones. The higher-grade ones are beyond your ability to refine, but these will suffice.¡± ¡°It also functions like a Bloodsucking Vine. From now on, you¡¯ll need to water it with your blood,¡± Shen Song added. ¡°Understood!¡± Lin Jing replied decisively, glancing at the Pine Leaf Mouse. If it could achieve a perfect Foundation Establishment, everything would be worth it. ¡°Senior, with this, will the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline surpass King-tier and reach Emperor-tier?¡± Lin Jing asked hopefully. ¡°Impossible,¡± Shen Song replied bluntly. ¡°It might surpass the Flame Dragon Carp¡¯s bloodline and approach the current level of the Ice Soul Gu, but only the Ice Soul Gu has the potential to evolve to Emperor-tier during Foundation Establishment. The other two simply lack the innate talent.¡± Book 2: Chapter 45: Refining Vol 2 Chapter 45: Refining "Even among King-tier bloodlines, there are varying levels of quality." "Take the few Demon Kings of your Beast Taming Sect, for example. If they were to produce offspring with inherited bloodlines, at best, those offspring would have an ordinary Demon Lord''s bloodline. Their bloodlines are too diluted. When faced with geniuses raised by major factions, like those with the Heavenly God Physique or the Talisman Physique, they¡¯d only end up being suppressed." "One step above that would be the offspring of more powerful Demon Kings, such as the descendants of dragons and phoenixes." "As for your Dragon Carp, although it is not an inheritor of the Dragon Clan''s Demon King bloodline, its atavistic mutation grants it extraordinary potential. Coupled with the nourishment of your Longevity Blood and the fortune accumulated through your mastery of the Hidden Dragon Arts, most of which has been dedicated to nurturing it, its bloodline potential now ranks in the second tier of King-tier bloodlines." "As for the pinnacle of King-tier bloodlines, those belong to primordial creatures capable of devouring dragons and phoenixes. Even if their bloodlines have thinned over eons, reducing them to the King-tier, they can still suppress dragons and phoenixes of the same tier, making them supreme Demon Kings." "The Ice Soul Gu refined by the Gu God Sect falls into this category. Although its bloodline is currently at the King-tier due to its recent birth, given time, its bloodline will naturally evolve. This is why most people cannot control the ten rare Gu." "This is why I said it has the greatest potential to achieve Emperor-tier bloodline status. With its current foundation at the peak of the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement, it could evolve into a Gu Emperor upon reaching Foundation Establishment. Even without such a strong foundation, its evolution to the Emperor-tier is only a matter of time." Lin Jing listened carefully and glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse and Dragon Carp. As expected, a Demon Emperor bloodline was exceedingly rare. He further realized the immense strength of the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor. Even possessing a Demon Emperor bloodline only meant the potential to become a Demon Emperor. Yet here stood a truly powerful Demon Emperor, slain by Senior Pine! "Enough thinking. Time to plant trees and refine pills!" Activating the sealing formation of his cave dwelling, he signaled to others not to disturb him during his seclusion. The barrier would also prevent any spirit beasts within the academy from being attracted by the Longevity Blood he was using to water the saplings. While Lin Jing secluded himself for pill refinement, cultivators from various factions began investigating the cause of the changes in Hidden Dragon City. However, the academy wanted to keep the fact that a Demon Emperor had nearly succeeded in assassinating one of its geniuses under wraps, forcing the matter to be downplayed. Still, some individuals managed to uncover the truth. "Brother Lin, you''re incredible." Gao Sheng stood outside the closed mountain-protecting formation, having already heard the story from Zhang Hu. What shocked him most wasn''t that Lin Jing had been chased to Hidden Dragon City by a Demon Emperor but that Lin Jing had a Nascent Soul protector! Even Gao Sheng''s own Nascent Soul-level grandfather had refused to act as his guardian. His family hadn¡¯t even assigned him a Golden Core protector, only giving him a few life-saving treasures and a pile of Spirit Stones! Compared to Lin Jing, Gao Sheng suddenly felt his own treatment wasn¡¯t even worth mentioning. Then again, as a self-admitted wastrel, he hardly needed a guardian since no one would bother targeting him. "Faced with such a major event, Brother Lin immediately went into seclusion. He must be feeling a lot of pressure. Mortals do have their advantages," Gao Sheng muttered as he shook his head and left after finding that Lin Jing wasn¡¯t available. To him, Lin Jing must have panicked and was rushing to improve his strength. By contrast, Gao Sheng realized that his lack of talent was something of a blessing¡ªno one coveted his life as they would those with special physiques like the Longevity Body. Gao Sheng mounted a majestic Dragon Horse and set off to find Xu Zhizhi. With Lin Jing in seclusion, Gao Sheng felt it was his responsibility to maintain order in the Dragon Palace. As the Dragon Horse soared through the air, Gao Sheng speculated aloud, "Brother Lin''s protector slew a Dragon Clan Demon Emperor. That Dragon Blood should definitely be used to refine some top-tier Rising Dragon Pills. When Brother Lin emerges, I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be time to distribute pills. Whether he can advance his bloodline to the Demon King tier depends on your performance during this time." Gao Sheng patted the white horse. "Off we go. Get to work!" "Master is wise!" The Dragon Horse was stunned. While it was actually information provided by the Demon-Slaying Bureau, for Gao Sheng to connect the dots with his pig-brain was a miracle. The Dragon Horse couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased. Back at Lin Jing¡¯s cave, he continued watering the saplings daily with his Longevity Blood. The saplings thrived and didn¡¯t take long to grow under the nourishment. Thanks to the perfected Longevity Art and Senior Pine¡¯s assistance, the saplings bore fruit much sooner than expected. Within days, nine golden-green pinecones were produced, delighting Lin Jing. Standing before the sapling, Lin Jing cradled the divine fruits and asked, "Senior Pine, what effects do the seeds within these pinecones have?" "What do you expect? Longevity and vitality, that¡¯s it," Senior Pine replied dismissively. "That¡¯s all I need. Let¡¯s try refining pills!" Lin Jing nodded. Despite Senior Pine¡¯s terse response, the fruits were precisely what he needed to enhance the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s longevity and vitality. He collected the pinecones and, noticing the now barren sapling, summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse. "With nine pinecones, we have nine chances to refine pills. Surely we¡¯ll succeed at least once. The tree is no longer useful; you can absorb its energy with the Longevity Art," Lin Jing said, stroking the Pine Leaf Mouse. The Pine Leaf Mouse''s bright eyes sparkled as it eagerly eyed the sapling. But before it could act, Senior Pine intervened, reclaiming the sapling. "Your mastery of the Longevity Art has reached a minor level. This sapling holds no value for you; its nutrients are all in the pinecones." "Ah!" The Pine Leaf Mouse protested. While they argued, Lin Jing entered the cave and examined one of the pinecones. Preparing to refine pills, he first called for the Dragon Carp. The Dragon Carp leaped from the Hundred Beast Cauldron at Lin Jing¡¯s arrival, its gaze sharp with anticipation. It was finally time. The Dragon Carp had waited for this day, knowing that after the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Longevity Foundation Pill was completed, Lin Jing would use it, alongside a Rising Dragon Pill, as the basis for developing the Transforming Dragon Foundation Pill. In other words, the Pine Leaf Mouse was merely its test subject. When it underwent its Foundation Establishment to transform into a dragon, it would surpass all. As a proud member of the Dragon Clan, the Dragon Carp refused to remain the weakest among Lin Jing¡¯s companions. "With all the materials ready, let¡¯s begin." Lin Jing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stared at the Hundred Beast Cauldron. Taking a deep breath, he retrieved the nine materials required to refine the Longevity Foundation Pill and prepared them one by one. With a wave of his arm, a ripple of spiritual energy flashed around his storage bag. The first bottle: Longevity Blood.The second bottle: Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid.The third item: Five-hundred-year-old Spirit Ginseng.The fourth item: Parasitic Grass.The fifth item: Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s life-bound Red Leaf.The sixth to ninth items, culminating with the Divine Pine Pinecone! ¡°Begin refinement. I¡¯ll control the flame¡¯s temperature,¡± Lin Jing said. With that, the Hundred Beast Cauldron was enveloped in flames. Dragon flames surged as the Dragon Carp exhaled fire, and Lin Jing carefully added the Spirit Ginseng to begin extracting its essence using the fire refinement technique. The Spirit Ginseng... the Parasitic Grass... the life-bound Red Leaf... Lin Jing¡¯s hand formed seals as he concentrated, merging his spirit with the flames. He meticulously extracted the essence of each material, removing impurities and residues. Even when faced with the most challenging material, the Divine Pine Pinecone, there were no mishaps. All the materials¡¯ essences were flawlessly refined and arranged in separate containers. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Lin Jing noted that essence extraction was the simplest step in pill refinement. He had already used the fortune accumulated through the Hidden Dragon Arts to enhance his alchemy skills and the Dragon Carp¡¯s potential. If he had failed at this stage, there would be no point in continuing. ¡°Now for the blending and ratio adjustments!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s gaze fell on the prepared essences. This step required mixing the refined powders or liquid essences in precise proportions according to the pill recipe. Since this was a newly created formula, Lin Jing relied on the experiences of past alchemists for a general guideline. Swiftly, he combined the nine components into a fist-sized medicinal paste. The most critical step followed¡ªLin Jing threw the paste into the cauldron and began the final fusion process. Using high heat, he needed to ensure the materials blended thoroughly and took shape as a pill. ¡°Fire Dragon Spits the Pearl!¡± Within the cauldron, the leaping flames transformed into a dragon, devouring the materials. The fiery dragon¡¯s head compressed and fused the materials with lifelike movements. This technique, Fire Dragon Spits the Pearl, was among the most suitable methods for dragon-based beast flames, learned from the pill manuals in the Scripture Pavilion. It was a composite third-grade fire control method, combining multiple lower-level techniques into a versatile approach capable of handling various situations. Outside the cave, the Pine Leaf Mouse and Senior Pine had been arguing for an entire day without resolution. Suddenly, a loud "BOOM" echoed from within the cave, drawing their attention. ¡°Heh,¡± Senior Pine chuckled. ¡°It seems the first attempt failed and the cauldron exploded.¡± Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp emerged from the cave, their bodies covered in scorch marks. ¡°There was an issue with the blending ratio during refinement,¡± Lin Jing admitted, distressed over the wasted materials but resigned to the outcome. For a self-created pill formula, success on the first try was nearly impossible. Unfazed, Lin Jing prepared to try again. Over the following days, Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp repeatedly attempted the refinement. Explosions frequently echoed from the cave as they failed and made improvements, refining their techniques with each iteration. The Pine Leaf Mouse stood anxiously outside the cave. Watching Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp emerge injured time and again, it couldn¡¯t help but think about simply attempting a normal Foundation Establishment breakthrough. Given its current state, achieving Foundation Establishment directly wouldn¡¯t be difficult. But it also understood that Lin Jing was aiming for perfection. He wanted to use the Longevity Foundation Pill to elevate its bloodline to new heights. For this goal, they had labored for over three years. Success was now within reach, and giving up was not an option. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Pine Leaf Mouse prayed that Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp would succeed soon and that the pill would help it achieve a transformative breakthrough. A month passed. Dragon roars occasionally echoed from the cave, though they were often followed by explosions. Meanwhile, the Pine Leaf Mouse tried to trade its strange mutant spirit plants with Senior Pine in exchange for treasures. Unfortunately, most of the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s one-grade mutant plants were only useful during the Qi Refinement stage, making them almost entirely worthless to both Senior Pine and itself. ¡°You¡¯ve hoarded all this junk and still expect treasures from me? Dream on,¡± Senior Pine scoffed. Suddenly, a rich medicinal aroma wafted from the cave. ¡°The seventh attempt... is it finally successful?¡± ¡°Hahaha...¡± Lin Jing¡¯s laughter echoed from the cave, a mix of relief and lingering bitterness. Senior Pine couldn¡¯t help but remark, ¡°This boy does have some talent.¡± ¡°Senior Pine, the pill is complete!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Please evaluate the results, Senior!¡± Book 2: Chapter 46: The Pine Leaf Mouses Foundation Establishment Vol 2 Chapter 46: The Pine Leaf Mouse''s Foundation Establishment After countless trials, Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp finally succeeded in refining the Longevity Foundation Pill! However, due to its complex recipe and the rarity of its ingredients, not to mention its tailored design, finding a test subject for the pill was impossible. The pill was uniquely crafted for the Pine Leaf Mouse¡ªwhere else could one find another Pine Leaf Mouse with a life-bound Red Leaf? Thus, only Senior Pine, a Nascent Soul-level entity of the plant world, could evaluate the pill''s quality. Not by consuming it, of course, but by examining it with its profound cultivation and understanding of botanical properties. "Let me see." Lin Jing emerged from his cave, his face radiant with satisfaction. Behind him, the Dragon Carp lay motionless inside the cauldron, completely exhausted. Lin Jing himself was drained but determined to witness the Pine Leaf Mouse''s evolution. The Longevity Foundation Pill, the size of a sugar pellet, was jet-black in color. Senior Pine examined it, its silence weighing heavily on the group. ¡°Minimal toxicity, almost negligible.¡± ¡°The scent alone could extend a mortal¡¯s lifespan by a hundred years.¡± ¡°Perfectly balanced medicinal properties¡ªseamless, natural.¡± ¡°It¡¯s undeniably an exceptional Foundation Establishment Pill, though the color is rather unappealing¡ªit looks like a poison pill.¡± ¡°Appearance doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Lin Jing said with a laugh. ¡°The pill¡¯s color is determined by its ingredients. The complex materials must¡¯ve caused this shade. As long as the pill works, that¡¯s all that matters, right, Pine Leaf Mouse?¡± Lin Jing turned expectantly to the Pine Leaf Mouse. After nearly five years of cultivation, it was finally time for Foundation Establishment. For a Beast Tamer, the advancement of their spirit beast was as significant as their own breakthrough. The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated, staring at the ominous-looking pill. However, it nodded resolutely, unwilling to let Lin Jing¡¯s months of effort go to waste. ¡°Senior Pine will safeguard you; there¡¯s no need to worry,¡± Lin Jing reassured it, tossing the pill into its paws. The Pine Leaf Mouse caught the Longevity Foundation Pill, its tiny hands trembling slightly. Although it trusted Lin Jing and the Dragon Carp, the black color of the pill was unsettling. With a gulp, it swallowed its fears. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse let out a determined cry. Its preparation was perfect¡ªit had been resting and storing energy for this moment. With a deep breath, it tossed off its little robe, which fluttered onto a tree branch outside the cave, and swallowed the pill in one swift motion. The world seemed to pause. The wind ceased, and time itself felt frozen. Even Senior Pine watched silently as the Pine Leaf Mouse sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation. ¡°It will succeed,¡± Lin Jing whispered, though his clenched fists betrayed his nervousness. With a resounding boom, the Longevity Foundation Pill¡¯s immense medicinal power activated. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body began to transform as the pill compressed its Everlasting Emperor¡¯s True Energy. Waves of qi burst forth, forming spiraling vortices that surged into the heavens. Leaves and grass trembled across the mountain. The tyrannical true energy compressed into a radiant green meteor, coalescing within the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body. Its inner world seemed to be reborn¡ªa vast expanse of spiritual mist filled the air, and raindrops formed from the mist, merging into glowing white lakes. These spirit rains nurtured the nascent world, integrating with every corner, initiating the crucial transformation of Qi into True Essence. It was the hallmark of Foundation Establishment, where True Qi condensed into True Essence within the spiritual sea. Through their bloodline contract, Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness projected into the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s inner world. He witnessed the birth of a spiritual sea, its waters rising from one foot to a hundred, then a thousand feet, expanding into an unfathomable depth. It was as if Lin Jing had entered an entirely new realm, his senses absorbed and overwhelmed. ¡°Foundation Establishment involves the liquefaction of true qi into true essence, forming a spiritual sea. The body undergoes a complete transformation, and spiritual awareness evolves into divine sense, allowing one to perceive their surroundings with a thought.¡± ¡°The depth of the spiritual sea corresponds to the range of divine sense,¡± Senior Pine explained. ¡°For most at the early Foundation Establishment stage, divine sense extends about a hundred feet. Exceptions occur based on bloodline, talent, and cultivation method. Some far exceed this range.¡± Lin Jing''s awareness sank deeper into the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s spiritual sea¡ª1,000 feet, 1,500 feet, 2,000 feet. It seemed endless. Outside, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s divine sense expanded rapidly, unconsciously spreading to cover the entire mountain. ¡°At this rate, its strength rivals the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and even approaches the late stage!¡± ¡°And this... is only the result of a normal breakthrough for a Qi Refining Tenth Stage Pine Leaf Mouse cultivating the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art,¡± Senior Pine remarked. Meanwhile, the Longevity Foundation Pill began to take effect. Golden-green light enveloped the Pine Leaf Mouse as its inner spiritual rain transformed into gold-green botanical essence. The entire spiritual sea changed color under this miraculous rain, triggering another round of bodily purification. Boom! With a blinding explosion of light, an immense aura burst forth from the Pine Leaf Mouse, signaling a leap in its bloodline. Its transformation was accompanied by a terrifying pressure that jolted the Dragon Carp awake. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Dragon Carp darted outside the cave, perching atop a nearby peak to witness the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s evolution. Its bloodline trembled as it watched, knowing instinctively that its companion¡¯s life essence was undergoing a metamorphosis far beyond its understanding. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s form was obscured by radiant spiritual light. Even Senior Pine could only vaguely sense that the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline mutation was elevating its life essence to an entirely new level, the direction of which remained unfathomable. Though its final form was still uncertain, one thing was clear¡ªits divine sense had reached a level of near monstrosity. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s divine sense expanded: 200 meters¡­ 300 meters¡­ eventually reaching 1,000 meters¡ªa range typically reserved for those at the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment. But the mouse¡¯s limits were nowhere near this. Its divine sense continued to grow, surpassing 1,100 meters, then 1,500 meters, and finally exploding outward to an incredible 2,000 meters. Even Senior Pine was left awestruck. Such an extraordinary divine sense was far beyond the scope of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators. Only those Golden Core aspirants who artificially simulated a core¡ªa "pseudo-core cultivator"¡ªmight achieve such strength. "With divine sense this powerful, it will hold a massive advantage in combat," Senior Pine mused. "This must be a result of its frequent use of rare beast abilities and its reliance on spiritual control, which has built an extraordinarily strong foundation." At last, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s divine sense stopped expanding at the 2,000-meter mark. Simultaneously, the radiant light of its bloodline evolution began to fade. Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness returned to his own body, and he stared in disbelief as the Pine Leaf Mouse slowly rose and opened its eyes. Its clover-like pupils spun wildly, emitting an aura of terrifying power. This was no ordinary Foundation Establishment beast. Yet what left Lin Jing even more stunned was its appearance. While the Pine Leaf Mouse retained its squirrel-like form, with its soft, glossy brown fur, it now looked more like a fusion of animal and plant life. Its triangular ears had transformed into ruby-red leaves, and its bushy tail now resembled a large maple leaf. The name "Maple Leaf Mouse" seemed far more fitting now. The once fragile creature now exuded immense strength. Its body radiated power, and its tail, with leaf-like blades, was sharper than any weapon. Lin Jing couldn¡¯t help but feel that even Yuan Jing¡¯s Demon-Slaying Sword, imbued with sword intent, was less fearsome than the mouse¡¯s newly transformed body. "The life-bound Red Leaf has truly become part of its form," Lin Jing marveled. "And this strength... It has just reached Foundation Establishment but could already challenge the peak of this realm. This is the mark of an Unmatched Demon King Bloodline!" "My Longevity Blood, infused into the Divine Pine Pinecone, has also granted it unparalleled vitality. Its lifespan now..." Senior Pine suddenly froze, its eyes widening. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s evolution wasn¡¯t finished yet. As the light in its Glazed Immortal Eyes rotated, a tree-like substance began to grow across its body. This substance radiated immense life force, forming the image of a divine tree around the mouse. BOOM! In an instant, the Pine Leaf Mouse vanished, replaced by a towering colossus over thirty meters tall, its entire form composed of wood. The Squirrel Colossus maintained the mouse¡¯s basic appearance, but its body was now like a mountain, bristling with branches laden with countless pinecones. It was as if the mouse itself had become a divine tree spanning heaven and earth. "This is impossible!" Senior Pine exclaimed, aghast. "It didn¡¯t just integrate its Red Leaf¡ªit''s also fully assimilated my pinecones into its being!" Senior Pine struggled to comprehend. As a plant-Nascent Soul cultivator, it had expected the Red Leaf¡¯s integration, but its own power being refined and absorbed by the mouse was beyond belief. According to Lin Jing¡¯s theories, the pinecones were only meant to provide energy for Foundation Establishment. "Is this the power of its eyes?" As the Glazed Immortal Eyes glowed brighter, the pinecones on the colossus began to vanish, converging into the mouse¡¯s forehead. A golden pinecone emerged, resembling a third eye embedded in its brow, exuding an extraordinary and divine aura. BOOM! The colossus emitted a wave of terrifying energy. The vegetation across the mountain began to wither, their life force siphoned into the giant form. Even Senior Pine felt its vitality threatened by this devouring force. The gathered life essence temporarily elevated the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline, producing an overwhelming pressure that caused the Dragon Carp¡ªbarely awakened¡ªto faint once more. "This... this is the True Form of a Demon King!" Senior Pine shouted, finally understanding the phenomenon before it. "What is a Demon King¡¯s True Form?" Lin Jing asked, stunned by the transformation. He could sense the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s unconscious state as it adapted to its bloodline¡¯s evolution, but this new form was entirely unexpected. Senior Pine took a deep breath and explained: "For human cultivators, once they reach the Nascent Soul stage, they can manifest a Nascent Soul Avatar to enhance the power of their techniques. A Demon King¡¯s True Form is a similar ability. However, unlike the Nascent Soul Avatar, which any Nascent Soul cultivator can achieve, the True Form is an innate racial gift. Only the most exalted Demon Kings possess it. It¡¯s a rare transformation even more coveted than the so-called divine physiques of your human race." "In this state, the bloodline enhancement is immense. A Demon King in its True Form could force even Half-Divines to retreat. The bloodline strength in this state rivals that of Emperor-tier bloodlines!" "Even more remarkable is that this racial gift evolves with cultivation, potentially advancing to a Demon Emperor¡¯s True Form or even a Demon Sovereign¡¯s True Form." Senior Pine murmured, "But a Demon King¡¯s True Form is typically innate. I¡¯ve never heard of it being acquired postnatally. Could this be because it¡¯s a rare beast? Regardless, this single Pine Leaf Mouse, at the early Foundation Establishment stage, could now dominate most so-called geniuses on the Genius Rankings." "With its unmatched Demon King Bloodline and the Demon King¡¯s True Form, even a Demon Emperor Bloodline would struggle against it!" At that moment, completely absorbed in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s transformation, Lin Jing failed to notice that his own cultivation had quietly advanced to the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement. The spiritual energy feedback from the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s evolution had even pushed him close to the Twelfth Stage¡ªa feat yet to be influenced by the still-unbroken Ice Soul Gu in his body! Book 2: Chapter 47: Venturing Deeper Down the Path of Demon Cultivation Vol 2 Chapter 47: Venturing Deeper Down the Path of Demon Cultivation The Autumn Hunt. One of the few events held at Hidden Dragon Academy beyond regular classes. Scheduled three to four years after the entry of new students, the event was fast approaching for the current cohort. Talents eager to participate in the Autumn Hunt had begun procuring pills, artifacts, and various aids. The event had no rules or restrictions¡ªparticipants could wield any power they could control. Pills, treasures, puppets, mechanisms, and spirit beasts were all permissible. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, as the hunt was primarily a stage for fame and lacked rankings or extravagant rewards, no one relied on external forces such as Nascent Soul-level Demon Kings to gain an advantage. Such a display would be ridiculed, as it was obvious to both the instructors and the world that the power didn¡¯t belong to the participant. Nevertheless, using one¡¯s personal spirit beasts or mounts was not only accepted but encouraged, as beast taming was a respected cultivation path. This year, the Dragon Palace faction decided to participate with their spirit beasts in tow. ¡°Is Lin Jing still in seclusion? Is he preparing for Foundation Establishment?¡± Xu Zhizhi, the temporary leader of the Dragon Palace, stood outside Lin Jing¡¯s mountain residence, gazing at the still-active protective formation. Although Lin Jing¡¯s participation wasn¡¯t essential for the Autumn Hunt, his presence carried symbolic weight. The Dragon Palace¡¯s first group venture without their leader would lack its intended impact. As Xu Zhizhi turned to leave, the mountain¡¯s formation suddenly dissipated with a low hum. The overwhelming divine sense that emanated from within froze her in place. A chilling aura gripped her heart, leaving her drenched in cold sweat before it vanished just as quickly. Moments later, Lin Jing emerged from the mountain, followed by the Pine Leaf Mouse perched on his shoulder. "Brother Lin¡­ was that your spirit beast?" Xu Zhizhi exhaled deeply. Despite the mouse¡¯s unchanged appearance, she was certain that the terrifying aura had emanated from it. The Pine Leaf Mouse had advanced. Even before its breakthrough, its aura had been oppressive enough to make Xu Zhizhi, an experienced cultivator, feel like prey caught in a hunter''s gaze. Now, its bloodline had grown even stronger. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, but yes, I¡¯ll participate,¡± Lin Jing confirmed with a smile. He glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse on his shoulder, its newfound strength reassuring him. With its current capabilities, only those in the top ten of the Genius Rankings could pose a significant threat. ¡°Excellent!¡± Xu Zhizhi beamed. ¡°Your participation will bolster the Dragon Palace¡¯s collective strength, allowing us to secure more resources during the hunt.¡± After Xu Zhizhi left, Lin Jing turned to the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°You don¡¯t look as excited as I expected. What¡¯s wrong?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse scratched its head, clearly conflicted. While it was thrilled by its newfound power, it couldn¡¯t shake the strange feeling of kinship it now felt toward Senior Pine, almost as if it were looking at a parent. ¡°The Longevity Foundation Pill contained Senior Pine¡¯s bloodline power. It¡¯s natural for you to feel this way,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°Senior Pine has been like a parental figure to us. When its time comes, you should care for it in its old age.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse clenched its tiny fists and nodded solemnly. ¡°Squeak!¡± Even though Senior Pine had refused to let it absorb the sapling, the mouse resolved to repay the elder¡¯s kindness, especially for the pinecones. ¡°Bah! Who¡¯s taking care of who is yet to be decided!¡± Senior Pine¡¯s voice rang out from the mountain. ¡°I hope you lot are still alive when we meet again in a hundred years.¡± Afterward, Lin Jing returned to his mountain to test the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s improved abilities. Before its breakthrough, the mouse could only synthesize first-tier spiritual and malignant plants. Now, as a Foundation Establishment beast, it should be capable of creating second-tier plants. Lin Jing pulled out a batch of Bloodsucking Vines from his Suspended Gourd. These had been cultivated by the Pine Leaf Mouse over the past few years. The mouse leaped down from Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder, its confidence evident. Its Glazed Immortal Eyes activated, the clover-like symbol spinning wildly as golden-green light bathed the vines. The Bloodsucking Vines withered under the light, condensing into a small bundle of blood-red tendrils. ¡°Success!¡± Lin Jing exclaimed. Through its Glazed Immortal Eyes, the Pine Leaf Mouse communicated the properties of the new plant to Lin Jing: [A blood-infused vine that can absorb the blood of beasts with a rank no higher than its own, condensing the blood into a corresponding Blood Beast.] The Pine Leaf Mouse: !? Lin Jing: ?! They both stared at the tendrils in stunned silence. ¡°This¡­ this is basically demonic cultivation,¡± Lin Jing muttered, bewildered. The Pine Leaf Mouse tilted its head, as if to say, "You wanted second-tier plants, didn¡¯t you?" Book 2: Chapter 48: The Autumn Hunt Begins! Vol 2 Chapter 48: The Autumn Hunt Begins! Lin Jing silently retrieved a vial of beast blood from his storage pouch and poured it onto the Blood Devil Vine. This beast blood came from a Foundation Establishment Flood Dragon. As the vine absorbed the dragon¡¯s blood, it began to transform. Moments later, faint bloody shadows appeared around it, and the vine disappeared, replaced by a massive Blood Flood Dragon, soaring into the sky. ¡°Roar!!!¡± The dragon¡¯s power was extraordinary, emanating an oppressive aura close to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, despite the beast blood being far from pure. Its ferocious crimson eyes locked onto Lin Jing, and it lashed out with savage blood claws! Seeing this, Lin Jing raised his arm. Buddha''s light radiated from his body as his hand moved to grab the dragon. A colossal golden Buddha Palm manifested in midair and seized the Blood Dragon firmly. Diamond Palm. The Blood Dragon shattered under the palm¡¯s might, disintegrating entirely. The vine, now drained of power, fell lifelessly to the ground, its ferocity gone. The combination of Lin Jing''s Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement and Buddhist techniques easily subdued this unorthodox creation. ¡°After the vine absorbs blood and transforms into a Blood Demon Beast, you can¡¯t control it?¡± Lin Jing asked the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Squeak!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse squeaked, suggesting it be controllable. ¡°? You just watched it attack me!¡± Lin Jing retorted irritably. ¡°This thing¡¯s too dumb. It doesn¡¯t seem to have much potential on the market. Plus, it¡¯s too similar to blood demon techniques. At best, it might pair well with that Ghostfire Pepper.¡± From the void came the mischievous laughter of the Pinecone, clearly amused by the vine¡¯s antics. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse resumed their experiments, testing whether Glazed Immortal Eyes could further synthesize materials post-Foundation Establishment. However, every attempt ended in failure. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They also tried synthesizing non-plant resources, which similarly failed. ¡°Maybe it really is tied to the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s attributes¡­¡± Lin Jing speculated. The Pine Leaf Mouse currently possessed wood-based attributes. If it could cultivate metal, water, fire, and earth attributes in addition to wood, would it then be able to synthesize items of corresponding properties? ¡°There¡¯s no rush. Let¡¯s wait and see if it can master the Five Elemental Forces in the future. Using wood as the foundation, the five elements could give rise to each other, culminating in a Five-Element Monster Core, which might evolve the Glazed Immortal Eyes even further.¡± The Glazed Immortal Eyes were the key to the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s strength. After planning out the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s cultivation path, Lin Jing suddenly thought of something. ¡°What about the Dragon Carp? Still not awake?¡± ¡°It must be exhausted. It can rest at home during the Autumn Hunt; it¡¯s unlikely we¡¯ll miss any major opportunities.¡± Two days later. The Autumn Hunt of Hidden Dragon Academy officially began. ¡°All students participating in the Autumn Hunt, proceed to the Transmission Mountain to prepare for teleportation to the Lin Jing Mountain Range!¡± A commanding voice echoed across the academy. Moments later, streaks of light flew out from various peaks. Young cultivators, some riding demonic beasts, others flying on swords or clouds, descended toward Transmission Mountain. One of the academy¡¯s front mountains, Transmission Mountain, was now enveloped in a vast light barrier. Junior cultivators had constructed a teleportation array, preparing to send the academy¡¯s prodigies to the hunt¡¯s location. ¡°The Cangmang Mountain Range¡­ Where is that?¡± Soon, over two hundred Foundation Establishment talents from various forces across the Nine Domains gathered near the array. Most knew little about this so-called Cangmang Mountain Range. ¡°It¡¯s a perilous area on the border of the Ancient Domain, teeming with fierce beasts. However, for us, it¡¯s not overly dangerous¡ªthere are hardly any great demons there. It seems the location was chosen purely for the event.¡± ¡°I wonder what rare beasts the academy brought from beyond the Ancient Celestial Kingdom this time! Those exotic creatures are the real prizes!¡± The participants buzzed with excitement. Rare beasts from foreign lands were more valuable than local ones, their materials fetching prices ten or even a hundred times higher. Even though many of these prodigies came from affluent backgrounds, no one objected to gaining more resources. The rare materials from such beasts could significantly aid their cultivation. Lin Jing, clad in white with a gourd hanging from his waist, descended quietly among the crowd. Among the two hundred-plus participants, most were strangers to him. However, several older students exuded powerful auras, and a few even seemed threatening. ¡°Ninety-eighth on the Genius Rankings, sixty-sixth, thirty-first¡­¡± Lin Jing recognized a few renowned prodigies. He also spotted Liu Yu, whom he had briefly met before, and Chu Ren of the Chu family, who had previously sought to purchase the Rising Dragon Pill formula. Both glanced at Lin Jing, their expressions calm and unreadable. However, the most striking figure in the crowd was a silver-armored youth accompanied by a Battle Tiger. Both exuded overwhelming power, causing even some seasoned students to look wary. ¡°No doubt about it¡ªthat¡¯s a Battle Tiger with Demon King Bloodline! And its forehead bears dragon scales¡ªcould it also have dragon blood? The Wang Family¡¯s Heavenly God Physique¡­ Could it be¡­¡± Indeed, the silver-armored youth was Wang Xiao, who had vanished after his confrontation with Lin Jing¡¯s Dragon Carp months ago. Now he had returned with a king-level battle pet! Wang Xiao gave Lin Jing a taunting glance, leaving Lin Jing speechless. This guy¡­ had raised a king-blooded battle beast. Lin Jing doubted it was solely the Rising Dragon Pill¡¯s doing; the Battle Tiger¡¯s bloodline was likely already near king-level and had been enhanced with dragon blood before being nurtured by Wang Xiao¡¯s fortune. ¡°With a Heavenly God Physique and a king-blooded battle beast, even with Wang Xiao¡¯s current cultivation, senior students might avoid crossing him,¡± Lin Jing mused, his expression calm. He didn¡¯t consider Wang Xiao a threat. ¡°Palace Master.¡± Moments later, Xu Zhizhi approached Lin Jing with the Dragon Palace group. The Autumn Hunt had no strict rules, so students could form teams for hunting. Those with organized groups held a clear advantage when vying for rare spirit beasts. In public, Xu Zhizhi addressed Lin Jing respectfully as ¡°Palace Master,¡± instantly elevating Lin Jing¡¯s status among the students. Lin Jing acknowledged Xu Zhizhi, Gao Sheng, Ziling¡¯er, and Yuan Jing with a slight nod. This scene amused many senior Foundation Establishment students. A group of Foundation Establishment cultivators calling a Qi Refinement cultivator ¡°Palace Master¡± seemed absurdly comical. ¡°Once the hunt starts, let¡¯s give them some ¡®special care,¡¯¡± the seniors whispered among themselves. As the group gathered, a woman clad in a magnificent imperial palace gown appeared in the sky, radiating authority. Upon seeing her, the students saluted immediately. Lin Jing recognized her¡ªone of the Nascent Soul Realm guardians of the academy. ¡°The Autumn Hunt begins now. Enter the teleportation array,¡± she announced softly, her voice graceful yet commanding. ¡°The Cangmang Mountain Range will be monitored by academy instructors and Tianji Pavilion cultivators. Seize this opportunity.¡± The mention of Tianji Pavilion caught everyone¡¯s attention. Known for its ability to divine secrets, the pavilion produced the Genius Rankings and Physique Rankings. It was one of the few non-official forces capable of disseminating information across the entire Ancient Kingdom instantaneously, with widespread credibility. Hearing this, Lin Jing stepped into the glowing barrier. Meanwhile, in a distant region of the Celestial Domain, a young girl gazing at a star chart noticed a sudden celestial shift. ¡°Master, it¡¯s the sign of the Dragon Devourer! In the Ancient Domain, a wild prodigy is about to defeat a Genius Rankings cultivator! Should I observe further?¡± she exclaimed. Book 2: Chapter 49: Tianji Pavilion Vol 2 Chapter 49: Tianji Pavilion ¡°Further observation? With your current cultivation, attempting to spy on such a prodigy will only bring backlash,¡± the old man said coldly. ¡°The Ancient Domain¡­ That¡¯s where Hidden Dragon Academy is hosting its Autumn Trials. After every trial, the Genius Rankings shift¡ªit¡¯s normal. Your senior brother Huihua has already gone to the Ancient Domain in person.¡± A white-haired, white-bearded elder emerged from the depths of the pavilion, his gaze fixed on the celestial patterns on the star chart. He paused, visibly surprised. ¡°A true ¡®wild genius,¡¯ with almost no ties to sect fortune¡­ Could they be the disciple of a powerful rogue cultivator?¡± Strangely, the aura of their fortune was tinged with black. Could they be an infiltrator from a demonic sect? Should we inform Hidden Dragon Academy?¡± ¡°Master, I¡¯ll notify them!¡± the young girl said eagerly. ¡°Disciples of the Tianji Pavilion must endure fifty years of astrology and thirty years of divination training¡ªa total of eighty years of painstaking cultivation¡ªbefore they can venture into the world. You¡¯re far from ready,¡± the elder replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. The Cangmang Mountain Range stretched endlessly into the horizon. In the sky above, many powerful figures hovered, their divine senses enveloping the terrain below. Among them were cultivators from both the academy and Tianji Pavilion. Tianji Pavilion cultivators, skilled in divining secrets, could perceive many things: whose fortune was about to wane, whose destiny was about to rise. However, as the saying goes, ¡°Heaven¡¯s secrets must not be revealed lightly.¡± Even Tianji Pavilion cultivators would only observe initial signs or omens unless there were substantial benefits at stake. They often chose to witness events personally to verify their interpretations, gaining deeper insights if their predictions matched reality. Tian Huihua, a disciple of Tianji Pavilion, was the pavilion¡¯s sole representative at the Autumn Trials. The true disciples of the pavilion were few; its secret arts required exceptional talent, and the core members of Tianji Pavilion had never exceeded ten. Most others associated with the pavilion were guest cultivators who had benefited from its insights. Though Huihua was only at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection stage, the academy¡¯s instructors treated him with great respect. After all, as a disciple of the pavilion, he could easily summon a Nascent Soul guest cultivator from Tianji Pavilion to intervene when necessary. ¡°I foresee that a prodigious rogue cultivator, unaffiliated with any sect, will experience a dramatic shift in fortune and ascend the Genius Rankings,¡± Huihua said, his gaze fixed on the mountain range below, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°An unaffiliated genius?¡± The academy instructors were delighted. A new addition to the Genius Rankings was always cause for celebration. The fact that this individual was a rogue cultivator made it even more thrilling. Such prodigies, unbound by sect ties, were especially valued by the academy¡¯s teachers. Unlike those from established sects, rogue cultivators could be more easily recruited into the academy, free from the complications of sect politics. ¡°Let¡¯s see who it is,¡± mused Cao Ziwei and the other instructors, wracking their brains to recall which rogue talents might qualify. But no name came to mind. Though talented, rogue cultivators often lacked the resources and inheritance to compete with sect-trained peers. As streaks of light signaled the teleportation arrivals in the Cangmang Mountain Range, everyone turned their attention to one particular figure. This individual had the best luck among the hundreds of transported participants, landing directly beside a mid-Foundation Establishment demonic beast. ¡°Yang E¡¯peng of the Everlasting Spring Valley, early Foundation Establishment,¡± an instructor identified him. ¡°A top scorer in the lower division¡¯s entrance exams. Facing a mid-Foundation beast¡­ this might be a problem.¡± A man in a green robe, Fang Shilin, watched with keen interest. ¡°Just a serpent demon,¡± Yang E¡¯peng said calmly. In the blink of an eye, a red shadow darted from his sleeve, piercing the serpent¡¯s head. The beast collapsed, slain in an instant. ¡°Impressive,¡± remarked a Dragonblood Woodpecker Demon, flying over. Fang Shilin tossed it a spirit fruit as a reward, smiling faintly. ¡°I¡¯m Fang Shilin, from the Dragon Palace.¡± Fang Shilin was the first student Lin Jing had defeated upon arriving at Hidden Dragon Academy. Far from resenting Lin Jing, Fang Shilin had grown frustrated with those who mocked him for losing to a freshman. What was so funny about struggling with the Hidden Dragon Arts? Determined to prove himself, Fang Shilin joined the Dragon Palace, aiming to master beast taming and silence his detractors. ¡°No wonder the Dragonblood Woodpecker Demon is so strong¡ªit was raised following the Palace Master¡¯s methods,¡± Fang Shilin said, filled with admiration for Lin Jing. Despite being defeated by Lin Jing, he deeply respected him as a prodigious genius. Elsewhere, Lin Jing was surveying the landscape after his teleportation, soaring above the forest to scout for rare resources. ¡°Bold, isn¡¯t he? Flying openly in the Cangmang Mountains with such low cultivation, unafraid of provoking a swarm of beasts,¡± someone remarked. ¡°Still, this is the prodigy who reaped the greatest rewards from the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven. Both he and his beast companion achieved the peak of Qi Refinement, correct?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but this mountain range is far more dangerous than the cavern projection. The beasts are much more scattered here.¡± ¡°Look ahead¡ªthere¡¯s one of the fierce beasts we captured from the Cloud Sea Mountains,¡± an instructor said. This beast had cornered Qin Yiran, ranked ninety-second on the Genius Rankings. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Cloud Sea Mountains, located south of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, were perpetually shrouded in mist that blocked divine senses. Only a few ancient tribes practicing sorcery resided there, as did the elusive Gu God Sect, whose hidden presence had long eluded eradication. ¡°A Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast?¡± Huihua of Tianji Pavilion gazed at the instructor¡¯s mentioned beast with newfound interest. Book 2: Chapter 50: Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast Vol 2 Chapter 50: Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast These mosquito beasts had bodies that gleamed with a metallic sheen, their forms covered by tightly arranged, tiny metallic scales. In the sunlight, they reflected a cold, icy light. Most striking were their enormous wings, resembling two sharp, blood-red scythes. Their heads were unnaturally large, with compound eyes that glowed a ghostly blue and needle-like, highly developed mouthparts. Despite each mosquito only possessing Qi Refinement cultivation, the woman under their attack seemed to face a life-threatening ordeal. Dressed in a white dress, she wielded a bamboo flute. The sound waves she created transformed into lethal invisible sword energy, scattering in all directions, leaving the surrounding flora in disarray. However, the mosquito beasts¡¯ blood energy coalesced into a shadowy barrier. The sonic sword waves merely clanged against their forms without causing any harm. ¡°What kind of monsters are these? Even with my late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, I can¡¯t pierce the defenses of a group of Qi Refinement beasts!¡± The woman¡¯s face was filled with disbelief. Still, she continued to play the bamboo flute, holding off the relentless assault. ¡°Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts¡ªone of the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea Mountains and a key challenge in this Autumn Trial,¡± a scholarly voice explained. ¡°The Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast¡¯s bloodline is peculiar. They can never reach Foundation Establishment but reproduce at an astonishing rate. In the Cloud Sea Mountains, they always move in massive swarms, with a typical group numbering at least ten thousand.¡± ¡°Even this alone wouldn¡¯t warrant their status as one of the Ten Terrors. These beasts drink the blood of their own kind, forming a tight, almost military-like connection. When they act as a collective, their strength multiplies exponentially. Facing a swarm of these beasts is every cultivator¡¯s nightmare. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator would hesitate to confront a million of them.¡± ¡°To keep this trial manageable for the talents, we captured only a hundred or so. Even so, it seems they¡¯re already overwhelming for a genius ranked on the Genius Rankings.¡± Within moments, over a hundred Qi Refinement mosquito beasts had pushed a talented disciple ranked on the Genius Rankings, Ouyang Chengcheng, into a dire situation. Forced to act, he threw out a magical artifact. The artifact formed a rectangular barrier, enveloping him in protection. The beasts¡¯ sharp proboscises relentlessly struck the barrier. Inside, the disciple of the Tianyin Pavilion sat in agitation, staring at the densely packed swarm outside. He suddenly realized he had underestimated this trial. Despite this, he didn¡¯t give up. He continued playing his flute, attempting to disturb the mosquitos¡¯ minds and make them attack each other. However, their predatory instincts overpowered such tactics, leaving them unaffected. Out of desperation, he changed his tune, trying to lure other beasts into the fray to distract the swarm. Instead of other beasts arriving, a white-robed youth appeared below the barrier. He looked up, observing the scene calmly. His arrival shifted the mosquitos¡¯ focus entirely; they immediately abandoned their current target and surged toward the newcomer. Ouyang Chengcheng was stunned to see the youth smile as the deadly swarm approached him. ¡°Poor Dragon Carp, it missed out on this delicious feast. These mosquitos are its favorite treat!¡± ¡°If I only bring back dead ones, it¡¯ll sulk. Guess it¡¯s time for this toy to finally prove its worth.¡± Above the clouds, one of the observing teachers, Mr. Cao, squinted, clearly doubting that Lin Jing could handle the swarm. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would struggle with such a challenge. However, in the next moment, the gathered teachers and the Tianji Pavilion''s Tianhuihua all displayed expressions of astonishment. Boom! Lin Jing raised his hand slightly. A surge of true energy erupted like an icy cyclone, his hair flying wildly as a chilling aura enveloped his body. He looked like a demon god descending into the mortal world. The mosquito swarm, previously united and bloodthirsty, suddenly halted mid-attack, seemingly sensing an overwhelming presence. They scattered like a defeated army, fleeing in all directions. "Too late," Lin Jing murmured. He had already recognized the swarm and their threat level. Testing the suppressive power of his , augmented by the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s , he found it far more potent than anticipated. It disrupted the mosquitos¡¯ bloodline connection, breaking their formation instantly. With a casual wave of his hand, lines of condensed icy true energy descended from above, forming a massive birdcage that trapped the fleeing mosquitos. Frost emanated from the energy, freezing the swarm one by one. Lin Jing then summoned his , tossing it above the cage. The circle expanded rapidly, releasing white ripples that captured the frozen mosquitos into its confines. Ensuring their preservation with ice and the spatial properties of the circle, Lin Jing maintained their vitality as fresh food for the Dragon Carp. After completing this, he descended slowly to the ground, meeting the shocked gaze of the Tianyin Pavilion disciple trapped inside the barrier. ¡°Genius Rankings, number 92, Qin Yiran?¡± ¡°And you are¡­?¡± Qin Yiran¡¯s voice trembled with uncertainty. She had no idea who Lin Jing was but was awed by his effortless handling of the terrifying swarm. ¡°Creator of the Dragon Palace, Lin Jing.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing cast her a glance before walking away. ¡°You know what to do. I don¡¯t need repayment for saving you. Just make sure everyone knows how I dealt with the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts.¡± Qin Yiran: ¡°???¡± She stood frozen in confusion as Lin Jing disappeared into the distance. ¡°Did he say¡­ Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect?¡± ¡°How is that possible? He¡¯s at the Eleventh Stage of Qi Refinement!¡± Even among the top ranks of the Genius Rankings, most were at the pinnacle of the Tenth Stage, with very few reaching the Eleventh¡ªa rare extreme. Her disbelief mirrored that of the teachers who had painstakingly captured the swarm. "Qi Refinement Eleventh Stage? When did Lin Jing achieve this level? What fortuitous encounter could have propelled him so far?" one teacher murmured. Lin Jing¡¯s recent concealment methods, taught by Senior Pine, had hidden his progress until now. His full strength only became evident with this display. ¡°It¡¯s not just the Eleventh Stage. These mosquitos lost their bloodline connection instantly. His abilities as a Beast Taming cultivator are extraordinary,¡± Tianhuihua remarked. ¡°Oh no, that¡¯s the Myriad Beast Circle. He¡¯s captured the entire swarm! These mosquitos are harmless to him but deadly to other students. Have we just handed Lin Jing the means to dominate the Cangmang Mountain Range?¡± Book 2: Chapter 51: The Blood Pool Vol 2 Chapter 51: The Blood Pool ¡°Could it be that this wild genius capable of defeating a ranked talent from the Genius Rankings is none other than him?¡± Tianji Pavilion¡¯s Tianhuihua mused quietly as he observed Lin Jing, whose mastery over beasts had subdued the mosquito swarm. After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°Though he¡¯s still in the Qi Refinement stage, his Beast Taming methods, coupled with the aid of the mosquito swarm, give him enough strength to rival the talents on the Genius Rankings.¡± ¡°Plus... considering the current state of the sealed Beast Taming Sect, it¡¯s plausible to regard him as an unaligned wild genius.¡± The academy instructors exchanged uneasy glances. It wasn¡¯t impossible, and they were momentarily reminded of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s sealed status. ¡°Horizons vast and skies so wide, mosquito beasts gather by the mountainside~¡± Lin Jing cheerfully hummed a tune as he soared back into the clouds, his mood lifted after subduing the swarm. Participating in the academy¡¯s Autumn Trial had already proven rewarding. The effort the instructors had invested in setting up the trials within the Cangmang Mountain Range was evident. Lin Jing was particularly pleased with the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts¡ªarguably the most famous among mosquito-type demonic beasts. According to , they were bred in antiquity by the monstrous Frog Emperor to strengthen his clan. Using unimaginable techniques, he created a species of mosquitos capable of rapid reproduction by consuming blood, even from beings far more powerful than themselves. Unlike ordinary pests, these mosquitos could devour high-grade blood without their bodies bursting, a far cry from other creations like the trashy Blood Devil Vine synthesized by the Pine Leaf Mouse. While consuming stronger blood didn¡¯t increase the mosquito¡¯s power, it enhanced two unique traits: reproductive ability and nutritional value. The Frog Emperor¡¯s Swallowing Frog clan utilized these mosquitos as a food source to swiftly grow out of their vulnerable juvenile stage and into a formidable force. However, after offending the Celestial Palace and being annihilated, the mosquitos were left masterless. They proliferated wildly in the Cloud Sea Mountains, mutating over time into their current fearsome forms, earning their place among the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea. Although now categorized as one of the Ten Terrors rather than food, Lin Jing, well-read as he was, immediately recognized their original identity. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Back then, even ordinary mosquitos that consumed Longevity Blood were enough to bulk up the Dragon Carp...¡± ¡°Though says these mosquitos are no longer suitable as food, they must still be better than regular ones, right?¡± ¡°If I were to rear these Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts on Longevity Blood, they could become a steady source of nutrition for the Dragon Carp, akin to the ancient Swallowing Frog clan.¡± The records also highlighted two main reasons the current mosquitos weren¡¯t ideal for consumption: their diminished ability to convert blood into nutrients and their evolved metallic bodies, which were harder to digest. Still, Lin Jing reasoned that with the Dragon Carp¡¯s fire attribute and its ability to refine metals, it should be able to manage. Pleased with the prospect, Lin Jing knew that capturing these beasts in their native habitat would¡¯ve been nearly impossible, even if he were at the Foundation Establishment stage. As he flew, he paused to land and retrieved his . Without the suppressive power of his , the swarm reestablished its bloodline connection, instantly melting the frost encasing them. Though their intelligence had been nearly wiped clean by the circle, their savage instincts remained, and they began ramming against its boundaries. ¡°This bloodline connection is truly terrifying. A mere swarm of Qi Refinement mosquitos can suppress a Genius Ranking talent. No wonder they¡¯re one of the Ten Terrors... Without my suppression, putting the Dragon Carp with them might result in it being eaten instead!¡± Lin Jing mused. ¡°Even the Myriad Beast Circle from Qingzhou¡¯s Myriad Beast Sect struggles to contain their ferocity. I¡¯ll need to take this step by step to tame and refine them.¡± He began channeling his Beast Taming Qi into the circle, gradually suppressing the swarm¡¯s violent nature. Meanwhile, the academy instructors shifted their attention away from him, their expressions mixed. ¡°What a waste,¡± one instructor lamented. ¡°The mountains contain an opportunity even for these mosquitos, yet they met their nemesis before reaching it.¡± ¡°Well, perhaps it¡¯s for the best. If the swarm had reached that opportunity, the students would¡¯ve suffered immensely.¡± The Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast trial was one of five challenges prepared by the instructors for the Autumn Trial, requiring the collaboration of many students to overcome. They hadn¡¯t anticipated that a Beast Taming cultivator like Lin Jing would so thoroughly neutralize this challenge. Now, their focus turned toward another trial site: a pool of crimson liquid. It wasn¡¯t a spiritual pool but a Blood Pool. The monkey demon tribe of the Cangmang Mountains had occupied the area and was soaking in the pool. As they bathed, their physiques and cultivation levels soared, and their bloodlines began evolving toward dragon blood. ¡°This is...¡± Tianhuihua paused, feeling an inexplicable sense of pressure from the pool, even as a Nascent Soul cultivator. ¡°Could it be...¡± He suddenly recalled something. ¡°Is this the blood of the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor who invaded Hidden Dragon Academy recently?¡± Though few knew of the Demon Emperor¡¯s assault, Tianji Pavilion had pieced together some details. The academy, reluctant to reveal the event, had not publicly disclosed the information. ¡°Yes,¡± confirmed an instructor. ¡°The academy extracted some of the Demon Emperor¡¯s blood, diluted it, and infused it with medicinal ingredients to create the . Any demonic beast that bathes in it will see its demonic power surge and has a high chance of evolving into a Dragon-Blooded Demonic Beast. Human cultivators can also use it as a perfect body-refinement bath to enhance their physiques.¡± The instructors discussed how the Blood Pool would attract fierce competition among students once discovered, leading to a chaotic struggle. The beasts soaking in the pool were the first hurdle, with the pool itself serving as the prize. Observing a group of individuals approaching the pool, the instructors¡¯ expressions turned strange. Most of these individuals shared a common trait: each had a dragon-blooded pet beast by their side. ¡°These people...¡± ¡°They¡¯re all members of the Dragon Palace founded by Lin Jing. Everyone has a dragon-blooded demonic beast!¡± ¡°This Blood Pool is a massive opportunity for them, enabling their dragon-blooded pets to advance further.¡± ¡°Why is it always Lin Jing?¡± Tianhuihua muttered, falling silent. Lin Jing, a mere newcomer, had somehow become more prominent than the top talents on the Genius Rankings. At every turn, his name seemed to surface. Book 2: Chapter 52: The Demon Core Stage! Vol 2 Chapter 52: The Demon Core Stage! ¡°This blood...!¡± A Dragon Palace member arrived near the Blood Pool¡ªa woman riding a muscular giant rabbit. It was none other than Ziling¡¯er, the Dragon Palace¡¯s exclusive alchemist. Her rabbit, long accustomed to testing experimental medicines, was highly sensitive to unusual auras. Shortly after arriving in the Cangmang Mountain Range, it had sniffed out this location. Looking at the blood-filled pool occupied by numerous beasts, Ziling¡¯er¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°A Dragon Blood Medicinal Bath!¡± she exclaimed. If her Dragon-Blooded Medicinal Rabbit could soak in this pool, it could easily break through from mid-Foundation Establishment to late-Foundation Establishment. Its bloodline purity would also see a significant improvement. ¡°But these beasts...¡± In the pool were dozens of Foundation Establishment monkey demons, led by a peak-stage Foundation Establishment Monkey King. Ziling¡¯er doubted her ability to drive them away, nor did she think they would tolerate her sharing the bath. She could already sense their unspoken warnings. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Ziling¡¯er, you¡¯re here too,¡± a familiar voice called out. She turned to see Yuan Jing riding a massive mantis beast. Her face lit up with joy. Yuan Jing¡¯s mount, the Giant Saber Mantis, was a wind-elemental demonic beast, renowned for its sword-like techniques. After purchasing a Rising Dragon Pill, Yuan Jing had captured and nurtured this beast himself, even teaching it swordsmanship. ¡°This is the Dragon Blood Medicinal Pool. It greatly benefits both Dragon-Blooded beasts and human cultivators. We should find other Dragon Palace members to drive the monkeys away together!¡± Ziling¡¯er said, now grateful for her association with the Dragon Palace. Alone, she had no hope of claiming the pool. ¡°So this pool was what attracted it,¡± Yuan Jing said, calming his restless mantis. ¡°The pool¡¯s allure for Dragon-Blooded beasts will draw others with similar mounts. We don¡¯t need to search; they¡¯ll find us on their own.¡± Ziling¡¯er nodded in agreement. They retreated a short distance to remain on guard. Sure enough, before long, more Dragon Palace talents began to arrive, drawn by the pool¡¯s presence. After Ziling¡¯er¡¯s explanation, everyone quickly understood the pool¡¯s significance. ¡°There are enough of us now; let¡¯s drive out the monkeys!¡± Ziling¡¯er proposed, seeing over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators and Dragon-Blooded beasts gathered. ¡°Drive them out? What a waste!¡± countered Xu Zhizhi, the Dragon Palace¡¯s strategist. ¡°If we can subdue these monkey demons, we¡¯d all gain another Dragon-Blooded pet. Look at their evolved bloodlines¡ªwe¡¯d save on Rising Dragon Pills! Even if we can¡¯t afford to raise a second beast, we could sell them to new Dragon Palace recruits. The academy¡¯s next enrollment year is just around the corner.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true!¡± added Gao Sheng, the group¡¯s financier, perched atop his horse. ¡°Dozens of monkey demons¡ªwhether Dragon-Blooded or not¡ªwould still be incredibly useful armed with Mechanized Bamboo Rifles!¡± The Dragon Palace members now not only sought to claim the pool but also to capture the monkeys for their own benefit. The Autumn Trial was, after all, an event focused on subduing and taming beasts. Simply seizing the pool wasn¡¯t enough. As the group prepared for action, another figure arrived¡ªbut not from the Dragon Palace. ¡°Roar!¡± Wang Xiao, clad in silver armor, descended from the clouds atop his Dragon-Blooded Battle Tiger. Dust billowed as they landed heavily. Though not a Dragon Palace member, Wang Xiao had also sensed the pool¡¯s importance thanks to his beast. ¡°Lin Jing...!¡± Yuan Jing¡¯s sword floated upward in response to the arrival. Lin Jing had just finished spreading his spiritual sense, instantly grasping the situation. His expression remained calm as he said, ¡°You¡¯re here for Ziling¡¯er.¡± Turning to the Dragon Palace members, he asked, ¡°Is Ziling¡¯er here?¡± ¡°If I were present earlier, they might not have kept that Dragon Blood,¡± Wang Xiao remarked. He had long decided not to restrain his cultivation for fairness¡¯ sake. Compromising for Lin Jing¡¯s slower progression was unnecessary. Wang Xiao, now at mid-Foundation Establishment, had resolved to defeat Lin Jing, compelling him to catch up rather than holding himself back. ¡°Wang Xiao, shall we cooperate?¡± Xu Zhizhi quickly suggested. ¡°The pool is large enough for dozens to bathe together. Let¡¯s work together to drive out the monkey demons and fend off external threats.¡± Wang Xiao ignored Xu Zhizhi¡¯s proposal, his focus shifting to the bald pet beast on Xu¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Is that supposed to be a Dragon-Blooded beast? Where¡¯s its fur?¡± Before Xu Zhizhi could respond, a voice echoed from above. ¡°A group of newcomers should stop dreaming of claiming such treasures. Leave now while you can.¡± The newcomer, clad in a black robe, possessed a peak Foundation Establishment cultivation. Riding atop a Dragon-Blooded Flood Dragon, he exuded a chilling aura. His beast¡¯s bloodline wasn¡¯t at the king level, but it was close. ¡°Gu Domain¡¯s Chu Clan¡ªRank 98 on the Genius Rankings, Chu Ren,¡± someone whispered, recognizing him. The Chu Clan was renowned for their Nascent Soul ancestor, who raised a Dragon-Blooded Demonic King. The beast had produced countless offspring, some of which now served the clan. Gao Sheng stiffened, having forgotten about Chu Ren¡¯s potential involvement. Chu Ren gazed coldly at the Dragon Palace members. Since Lin Jing hadn¡¯t sold the Rising Dragon Pill formula to him, he saw no reason to be courteous. ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s defiant voice broke the tension. Chu Ren sneered. ¡°So, the Wang Family¡¯s Kirin Scion is playing house with the so-called Dragon Palace?¡± ¡°The Chu Clan¡¯s reputation for decadence precedes you,¡± Wang Xiao retorted, drawing his saber. If Lin Jing wasn¡¯t here, he would warm up by using this ¡°bottom-feeder¡± of the Genius Rankings to sharpen his blade. ¡°Wang Xiao, you¡¯re amazing!¡± Gao Sheng cheered, stoking the flames. ¡°Take him down, and you¡¯ll make the Genius Rankings at mid-Foundation Establishment! Such dominance!¡± Chu Ren drew his magical artifact. The air grew tense, the battle imminent, when a sudden explosion rocked the area. Boom! A terrifying wave of energy surged from the Dragon Blood Pool, its demonic power shooting into the skies and drawing the attention of beasts across the Cangmang Mountains. The Monkey King within the pool had condensed a Demon Core, breaking through to the Demon Core Stage. ¡°A Demon Core-stage beast?¡± Lin Jing, having just finished taming the mosquito swarm, opened his eyes and looked toward the commotion. ¡°This Autumn Trial is terrifying...¡± he murmured. Book 2: Chapter 53: This Pool... Is Now Dragon Palace鈥檚! Vol 2 Chapter 53: This Pool... Is Now Dragon Palace¡¯s! The Monkey King successfully reached the Demon Core stage, causing the gathered cultivators¡¯ faces to darken. Xu Zhizhi, in particular, scratched his head in frustration. If it had only been the Foundation Establishment monkeys earlier, he was confident he could lead the Dragon Palace team to drive them off. However, facing a demon of this level was a completely different story. This cunning creature was proving far trickier than Chu Ren. Even Chu Ren, despite his skills, wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against the Monkey King. Fighting a Demon Core cultivator with a Foundation Establishment cultivation level was the prerogative of only the top few on the Genius Rankings¡ªdefinitely not Chu Ren¡¯s domain. As the Monkey King completed its breakthrough, it stepped out of the Dragon Transformation Blood Pool. Earlier, the other monkeys had refrained from acting recklessly during the enemy invasion, focusing solely on protecting their king¡¯s advancement. "Let¡¯s see how you handle this," Chu Ren chuckled, turning his Flood Dragon mount around to leave. He had no intention of confronting the Monkey King directly. ¡°D*** it! That guy is all about infighting! He dares to fight us for the blood pool but runs away from the Demon Core Monkey King!¡± Gao Sheng froze for a moment before hurling curses. Wang Xiao also furrowed his brows. He hadn¡¯t expected Chu Ren to flee so decisively, though the danger of the situation was undeniable. One misstep could lead to complete annihilation. After all, the Monkey King wasn¡¯t fighting alone¡ªit had dozens of Foundation Establishment monkey demons under its command. ¡°ROAAARR!!!¡± The Monkey King immediately acted. A mere roar caused the surrounding mountains to crumble and massive boulders to shatter, unleashing an oppressive demonic power that shook the Dragon Palace members¡¯ resolve. ¡°¡®Within the Spirit Trap Formation, even immortals cannot escape. Hidden truths lie within the Diagram of Nine Armies!¡¯¡± ¡°Everyone, do you know the Spirit Trap Formation?! Didn¡¯t Mr. L¨¹ from the Academy teach us how to enter it?¡± At that moment, a yellow-clad young man from Dragon Palace stepped forward. Xu Zhizhi¡¯s eyes lit up when he recognized him. ¡°Lin Jing, from the Divine Formation Sect,¡± Xu murmured. Lin Jing was a newcomer to Dragon Palace, hailing from the renowned Divine Formation Sect and proficient in the Dao of Formations. Among the new recruits, he had the fewest spirit beasts¡ªa dragon-snake, a bird demon, a turtle demon, and a tiger demon, even fewer than Tang Cong¡¯s pets. Xu Zhizhi analyzed the situation and realized Lin Jing might be planning to use his beasts as the formation¡¯s core to execute the Divine Formation Sect¡¯s famous Seven Saints Slaughter Formation. ¡°Opportunities are fleeting; missing them would be a pity,¡± Xu Zhizhi declared. ¡°You, arrange the formation! Everyone, enter it and fight together!¡± The usually low-profile Lin Jing now shone as he swiftly prepared the formation. His confidence lifted the spirits of the Dragon Palace members. "Among those who can enter Dragon Palace, none are mediocre. This situation can be resolved!" Xu assured everyone. ¡°Let Senior Brother Zhou command!¡± The Divine Formation Sect prodigy became the focal point. Even with their combined talents, defeating a low-level Demon Core creature and subduing dozens of Foundation Establishment monkeys was a tall order. Yet, Xu Zhizhi believed in their collective potential. Lin Jing, using a flag as the formation¡¯s core, quickly set up the Spirit Trap Formation. The Monkey King, sensing imminent danger, lunged at Tang Cong, but the formation was already operational. ¡°Impressive,¡± commented a scholar observing from the clouds above. ¡°That Tang Cong executed the Spirit Trap Formation so swiftly, even managing to lure everyone into it without confusion.¡± This autumn trial was the perfect stage for Hidden Dragon Academy students to showcase their skills. Although Dragon Palace was Chu Ren¡¯s creation, who would have guessed one of its special recruits would lead the charge, trapping and slaying a Demon Core monster alongside the others? Under the formation¡¯s might, the newly ascended Demon Core monkey was crushed by the combined efforts of the geniuses before it could even retaliate. ¡°Take down the remaining monkeys too! Tie them all up!¡± Xu Zhizhi shouted. The Dragon Palace team, energized by the formation¡¯s power, quickly routed the monkeys, leaving the area in chaos. When the battle ended, Zhou Lang, who had acted as the formation¡¯s focal point, looked pale, and the others were visibly drained. The Spirit Trap Formation had allowed a group of newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators to defeat a Demon Core monster and subdue dozens of Foundation Establishment monkeys, but the cost was immense. The group hurriedly consumed pills to restore their energy. Despite the exhaustion, their faces beamed with satisfaction¡ªit had been worth it. Beyond the victory, the Dragon Transformation Blood Pool stood before them, a prize of immeasurable value. ¡°Senior Brother Zhou, you deserve the most credit for this battle. I¡¯ll personally report your merit to the Palace Master,¡± Xu Zhizhi praised, marveling at the hidden talents within the Academy. ¡°Already seen it.¡± As Xu prepared to distribute accolades, Lin Jing arrived, observing the scene with mild surprise. Even he had underestimated the newcomers. They had achieved what even a Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s intervention might have struggled to accomplish. This was the strength of teamwork. ¡°You¡¯ve finally made it,¡± Xu greeted Lin Jing with relief. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Rising Dragon Pill is good, but this Dragon Transformation Blood Pool might be even better,¡± Zhou Lang mused. Lin Jing inspected the pool and immediately recognized its significance. ¡°This pool contains the blood of the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor. Its scent is identical to that of the blood left behind by its Half-Divine Avatar after being slain by Senior Pine.¡± The Academy had audaciously made the Demon Emperor¡¯s blood a part of this autumn trial... ¡°This pool¡¯s effects are exceptional. You should all soak in it with your spirit beasts,¡± Lin Jing suggested. ¡°Yes! Hurry up and use it!¡± Xu urged. ¡°That Monkey King¡¯s breakthrough will likely attract more challengers¡ªespecially Chu Ren. He¡¯ll be back soon to claim this opportunity.¡± ¡°No need to worry,¡± Lin Jing said, watching everyone recover their strength. ¡°Since Dragon Palace won this territory, it belongs to us. Enjoy the pool¡ªI¡¯ll stand guard. Anyone who wants to take it will have to go through me first.¡± ¡°Just you, at Qi Refinement stage?¡± Before Lin Jing could finish speaking, clouds churned in the sky. As expected, Chu Ren returned, riding his Flood Dragon. Noticing the subdued monkeys and the heavily drained team, he smirked. Lin Jing¡¯s bold words only added to his amusement. But Lin Jing responded calmly, unleashing his Myriad Beast Circle, releasing over a hundred mosquito beasts. Chu Ren initially dismissed the threat, but in seconds, the swarm engulfed him. Amid flashes of magical energy, silence fell. Moments later, a desiccated Flood Dragon and Chu Ren¡¯s unconscious body plummeted from the sky. The Dragon Palace had triumphed again. The blood pool was theirs. Book 2: Chapter 54: Solo Pet Adventures Vol 2 Chapter 54: Solo Pet Adventures ¡°What kind of monster is this?!¡± The terrifying swarm of mosquitoes summoned by Lin Jing had subdued a top-ranked Genius Rankings cultivator, leaving the Dragon Palace team utterly stunned. Even Wang Xiao, who had been on the verge of challenging Lin Jing, swallowed his words and stared at the mosquito swarm in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s... one of the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea, the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast!!!¡± ¡°How could there be so many of them here?!¡± Xu Zhizhi exclaimed in shock. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Myriad Beast Circle I gave him?!¡± Gao Sheng recognized the artifact Lin Jing had used to unleash the swarm. Lin Jing chuckled, ¡°I happened to tame these fierce beasts along the way, thanks to Brother Gao¡¯s artifact. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t have been so easy. Now, this mosquito swarm will join us in soaking in the blood pool!¡± He glanced at the Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood Pool¡ªit would not go to waste. For him, the Pine Leaf Mouse, and the Dragon Carp, the pool was of limited use. The bloodline of the Dragon Carp was already highly pure, and the blood here had been diluted extensively to accommodate Foundation Establishment cultivators. Moreover, the Dragon Carp wasn¡¯t even present at the moment. However, Lin Jing knew the mosquito swarm would benefit immensely from this opportunity. Who knew how far their population could expand after soaking in the blood pool? At his command, the mosquitoes buzzed into the pool. Xu Zhizhi swallowed hard and said, ¡°Let¡¯s get in too.¡± ¡°Thanks to the Palace Master for standing guard.¡± ¡°Congratulations in advance on making the Genius Rankings!¡± The Dragon Palace members quickly followed, entering the pool alongside their spirit beasts. Xu Zhizhi¡¯s flattery only deepened the team¡¯s awe for Lin Jing. His feats today were far more shocking than his earlier battle against the restrained Wang Xiao. Even Zhou Lang, who had been the center of attention moments before, silently entered the pool, feeling humbled. The group couldn¡¯t fathom how Lin Jing had managed to tame such terrifying beasts in the short time since their arrival in the Cangmang Mountain Range. Even the Academy instructors watching from above were puzzled. ¡°Managing to control the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts so quickly...¡± ¡°The Myriad Beast Circle from Qingzhou¡¯s Myriad Beast Sect is powerful, but the low-grade versions sold to the public hardly refine the beasts¡¯ instincts¡­¡± ¡°Lin Jing must have other Beast Taming methods. Combining Spirit Dao Sect secrets with Myriad Beast Sect artifacts¡ªtruly a nemesis for demonic beasts.¡± Chu Ren had been caught off guard, his spiritual sea overwhelmed by the metallic buzzing of the mosquito swarm. A spectator murmured, ¡°Brother Tian, it seems that the wild genius who defeated a Genius Rankings cultivator is Lin Jing. He should make the list soon, don¡¯t you think?¡± Tian Huihua nodded. ¡°Naturally. It¡¯s rare for someone at the Qi Refinement stage to enter the rankings, and it hasn¡¯t happened in a long time.¡± Despite Lin Jing¡¯s dazzling performance, his reputation was still confined to the Ancient Domain. Without the backing of a top sect, even a record-breaking Qi Refinement cultivator would struggle to become well-known beyond their domain. The last Qi Refinement cultivator to gain such fame was the Ancient Imperial Prince, who reached the thirteenth stage of Qi Refinement. Perhaps even Lin Jing¡¯s sectmates in the Beast Taming Sect were unaware of his accomplishments. Tian Huihua predicted, ¡°When the new Genius Rankings are released, his name will surely appear. But where he¡¯ll rank is hard to say.¡± As Lin Jing sat cross-legged above the blood pool, Dragon Palace members soaked contentedly below. Fang Shilin of the Everlasting Spring Valley arrived, looking bewildered. Seeing the unconscious Chu Ren tossed aside, he accepted Lin Jing¡¯s polite invitation to the pool. However, this privilege was exclusive to Dragon Palace members. Any outsiders attempting to approach were immediately warned off. Although some veteran students were initially furious, the sight of the defeated Chu Ren and the eerie mosquito swarm quelled their anger. ¡°Brother Wang, why not join us? You¡¯ve been watching me for quite some time now. Even if you¡¯re not part of Dragon Palace, you¡¯re one of us in my heart! Xu Zhizhi told me about your heroic support for Dragon Palace earlier,¡± Lin Jing said to Wang Xiao. Wang Xiao remained silent. ¡°I have the Heavenly God Physique, and my companion beast has a king-tier bloodline. This resource isn¡¯t particularly beneficial for us.¡± Though he stayed to observe, Wang Xiao had no intention of challenging Lin Jing. He wanted to further assess Lin Jing¡¯s abilities. The mosquito swarm was simply too formidable. As Wang Xiao watched, another formidable figure arrived¡ªa man with three natural pupils and a commanding presence, accompanied by a group of followers. ¡°The creator of the Eye Alliance, Liu Yu.¡± ¡°Ranked thirty-first on the Genius Rankings.¡± Unlike Chu Ren, who relied largely on his family background, Liu Yu was a true genius. Wang Xiao observed him carefully. ¡°Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts¡­¡± Liu Yu¡¯s gaze lingered on the subdued Chu Ren, the blood pool, the Dragon Palace members, and Lin Jing. Lin Jing, calmly toying with the Myriad Beast Circle, met Liu Yu¡¯s gaze with interest. ¡°Finally, a big fish has arrived,¡± he thought. He wondered whether the combination of the Pine Leaf Mouse and the mosquito swarm could defeat Liu Yu. ¡°Brother Liu, long time no see. Is the Eye Alliance interested in this Dragon Blood Medicinal Pool?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°However, since Dragon Palace defeated the demon here, you¡¯ll need to pass me first if you want a share.¡± Liu Yu smiled faintly. ¡°I was wondering what kind of treasure created such a commotion. Turns out it¡¯s just a pool of blood.¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sensing no strong desire to fight, Liu Yu turned to leave but paused to remark, ¡°I underestimated you. Taming these mosquitoes is impressive. But guarding this pool seems shortsighted. To the east is a mountain peak with a fierce plant transplanted from the Misty Forest. It seems to be protecting some treasure. Plenty of experts are trying to unravel its secrets¡ªyou should take a look.¡± Lin Jing remained unmoved. Having gained the mosquito swarm and the blood pool, he was already satisfied. Besides, leaving to pursue another opportunity could lead to the mosquito swarm losing control. Its ferocity was still largely unrefined, and only Lin Jing¡¯s presence kept it in check. He summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Pine Leaf Mouse, go and investigate. If there¡¯s treasure, bring it back. With Brother Liu¡¯s generous invitation, we shouldn¡¯t decline.¡± Book 2: Chapter 55: The Daoist Squirrel Vol 2 Chapter 55: The Daoist Squirrel Though Lin Jing couldn¡¯t leave the blood pool area, it didn¡¯t mean he was without options to seek other opportunities. He could simply send a pet instead. With the strength of the Pine Leaf Mouse, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t worried about it encountering trouble. Deploying the mouse wouldn¡¯t affect his situation either. With his Qi Refinement Eleventh Stage cultivation, enhanced by the Ice Soul Gu, plus the mosquito swarm and Dragon Palace¡¯s members, few could pose a threat to him. Lin Jing patted the gourd hanging from his waist, releasing a beam of red light. A squirrel spirit riding on a red leaf soared out, instantly capturing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°What is that¡­?¡± The crowd gawked at the Pine Leaf Mouse, whose appearance had undergone a dramatic transformation. Most striking was its wide, maple leaf-shaped tail, clearly not made of flesh but of plant material. Its crimson leaf-like ears further underscored its unnaturalness. ¡°Is that still the same squirrel?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse, unfazed by the stares, retrieved a pristine white daoist robe from its storage pouch and draped it over itself. The robe¡¯s elegance replaced the mouse¡¯s earlier unsettling aura with an air of immortal refinement. ¡°Foundation Establishment!¡± Liu Yu, the three-eyed genius, raised an eyebrow. For a Beast Tamer, the advancement of a pet to Foundation Establishment was akin to achieving the stage oneself. However, Liu Yu was stunned to realize Lin Jing intended to send this pet alone to vie for a treasure against a group of geniuses. While the mouse¡¯s appearance suggested a significant bloodline enhancement, sending it solo against numerous experts seemed laughable. Is Lin Jing being overly na?ve? Liu Yu thought. The Pine Leaf Mouse, calm and composed, flew off on its red leaf, brushing past Liu Yu¡¯s group in a flash. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he fear his pet will be killed?¡± Liu Yu muttered, puzzled. Nevertheless, he and the others moved on, leaving the Dragon Blood Pool behind to pursue another hunt elsewhere. Back at the pool, Wang Xiao struggled to calm his King-Bloodline Battle Tiger, which growled uneasily. Of all the beasts present, only the tiger seemed to sense the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s terrifying bloodline. Lesser beasts, oblivious to the mouse¡¯s power, barely reacted. ¡°What is he hiding¡­?¡± Wang Xiao¡¯s unease deepened. He had initially thought Lin Jing¡¯s taming of the mosquito swarm was sheer luck. Now, he was convinced otherwise. Despite having nurtured a powerful battle pet of his own, Lin Jing¡¯s enigmatic Pine Leaf Mouse remained beyond comprehension. ¡°You¡¯re really sending just that squirrel? Not worried?¡± Wang Xiao asked from outside the blood pool. ¡°No need,¡± Lin Jing replied, closing his eyes and resuming meditation. Meanwhile, the instructors observing from above marveled at the Pine Leaf Mouse. ¡°Could it have consumed a Treant Pill to alter its bloodline?¡± one instructor speculated. ¡°The mouse seems to be a Foundation Establishment spirit beast with a peculiar bloodline. It¡¯s clearly hiding its true strength, much like Tang Yun does,¡± another added. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s power concealment stemmed from advanced use of the Sacred Wood Seal, a technique originating from the Divine Pine. By masking cultivation and bloodline strength, it created an illusion of mediocrity. Only a high-level spiritual probe could break the seal, which would be quite impolite in this situation. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s destination was a peculiar mountain peak shrouded in relentless rain, though the surrounding terrain remained normal. The rain, colorless and seemingly ordinary, originated from a towering plant within the mountain¡ªa verdant, majestic tree with silver-veined leaves and delicate flowers. This tree absorbed moisture from the air and released it as rain. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Impossible.¡± Attempts by various geniuses to pierce the rain barrier failed spectacularly. Protective True Energy, enchanted treasures, and elemental escape techniques were all rendered useless. Even flying vehicles lost their power halfway through and crashed to the ground. ¡°This is likely a Fourth-Rank Malignant Plant, the Rainfall Bodhisattva, a dangerous species from the Misty Forest,¡± Chen Lingxi of the Divine Talisman Sect remarked. Her talismans were particularly vulnerable to the rain, leaving her powerless to advance. The Rainfall Bodhisattva¡¯s rain corroded magical energy, even affecting Core Formation cultivators. Under normal circumstances, the geniuses gathered here wouldn¡¯t challenge the plant. Yet, the radiant treasure light emanating from within the mountain was too tempting to ignore. Suddenly, a flash of red streaked by¡ªit was the Pine Leaf Mouse, flying nimbly on its red leaf. The geniuses froze, stunned by the sight of the small creature gazing intently at the treasure light within the rain barrier. ¡°What is that¡­?¡± Some, like Chen Lingxi, recognized traces of the mouse¡¯s evolved bloodline. ¡°Could it be a rare spirit beast imported by the Academy?¡± others speculated. ¡°No way! Who¡¯s ever seen a wild spirit beast wearing a daoist robe?!¡± Before further speculation could unfold, the Pine Leaf Mouse moved. Fixing its gaze on the rain barrier, it created a narrow, rain-free path and darted through, leaving the stunned crowd behind. ¡°It said no one could pass through alone¡­ but it¡¯s not human,¡± Tang Yun, the 66th-ranked genius, remarked. He was a white-haired cultivator with the Innate Cloud Mist Physique, seated atop a cloud holding a thunderous spear. ¡°The daoist squirrel spirit clearly has a way to counter this malignant plant!¡± Book 2: Chapter 56: The Furious Pine Leaf Mouse Vol 2 Chapter 56: The Furious Pine Leaf Mouse ¡°!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse darted through the curtain of rain, heading straight for the giant leaf of the Rainfall Bodhisattva. Beneath the colossal leaf sat a treasure chest radiating brilliance. Overjoyed, the mouse couldn¡¯t believe how easy it had been to obtain this treasure. Breaking through the rain seemed far less challenging than it had imagined. Merely disrupting the malignant plant¡¯s defenses from a distance was enough to carve a pathway. The , taught by Senior Divine Pine, truly deserved its reputation as the bane of all vegetation! With trembling paws, the Pine Leaf Mouse opened the treasure chest, only to freeze in confusion. Inside was a piece of grass paper, its surface glowing faintly, inscribed with elegant writing: "The path of immortality is fraught with peril. The treasures you risk life and limb to obtain may not be what they seem¡ªthey could very well be traps." The next instant, the treasure chest exploded. While the blast wasn¡¯t particularly destructive, it was profoundly insulting. The Pine Leaf Mouse stood there stunned, holding the ashes of the paper, a wisp of black smoke escaping its mouth. Its small heart had been utterly shattered. ¡°Hahahahaha...¡± Above the clouds, a group of gentlemen laughed uproariously at the sight of someone falling for the trap. ¡°Who was it that designed this trial? Using malignant plants as a test, yet offering no reward in return...¡± ¡°I believe it was Brother Cao¡­¡± Cao Ziwei glanced downward, a faint smile on his face. ¡°Trials are meant to teach students about the dangers of the cultivation world. However, my original intention was for them to work together to cross the Rainfall Bodhisattva and share the reward. Who would¡¯ve thought this squirrel would act alone¡­¡± ¡°It seems this wood-attribute spirit beast can somewhat influence the malignant plants¡¯ behavior,¡± one observed. ¡°Well, that works too. Lin Jing hasn¡¯t earned much treasure from this trial, so let my spirit beast suffer the loss in my place,¡± Cao Ziwei remarked with a grin. The Pine Leaf Mouse, thoroughly disheartened, climbed back up the Rainfall Bodhisattva and hurled the remains of the paper away. The gentlemanly observers winced. As the rain dissipated, the mouse sighed, preparing to leave. But with the rain¡¯s retreat came waves of divine sense, all locking onto it. ¡°Big squirrel, what treasure did you manage to obtain? Show it to us,¡± a young man in resplendent attire said with a smile. ¡°Indeed, we¡¯ve all been waiting for the rain to end to collect the treasure. Your behavior lacks courtesy,¡± another chimed in. Although the others remained silent, their actions spoke volumes. Tianjiao-ranked talents, including Liu Yu, the cultivator with the triple-eyed physique, and Wang Xiao, who possessed the Heavenly God Physique, focused intently on the Pine Leaf Mouse. They seemed convinced it had acquired a valuable item. The Pine Leaf Mouse hesitated, its small mouth opening slightly. It wanted to explain that there was no treasure at all, but seeing the surrounding geniuses¡¯ postures, it understood no one would believe the truth. Among those watching was even Tang Yun, ranked sixty-sixth on the . He held a Thundercloud Battle Halberd, his expression one of growing interest. Although the Autumn Trial was unlikely to yield an artifact capable of changing one¡¯s fate, the curiosity surrounding the treasure¡¯s nature meant no one would simply let this go. ¡°Attack!¡± Suddenly, someone made the first move. The youth in ornate robes tossed a small net toward the Pine Leaf Mouse. The artifact, , was crafted from dragon sinew and possessed suppressive power over beasts with bloodline abilities! ¡°Ah!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse was furious and aggrieved. It had already been duped¡ªnow these people dared to attack it?! ¡°If anyone tries to rob you, don¡¯t hold back. Take their treasures instead!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s words echoed in the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mind. Its eyes sparkled as it stared at the Beast-Confining Net. If they could rob it¡­ why couldn¡¯t it do the same to them? Understanding this, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gaze burned with intensity. Ignoring the descending net, it glanced at the crowd. In the next moment, its tail flicked gently, emitting a red glow that sliced the net apart. The young man who had thrown the net froze, blood spurting from his mouth. The had been bound to him through refinement, but with the bond severed, he suffered backlash. The Pine Leaf Mouse grabbed the net and stored it in its pouch after completely breaking its connection to the youth. Its sharp gaze then shifted to the well-dressed attacker. With a flick of its tail, a red leaf shot toward the young man like a flying sword! The youth¡¯s expression changed dramatically. He attempted to retreat, but the red leaf moved faster than he could have imagined, streaking past him like a crimson flash. Confused by the lack of pain, he quickly patted himself down, realizing something was amiss. When he turned, he saw the Pine Leaf Mouse now standing on the same red leaf, clutching his storage pouch with glee. ¡°Spatial arts?¡± Liu Yu¡¯s triple eyes flickered with surprise. He had detected faint spatial ripples. ¡°Indeed! That¡¯s how it attacked me before!¡± Wang Xiao confirmed bitterly. ¡°Damn you! Give me back my storage pouch!¡± the youth shouted angrily, his eyes red with rage. The Pine Leaf Mouse ignored him, its shimmering eyes locking onto another target: Chen Lingxi of the Divine Talisman Sect. Her storage pouch was overflowing with talismans¡ªan irresistible temptation. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Chen Lingxi exclaimed, hastily protecting her pouch. Before she could react, a red leaf vanished before her eyes, only to reappear at a distance. Moments later, a spatial fissure opened around her, spilling stacks of talismans to the ground. Chen Lingxi was momentarily dazed, and in that instant, the Pine Leaf Mouse darted in and disappeared with the talismans. ¡°Dead squirrel! Give them back!¡± Chen Lingxi roared, tears of fury and frustration welling in her eyes. With red leaves raining down like a storm, the surrounding geniuses felt a cold chill run down their spines. ¡°This is too much!¡± Finally, Tang Yun leapt into action. Wielding his Thundercloud Halberd, he descended upon the Pine Leaf Mouse, a storm of lightning trailing in his wake. Before he could strike, a massive wooden arm, radiant with Buddhist light, materialized beside the Pine Leaf Mouse. With a mighty fist, it unleashed the . sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tang Yun was blasted hundreds of meters away, embedding into a mountainside with a resounding crash. The battlefield fell into stunned silence. ¡°Why did it just use Buddhist techniques?!¡± Above, the academy gentlemen froze mid-laughter, their faces pale with shock. ¡°When you bully the honest, expect retribution,¡± a pinecone hovering in the sky muttered. "We¡¯re kind by nature, but the world is unjust!¡± Book 2: Chapter 57: The True Successor of the Divine Pine Vol 2 Chapter 57: The True Successor of the Divine Pine ¡°What the h*ll is this squirrel¡­?¡± A burly gentleman among the academy¡¯s teachers shot to his feet in shock. The newly enlightened Pine Leaf Mouse was far too terrifying. With the Rainfall Bodhisattva uprooted and the rain ceasing, a deluge of red leaves filled the sky. These crimson leaves were far more menacing than the prior rain. Even cultivators skilled enough to avoid being touched by a single drop of rain couldn¡¯t defend themselves against the power of the falling leaves. Each leaf carried ripples of spatial energy, and as the waves spread, treasures spilled from the cultivators¡¯ storage pouches like cascading rain. Spirit stones, magical artifacts, pills, and demonic beast materials littered the ground. Though reclaiming the fallen resources was technically possible, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s incredible speed left everyone in the dust. It darted through spatial nodes like a streak of red light, and each time it passed, the scattered treasures were swept up in a blink. The geniuses present felt their hearts bleeding at the sight. The most horrifying aspect wasn¡¯t even its strange spatial technique but its overwhelming strength. Had the Pine Leaf Mouse relied solely on its spatial abilities, the geniuses would have cornered and subdued it despite its speed. However, the moment it had knocked Tang Yun¡ªranked sixty-sixth on the ¡ªflying with a single punch, everything changed. Tang Yun wasn¡¯t just any cultivator. He was a late Foundation Establishment expert with the Innate Cloud Mist Physique, the second strongest among the participants, surpassed only by Liu Yu. If even Tang Yun couldn¡¯t withstand a single strike, challenging the Pine Leaf Mouse seemed suicidal. ¡°This squirrel has been hiding its strength,¡± someone muttered in astonishment. When the teachers probed it again, they were shocked to discover that, despite being in the early Foundation Establishment stage, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mana rivaled that of pseudo-Core Formation cultivators. For a mere early-stage Foundation Establishment beast to possess such mana was unheard of. If it underwent two more elemental baptisms, its strength would be unimaginable. Upon breaking into Foundation Establishment, both cultivators and beasts experience three baptisms: the first from Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment, the second when advancing to mid-Foundation, and the third when reaching late-Foundation. Each baptism significantly enhances one¡¯s mana reserves. Having mana equivalent to a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator after just the first baptism suggested only one possibility¡ªthe Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s bloodline was close to that of a royal demonic beast descended from a Demon Emperor! ¡°This squirrel isn¡¯t just a product of Lin Jing¡¯s training. It¡¯s likely that the Nascent Soul-transformed Divine Pine behind Lin Jing isn¡¯t protecting him but this squirrel!¡± Some teachers noted that the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s organs were becoming plant-like, a sign of its potential evolution into a fully wood-based lifeform. ¡°This Pine Leaf Mouse¡­ is the true successor of the Divine Pine!¡± ¡°D*mn it! What¡¯s wrong with this squirrel?!¡± Though the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s hadn¡¯t knocked Tang Yun unconscious, it had severely injured him. Protected by the mists surrounding his body, he used a secret healing art to quickly recover, but his internal organs remained shaken. Meanwhile, the Pine Leaf Mouse had shifted its attention to two new targets¡ªthe ripest sheep in the flock. Wang Xiao, the bearer of the Heavenly God Physique. Liu Yu, ranked eighty-first on the and wielder of the Eight-Eyed Innate Physique. Only these two had managed to withstand its flying leaf techniques without losing resources. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gaze first fell on Wang Xiao¡¯s hand, where a silver ring gleamed. Next, it shifted to Liu Yu, who wore a jade bracelet radiating brilliance¡ªboth items far superior to ordinary storage pouches. ¡°Why did I even come here¡­¡± Wang Xiao sighed inwardly. His Battle Tiger¡¯s fur bristled with unease. Fortunately for Wang Xiao, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s gaze passed over him, as Lin Jing intended to recruit him into the Dragon Palace. As for Liu Yu¡­ ¡°It wants to rob Liu Yu!¡± The teachers were stunned. Liu Yu was one of the academy¡¯s top talents, ranking within the top three. Stronger geniuses had already graduated, leaving Liu Yu as a de facto leader. ¡°Your courage knows no bounds¡­¡± Liu Yu began, but before he could finish, the Pine Leaf Mouse vanished, reappearing before him via a red-leaf teleportation. Its tail¡¯s crimson maple leaf, sharper than the others, was like a spatial blade. As it materialized, treasures began pouring out of Liu Yu¡¯s vicinity. ¡°Extinguish!¡± Liu Yu¡¯s third eye opened, emitting golden divine light. This targeted the soul and spirit, an unparalleled weapon in the Foundation Establishment stage where few cultivated soul defenses. But just as Liu Yu prepared to obliterate the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s consciousness, an incredible sight unfolded. The mouse calmly met his gaze, revealing a third eye of its own¡ªformed from a pinecone! ¡°You¡­¡± Liu Yu¡¯s heart sank. The moment their gazes locked, he was plunged into a shadowy forest. Before him stood a towering pine tree, its branches seemingly connecting to the heavens, exuding an aura that overwhelmed his spirit. When he regained consciousness, his third eye was bleeding, and the Pine Leaf Mouse was gone, along with all his resources. ¡°Liu Yu¡¯s failed?!¡± The onlookers were dumbfounded. Not only had Liu Yu failed to stop the mouse, but he¡¯d also lost his treasures in the process. ¡°The third eye¡­¡± one teacher murmured. ¡°That pinecone eye proves it¡ªthis squirrel is the Divine Pine¡¯s successor. Far more terrifying than Lin Jing ever was.¡± Out of mana, the Pine Leaf Mouse paused its rampage. The it had attempted to activate consumed too much energy, leaving it powerless. Calming itself, it began consuming pills while flying toward Lin Jing, planning a strategic retreat. It needed Lin Jing¡¯s protection to recover its strength. Meanwhile, Liu Yu clenched his fists, a mix of anger and fear in his heart. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Boss, it¡¯s out of mana!¡± members of Liu Yu¡¯s Eye Alliance whispered. ¡°Chase it?¡± ¡°No.¡± Though the Pine Leaf Mouse was currently powerless, Liu Yu refrained. Its earlier display of a spiritual shadow had shaken him to the core, its might exceeding even his clan¡¯s Nascent Soul Ancestor. The geniuses, however, erupted in anger and prepared to pursue the fleeing mouse. ¡°Get our storage bags back!¡± ¡°That d*mn thing took the sword my partner gave me!¡± ¡°That¡¯s nothing¡ªit stole my partner!¡± Book 2: Chapter 58: The Demonic Sky Sect Vol 2 Chapter 58: The Demonic Sky Sect Dragon Transformation Blood Pool With Lin Jing and the mosquito beasts holding the area, no one dared contend with the Dragon Palace for control of the pool. Over time, the region became exclusive to the Dragon Palace disciples, with no outsiders daring to intrude. Soaking in the blood of a Demon Emperor, the disciples experienced remarkable growth, with most nearing a breakthrough to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Their dragon-blooded pet beasts reaped even greater rewards, with nearly all early-stage Foundation Establishment beasts advancing to mid-stage. The most alarming transformation, however, was in the mosquito swarm. Egg after egg was laid into the blood pool, leaving the Dragon Palace disciples horrified yet reluctant to intervene. By absorbing the Dragon Blood¡¯s nutrients, the swarm rapidly multiplied, with hundreds of eggs descending into the pool in moments. Though the eggs hadn¡¯t yet hatched, the swelling swarm was becoming unstoppable. ¡°This can¡¯t continue,¡± Lin Jing muttered, realizing the situation was spiraling out of control. While he could barely suppress the current swarm of several hundred mosquitoes with his and , containing over a thousand would be impossible without upgrading the circle¡¯s quality to mid-grade. The current artifact was only low-grade, already nearing its limit. ¡°We need to feed a batch of them to the Flame Dragon Carp soon,¡± he sighed. Just as Lin Jing pondered solutions, the Pine Leaf Mouse appeared, dragging a vine laden with goods. ¡°Hey! Hey! Hey!¡± Its high-pitched squeaks echoed as it approached, causing every Dragon Palace member to glance up¡ªand freeze in shock. The vine was bundled with countless storage pouches and magical artifacts that had been refined and couldn¡¯t fit into spatial storage. ¡°What the¡ª?! Did it soak in too much blood and fry its brain?¡± Xu Zhizhi exclaimed. ¡°Didn¡¯t Lin Jing send it to investigate the malignant plants on the eastern mountain? Why is it hauling back a mountain of loot?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse landed and met Lin Jing¡¯s gaze. In that moment, he understood everything. Lin Jing sighed, a mix of amusement and exasperation flashing across his face. Without hesitation, he transferred 90% of his into the mouse, replenishing its depleted reserves. With its mana partially restored, the Pine Leaf Mouse eagerly gulped down pills, its vitality returning. It squeaked with excitement, ready to rush back into the fray. ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it,¡± Lin Jing warned. ¡°Drive them off, but don¡¯t cause too much trouble. Our Beast Taming Sect already has a bad reputation¡ªwe should leave a good impression.¡± Meanwhile, the geniuses who had been chasing the Pine Leaf Mouse intended to reclaim their stolen treasures, thinking it had run out of energy. But as they pursued, the mouse suddenly regained its strength, brimming with ferocity. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Run!!!¡± The mouse¡¯s fearsome glare sent the geniuses scrambling in terror, more afraid of losing additional resources than their pride. Above the clouds, the academy teachers watched the bizarre scene unfold. A single squirrel spirit was now chasing geniuses from various factions up and down the mountain. ¡°This year¡¯s Autumn Hunt has truly broadened my horizons,¡± Tianji Pavilion¡¯s Tian Huihua remarked. ¡°It seems no one among the remaining students can handle Lin Jing¡¯s tricks. That Liu fellow has even given up the pursuit. I wonder what he sensed in that pinecone¡­¡± Cao Ziwei nodded in agreement. However, thinking about the Nascent Soul-transformed Divine Pine backing Lin Jing, he felt less surprised. Even among super-geniuses from Nascent Soul factions, it was rare to have a Nascent Soul expert personally shielding and mentoring them. ¡°But his bone age indicates he¡¯ll soon pass thirty,¡± Tian Huihua noted. ¡°If Lin Jing advances to Foundation Establishment, he could aim for the top five on the . It would be a shame if he ages out before securing a higher spot.¡± The teachers murmured in agreement. ¡°Once the Autumn Hunt ends, perhaps we can offer him opportunities to shine. A chance to train with Hidden Dragon techniques would suit someone of his caliber.¡± Back at the Dragon Blood Pool, the Pine Leaf Mouse returned with another haul of resources, leaving the Dragon Palace disciples speechless. ¡°Lin, this¡­ this is¡­¡± Xu Zhizhi stammered, his faith in the Pine Leaf Mouse wavering. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lin Jing reassured him, understanding Xu Zhizhi¡¯s concerns. ¡°The weak have no diplomacy. If we appear strong, our position will improve.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Xu Zhizhi hesitated. ¡°And most of this will be returned,¡± Lin Jing added. ¡°Refined artifacts are too troublesome to reforge, and we¡¯ll return items of personal significance. We¡¯ll only keep spirit stones, pills, and talismans.¡± As he spoke, his gaze fell on a scroll clutched by the Pine Leaf Mouse. Unrolling it revealed a painting of a stunning, unclothed immortal maiden. Lin Jing shook his head. ¡°This must be deeply important to whoever owned it. Return it.¡± Relieved, Xu Zhizhi sighed. ¡°At least you have some sense of decency.¡± ¡°Have them redeem their treasures with spirit stones,¡± Lin Jing said with a sly smile. Xu Zhizhi: ¡°???¡± ¡°They have to pay? You might as well ask them to kill me outright!¡± Lin Jing chuckled, leaving Xu Zhizhi to handle the logistics. Moments later, Gao Sheng emerged from the blood pool, grumbling about its lack of excitement compared to his family¡¯s medicinal baths. He approached Lin Jing, speaking in hushed tones. ¡°Lin, your pet is at Foundation Establishment now. Doesn¡¯t that count as you reaching it too? Once the Autumn Hunt ends, how about teaming up to solve a case?¡± Lin Jing rolled his eyes. ¡°What case?¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s tone turned conspiratorial. ¡°Remember what I mentioned about the now-extinct Demonic Sky Sect?¡± ¡°This case involves uncovering the true identity of the Demonic Sky Sect¡¯s leader. There are no traces of him in the Tianyuan Continent, almost as if he came from another celestial realm entirely!¡± ¡°If we can prove he¡¯s an otherworldly demon, my Nascent Soul patriarch might even get a promotion!¡± ¡°The ruins of the Demonic Sky Sect are located in the Air Domain!¡± ¡°Go soak in the blood pool,¡± Lin Jing muttered, cold sweat running down his back. He had expected nothing but trouble from Gao Sheng¡¯s schemes. Book 2: Chapter 59: Extreme Cold Vol 2 Chapter 59: Extreme Cold "That Gao Sheng kid sure has a big appetite. Investigating whether the Sect Leader of the Demonic Sky Sect is an Outer Realm demon or a cultivator from beyond this world? This isn''t about checking out the leader; it''s about eyeing his head." Lin Jing thought for a moment. Whether the Demonic Sky Sect leader was from the Tianyuan Continent or not, he couldn''t confirm. But one thing was certain¡ªhe wasn''t someone to mess with. "In the end, don¡¯t get yourself thrown in while investigating," Lin Jing muttered. Then, brushing Gao Sheng off with a vague response, he said, "We''ll discuss this later." ¡°You¡¯re not scared, are you?¡± Gao Sheng nudged Lin Jing with his elbow, speaking confidently via voice transmission. ¡°With my wisdom and luck¡­¡± Gao Sheng''s confidence in his investigative skills grew day by day, especially after cultivating the Acquired Spirit Luck Physique using his family''s secret technique during the Foundation Establishment stage. The physique, as its name suggests, amplified his fortune. "Get lost!" Lin Jing kicked Gao Sheng back into the Dragon Transformation Blood Pool. ¡°Think about it again! If it doesn¡¯t work, we can switch cases!¡± Gao Sheng persisted. Just then, the Divine Pine sent a message: "After the Autumn Hunt ends, you should head to the Air Domain." Lin Jing: ??? With twitching lips, Lin Jing replied, "Senior Divine Pine, have you been possessed by Gao Sheng? The leader of the Demonic Sky Sect is likely a powerhouse in the Dao Inquiry stage. His secrets aren¡¯t something small cultivators like us in Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment stages can uncover." ¡°If it were a case like the one in Snow Moon City, where you could use Longevity Blood as bait for fishing, I might consider it.¡± "Relax," the Divine Pine responded. "I¡¯m talking about something else entirely. You should start preparing to cultivate the Ice Soul Gu.¡± "After the Pine Leaf Mouse reaches Foundation Establishment, the next step is for the Ice Soul Gu to advance. With its natural bloodline and aptitude, you don¡¯t need special treasures to enhance its lineage. That said, the Ice Soul Gu is the embodiment of ice and snow. For a perfect Foundation Establishment, you¡¯ll need an environment rich in frost energy.¡± ¡°The best options are the Snow Plains in the Great Wasteland or the Air Domain. Fortunately, I know of a freezing region in the Air Domain suitable for the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s Foundation Establishment. When the time comes, I¡¯ll accompany you.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I see.¡± Then, testing the waters, he asked, ¡°Senior Divine Pine, is the leader of the Demonic Sky Sect really from beyond this world?¡± After a moment of contemplation, the Divine Pine replied, ¡°I¡¯m aware of the relic site Gao Sheng mentioned. In that relic, a powerful Ancient Kingdom cultivator established a unique spatial-temporal formation. It allows lower-level cultivators to dream of the past and explore the Demonic Sky Sect.¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That crafty Nascent Soul brat probably wants to investigate it that way. Considering the effort the Ancient Kingdom put into creating this formation, it¡¯s possible that the sect leader isn¡¯t a native cultivator of Tianyuan.¡± ¡°Legend has it that beneath the Celestial Realm lies countless worlds of cultivation. Tianyuan Continent is just one of them. Cultivators from these worlds share a common goal: ascending to the Celestial Realm to achieve immortality.¡± ¡°Due to special circumstances, Tianyuan¡¯s ascension pathway was severed. If the leader of the Demonic Sky Sect truly came from another cultivation world, it might mean Tianyuan¡¯s cultivators can travel to those worlds to ascend!¡± ¡°Perhaps the Ancient Kingdom destroyed the sect primarily to uncover this cross-realm method.¡± ¡°Of course, this is mere speculation. The Demonic Sky Sect fell long before I gained sentience. The matter is far too complex, full of hidden dangers. Even if you uncover everything, it won¡¯t matter to a small Qi Refinement cultivator like you. Let Gao Sheng play his own games.¡± Lin Jing agreed to let Gao Sheng handle his own mess, as he had no interest in ascension. The Autumn Hunt lasted a month. During this time, the elders of the Dragon Palace didn¡¯t leave the blood pool, instead choosing to cultivate diligently. Though the pool¡¯s effects waned over time, they dared not leave, fearing retaliation. After all, the Pine Leaf Mouse had stolen plenty of treasures, leaving many glaring resentfully at Lin Jing and the mouse. While they couldn¡¯t do anything to Lin Jing, they could take it out on the Dragon Palace members. Thus, they opted to stay put and make the most of the remaining energy. Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse also stayed, working tirelessly. Lin Jing harvested thousands of Mosquito Eggs, hatching larvae and testing the limits of the Myriad Beast Circle. Meanwhile, the Pine Leaf Mouse used its spoils¡ªlifeforce absorbed from the Fourth-Rank Malignant Plant, Rainfall Bodhisattva¡ªto cultivate the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art. When the hunt concluded, beams of light descended from the heavens, transporting participants back to Hidden Dragon Academy. At the Initial Point near the teleportation mountain, figures reappeared. Many looked haggard, a stark contrast to the Dragon Palace members, who radiated energy. They had reaped numerous fortunes with little hardship. Previously dismissive senior students now looked at Lin Jing with complex expressions, their resentment palpable. Most had their treasures stolen but lacked the strength to reclaim them. Lin Jing sensed their hostile gazes and chuckled, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. My pet beast was just playing a little prank. Since we¡¯re all fellow students, I¡¯ll return your treasures.¡± ¡°Really? Is my companion¡¯s portrait still intact?¡± a buzz-cut cultivator asked excitedly. A disciple of the Divine Vision Sect, he practiced visualization techniques, allowing him to vividly recreate images in his mind. Lin Jing¡¯s silence seemed to confirm the portrait¡¯s owner. ¡°Of course,¡± Lin Jing replied with a wave, softening many expressions. However, some talents turned away coldly, uninterested in reconciliation. "Xu Zhizhi, I¡¯ll leave this to you,¡± Lin Jing said, patting Xu Zhizhi¡¯s shoulder before transforming into a streak of light and flying off. After a month away, he wondered how his Dragon Carp was faring. ¡°Wait, redemption? For our own treasures?!¡± The crowd exploded after Lin Jing¡¯s departure. Xu Zhizhi could only sweat nervously. ¡°I¡¯ll join Dragon Palace if it means getting my treasures back!¡± someone shouted. ¡°I¡¯ve lost everything¡ªmy spiritual tools and stones! I avoided the beasts, but I can¡¯t afford to redeem anything now!¡± The academy¡¯s resident teachers, who hadn¡¯t joined the Autumn Hunt, were baffled by the uproar. Meanwhile, those who returned from the Cangmang Mountains remained calm, knowing Lin Jing¡¯s name would soon spread across the Ancient Kingdom, with the Genius Rankings update solidifying his fame. Book 2: Chapter 60: Return to the Great Wasteland Vol 2 Chapter 60: Return to the Great Wasteland At Hidden Dragon Academy, a streak of light descended onto a mountain peak. Inside the mountain''s cavernous abode, intense heat pervaded the air, and a scarlet-scaled Dragon Carp Spirit was busy refining pills in a fiery cauldron. Having overexerted itself creating a Foundation Establishment Pill for the Pine Leaf Mouse, the Dragon Carp had fallen into a deep slumber, awakening only to find a jade slip left by Lin Jing: "I¡¯ve gone to participate in the academy¡¯s Autumn Hunt with the Pine Leaf Mouse. I¡¯ve left enough food for you in the cavern." The Dragon Carp replayed the message repeatedly, waiting silently for its master. Nearly a month passed before Lin Jing finally returned. ¡°You¡¯ve recovered well! I thought you¡¯d be asleep for a whole month,¡± Lin Jing remarked with a slight smile, noticing the Dragon Carp''s vigor. ¡°Blub blub blub!¡± The Dragon Carp leapt from the cauldron, flapping its fins in protest. Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°It was just some backwater mountains¡ªnothing exciting.¡± The Dragon Carp, still bitter over being left out of the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven adventure, eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Nothing exciting¡­?¡± Seeing its anxious expression, Lin Jing reassured it. ¡°Of course not! It was just a pool of diluted Dragon Blood from the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor.¡± The Dragon Carp froze. "What?!" ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have done you much good anyway,¡± Lin Jing added casually. The Dragon Carp sighed in relief, its trembling fins calming down. ¡°Relax. I made sure to think of you this time. After all, you worked yourself to exhaustion to make the Foundation Establishment Pill for the Pine Leaf Mouse. So, I brought back something delicious¡ªpremium Mosquito Beasts from the Cangmang Mountains as a treat.¡± ¡°Those mosquitoes have been gorging themselves on the Dragon Blood Pool. By the principle of equivalent exchange, eating them is practically like you enjoying the blood pool too!¡± Lin Jing explained with a grin. The Dragon Carp¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation, eagerly awaiting its reward. When Lin Jing released the Mosquito Beasts, the cavern was soon filled with their loud buzzing. Over a hundred Mosquito Beasts emerged, each the size of Lin Jing himself, their plump bodies practically radiating vitality. The Dragon Carp¡¯s eyes lit up as it dove toward the nearest one, mouth open wide. But before it could bite, the Mosquito Beast''s oppressive aura surged. With a sudden burst of force, it slammed the Dragon Carp back into the ground, creating a crater. The Dragon Carp winced in pain, staring at the Mosquito Beast in disbelief. Each mosquito was now shrouded in an overwhelming Blood Shadow, and its King-tier Bloodline was faintly threatened. Not ready to give up, the Dragon Carp targeted another. But even before it could approach, the Mosquito Beasts'' collective pressure forced it to retreat, stumbling backward. For a moment, the Dragon Carp doubted its reality. How had it fallen so far that even "prepared food" was out of its league? Lin Jing¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Did you slack off on your cultivation this past month? How can you lose to food?¡± The Dragon Carp wanted to cry but had no tears. Missing one Autumn Hunt had cost it so much! Its mind raced¡ªwas the Dragon Blood Pool truly such a useless opportunity? It suddenly panicked. Would Lin Jing now prefer to contract a Mosquito Beast for Foundation Establishment instead of it? Gripping Lin Jing¡¯s pant leg with its teeth, the Dragon Carp pleaded with watery eyes. It couldn¡¯t endure another event without being included. ¡°Alright, next time for sure,¡± Lin Jing relented with a smile. ¡°In fact, in a few days, we¡¯ll be heading out again. I¡¯ll definitely bring you along.¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Dragon Carp¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Where to?¡± ¡°To a frozen wasteland. I need to help the Ice Soul Gu achieve Foundation Establishment.¡± The Dragon Carp froze. "What?!" Before Lin Jing could elaborate, a powerful presence descended outside the cavern. ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll explain the mosquitoes later,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Don¡¯t question your worth as a fish.¡± Stepping out of the cavern, Lin Jing found Cao Ziwei, one of the academy¡¯s teachers, waiting for him. ¡°Your performance during the Autumn Hunt was truly impressive,¡± Cao Ziwei said with a smile. ¡°You flatter me, Sir Cao,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°I come with a message. During the hunt, a strong cultivator from Tianji Pavilion was observing. He was impressed by you and asked me to pass this on: two years from now, the pavilion will host a Genius Battle in the Heaven Domain. It will be an opportunity to reshuffle the rankings of the Genius Rankings.¡± He added, ¡°You¡¯re twenty-seven now, right? While this Autumn Hunt will likely put you on the Genius Rankings, the list only includes those under thirty. Your time on it will be short-lived. The pavilion hopes you¡¯ll achieve Foundation Establishment by then and participate in the battle. With your potential, you could rank among the top talents.¡± Lin Jing raised an eyebrow. ¡°Tianji Pavilion is hosting such an event?¡± ¡°Indeed. The pavilion relies on selling intelligence to sustain itself, and the Genius Rankings are a major revenue stream. However, the rankings have been stagnant for years, impacting their business. This Genius Battle is their way of shaking things up,¡± Cao Ziwei explained with a laugh. Lin Jing nodded. ¡°Thank you for the message, Sir Cao. Coincidentally, I was planning to leave the academy to seek a feng shui treasure land for Foundation Establishment. I¡¯ll keep the battle in mind.¡± Hearing this, Cao Ziwei grew concerned. However, recalling Lin Jing¡¯s powerful protector, he decided not to press further. ¡°As long as you travel discreetly, it should be fine.¡± As Lin Jing prepared for his journey to the Great Wasteland Domain, he contemplated a side trip to visit the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s remnants in Hundred Flower Valley. Though the sect no longer existed, many of its members had relocated there. It had been four years, and he was curious to see how his old acquaintances were faring. To cross domains, Lin Jing could use Hidden Dragon City¡¯s interdomain teleportation array, but the cost was exorbitant. Even with his spoils from the Autumn Hunt, he refused to waste his resources. Fortunately, with the Nascent Soul-level Divine Pine as his protector, traversing the regions wouldn¡¯t be an issue. Meanwhile, in the Heaven Domain¡¯s Tianji Pavilion, Tian Huihua reported the Autumn Hunt¡¯s events to her master. Her master dismissed her concerns about the Genius Rankings. ¡°Never mind that for now. Focus on finding your junior sister. She slipped away recently.¡± Tian Huihua frowned. ¡°Eighty years of cultivation can feel stifling. It¡¯s only natural for her to want some freedom.¡± ¡°She left after divining something about that Lin Jing,¡± her master said. ¡°She hasn¡¯t eaten or drunk anything since, just giggling to herself. Keep an eye on her. If there¡¯s an opportunity, seize it¡ªbut don¡¯t let Lin Jing deceive her. That man is trouble.¡± Book 2: Chapter 61: Hundred Flower Valley Vol 2 Chapter 61: Hundred Flower Valley Compared to other domains, the Great Wasteland Domain was undoubtedly barren, yet it earned the nickname Haven for Wanderer Cultivators. This land teemed with countless beasts and ferocious monsters. The sheer variety and number of these creatures surpassed any other domain in the Nine Domains. According to the Ancient Kingdom, the Great Wasteland likely housed the highest concentration of Demon Kings deep within its expanse. Many rogue cultivators made a living by hunting beasts, exchanging the materials harvested from them for spirit stones. They would then rent abodes atop spiritual veins in immortal cities to cultivate, living lives constantly on the edge. Above the Great Wasteland¡¯s dense clouds, Lin Jing sat cross-legged atop a flying giant pinecone, gazing down at the rogue cultivators battling beasts below. He sighed softly. ¡°We¡¯re almost in the Great Wasteland. The journey was faster than I imagined,¡± he remarked. ¡°After the Beast Taming Sect was sealed, I wonder if its disciples have fallen to lives like those rogue cultivators.¡± ¡°Of course it was fast!¡± the pinecone grumbled irritably. ¡°I¡¯m moving at full speed! You wouldn¡¯t spare enough spirit stones for a teleportation array.¡± Lin Jing retorted, ¡°The spirit stones we ¡®acquired¡¯ wouldn¡¯t even cover a single use of the one-way array. Even if they could, the Pine Leaf Mouse would never allow it. You know how possessive it is.¡± He continued, ¡°Besides, with your help, Senior Divine Pine, this was the most practical way back. Rest assured, I¡¯ll fulfill my promise to you.¡± ¡°Hah!¡± the Divine Pine sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you¡¯re altruistic. I know you¡¯re using me to demand the Immortal Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure. This isn¡¯t about reconnecting with old friends in the Beast Taming Sect; you¡¯re after those riches!¡± Years ago, Lin Jing had entered the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, where the Immortal Demon Serpent was sealed. There, he learned from the serpent about a hidden treasure. He reported this information to the Beast Taming Sect, but he didn¡¯t know if they had explored it after their fall. He speculated they might have. With the sect¡¯s spiritual veins gone, elders and disciples alike would have faced major cultivation issues. Unearthing treasure from the serpent¡¯s hoard could have alleviated some of these challenges. Though Lin Jing was the one who discovered the treasure¡¯s location, as a lowly Qi Refinement cultivator, he had no illusions about securing any core items. At most, he¡¯d be rewarded with a magical artifact. However, with the Divine Pine¡ªa Nascent Soul-level protector¡ªmaking the demand, the sect¡¯s surviving elders wouldn¡¯t dare refuse. ¡°Senior Pine, that¡¯s absurd,¡± Lin Jing replied with an air of righteousness. ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about the sect¡¯s well-being.¡± The Divine Pine snorted. ¡°And how many days have we been traveling now?¡± ¡°It should be around the New Year,¡± Lin Jing estimated. ¡°January 1st is when Tianji Pavilion publishes the latest Genius Rankings. Let¡¯s stop by a nearby immortal city to buy a copy.¡± ¡°Hmph. So now you¡¯re willing to spend?¡± the Divine Pine scoffed. Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°No need. The Beast Taming Sect always subscribed to the World Report, so Hundred Flower Valley likely does too. We¡¯ll read it there.¡± Hundred Flower Valley was a second-tier sect in the Great Wasteland. While it didn¡¯t have the same rich heritage as the Beast Taming Sect, it boasted a Nascent Soul elder and a Nascent Soul butterfly, providing its foundation. The sect¡¯s specialty lay in its Butterfly Taming Arts, and it had maintained close ties with the Beast Taming Sect over generations. Unlike the Beast Taming Sect, which relied on long-lived demon kings for its legacy, the Hundred Flower Valley had no such entities. However, this difference seemed advantageous in hindsight, as the sect had avoided the fate of being sealed. Flying onward, Lin Jing and his companions soon spotted the valley¡¯s mountain range in the distance. Even from afar, the scenery was breathtaking. The air grew fresher as they approached, and fields of wildflowers stretched endlessly below. Vibrant patches of blossoms painted the landscape, ranging from tiny scattered flowers to sprawling seas of color. At the mountain gate, two female disciples appeared, blocking Lin Jing¡¯s path. Dressed in light, flowing robes embroidered with intricate butterfly patterns, their delicate features only added to the valley¡¯s charm. Each held a sword, upon which perched a butterfly¡ªone blue, the other yellow¡ªradiating spiritual energy. ¡°Who goes there?¡± they called. Lin Jing stepped forward and bowed politely. ¡°Greetings, Senior Sisters. I am Lin Jing, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. After the sect¡¯s closure, I went abroad to study. I have returned to the Great Wasteland and seek to reconnect with my sect.¡± The disciples exchanged glances before the one with the blue butterfly stepped forward. ¡°Do you have proof of identity? I will notify the elders.¡± Lin Jing tossed her his Beast Taming Sect disciple token and thanked her. She nodded and entered the valley gates, while the other disciple, with the yellow butterfly, stayed behind and observed him curiously. ¡°He must have been an important member of the Beast Taming Sect,¡± she speculated aloud. ¡°Yet I don¡¯t recall hearing of him.¡± ¡°Oh? What makes you think so?¡± Lin Jing asked with a smile. She gestured to his lack of a Beast Taming Space Artifact. ¡°Such artifacts are reserved for the sect¡¯s true disciples. But your Qi Refinement stage cultivation seems low for that rank. I only recall an Elder Feng accepting a disciple by that name.¡± S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing chuckled, ¡°I do have a companion beast.¡± At that moment, a red dot appeared in the sky, gradually descending. The disciple soon realized it was an unusual red Dragon Carp. ¡°Roar!¡± With a loud cry, the Dragon Carp hovered beside Lin Jing, flaunting its formidable aura. The carp radiated an air of arrogance, clearly relishing its dominance. For a moment, it feared Lin Jing might have left it behind with the Divine Pine. Thankfully, it had made it here¡ªjust barely! Book 2: Chapter 62: The Genius Rankings? Vol 2 Chapter 62: The Genius Rankings? Before long, two streaks of light shot out from Beast Taming Peak in the Hundred Flower Valley. Both exuded the aura of the Golden Core Stage and quickly landed outside the valley gates, their expressions filled with delight. "Lin Jing, how come you''re back?" The newcomers were Elder Yu, known for his passion for Mechanized Arts, and Elder Mo, the one who had brought Lin Jing into the sect. "You weren¡¯t expelled, were you?" Elder Mo stepped forward, his excitement fading into a worried frown. "How could that be?" Lin Jing¡¯s lips twitched. "Good, as long as that¡¯s not the case." Elder Yu nodded in relief. "Elder Yu? Elder Mo?" A female disciple guarding the valley gate clearly recognized the two Beast Taming Sect elders. When she saw that Lin Jing, an Outer Sect disciple, had managed to summon two Golden Core elders to personally welcome him, she was stunned. Even a core disciple wouldn¡¯t receive this kind of treatment. She realized she had underestimated Lin Jing''s status in the Beast Taming Sect. Could he be¡­ the sect master¡¯s illegitimate son? "Thank you for your service. Lin Jing is indeed a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. We¡¯ll take him back to Beast Taming Peak now," Elder Yu said, glancing at the Hundred Flower Valley disciple. After aligning with the Hundred Flower Valley, the Beast Taming Sect was given a mountain peak rich in spiritual veins¡ªpreviously used for silkworm farming¡ªas their base. "You''re too kind, Elder¡­" Before the disciple could finish, everyone¡¯s attention was drawn upward. A pigeon-like spirit beast carrying a storage pouch swooped down outside the valley gates. "A Communication Pigeon!" Recognizing the bird, the female disciple hurried forward. In the next moment, the gray pigeon retrieved a bundle of newspapers from the pouch, handed it to her, and flew off. "What a coincidence! Is that the new issue of the ?" Lin Jing asked, surprised. "Hmm? I don¡¯t see why not." The disciple reluctantly handed a copy to Lin Jing. Lin Jing stored the newspaper and followed the elders back to Beast Taming Peak. Shortly after they left, a blue-butterfly-clad disciple returned from delivering a message, panting. "Who is this Lin Jing? Just hearing his name made Elder Yu rush to notify the other elders to greet him." The yellow-butterfly disciple shook her head. "No idea. But he snagged one of our newspapers! So annoying! I didn¡¯t dare refuse with the elders there¡ªa single copy costs several Spirit Stones. Beast Taming Sect disciples really know how to take advantage!" "Huh?" The blue-butterfly disciple glanced at the box of newspapers. "Forget it. Take the rest inside to distribute." She casually picked up a copy, flipping through the major events that seemed distant and unrelated to her life. But as she turned a page, her pupils shrank. "I think I know why those two elders greeted him personally." "But how could it be...?" "Lin Jing, tell us, why did you suddenly return?" The Ancient Domain lay at the heart of the Ancient Kingdom, while the Great Wasteland was at its borders. Even a Golden Core cultivator would take years to traverse the distance between them. The elders couldn¡¯t believe Lin Jing had come back simply because he missed the sect. In a small hall, Lin Jing looked at the two elders and smiled. "A descendant of Divine Pine is taking me to a promising cultivation site. Passing through the Ancient Domain, I thought I¡¯d stop by." "Speaking of which, Elder Mo, where¡¯s Elder Black Bear? I wanted to see him." Lin Jing was fond of Elder Black Bear. The Academy¡¯s test subjects for medicine trials couldn¡¯t compare to his resilience. "He went back home to visit his Nascent Soul mother," Elder Mo said casually. "Oh..." Lin Jing fell silent. So, Elder Black Bear¡¯s mother was also a Nascent Soul demon king? And a wild one at that. The network of demon kings behind the Beast Taming Sect might be deeper than he had imagined. "Are things going well at the academy?" The elders asked briefly, not expecting much progress in just a few years. With Lin Jing¡¯s Longevity Body, breakthroughs often took decades or even centuries. Lin Jing remained at the Qi Refinement Stage, as expected. Yet with rare beasts and Divine Pine¡¯s guidance, Elder Mo wasn¡¯t too worried about him being bullied. The topic soon shifted to the sect¡¯s current situation. "The sect master, Elder Li Hai, and Ouyang Hao have taken some disciples to Qingzhou," Elder Yu explained. "Most ordinary disciples and I have temporarily stationed ourselves in Hundred Flower Valley." "As for the demon king ancestors, they initially took the core disciples to train in the Air Domain but recently returned to the Great Wasteland and are staying here in the valley," Elder Mo added. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Incidentally, their Air Domain training was related to the intelligence you brought back from the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda." "The treasure of the Immortal Demon Serpent?" Lin Jing hadn¡¯t expected Elder Mo to bring it up before he even asked. "Exactly. The Immortal Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure stirred fierce competition among the Great Wasteland sects. Since the Beast Taming Sect obtained the location first, they naturally had to investigate." "Did they succeed? Was the intel genuine?" Lin Jing inquired. "It was," Elder Mo replied. "The treasure¡¯s entrance was sealed by a nearly unbreakable formation, requiring the caster to unlock it personally." "However, the so-called unbreakable formation, prevalent thousands of years ago, was deciphered 1,200 years ago by the Qingzhou Thief Sect and is now widely known in the cultivation world." Elder Mo laughed. "The demon king ancestors couldn¡¯t believe how easy it was to obtain the treasure. If not for the Demon-Slaying Bureau guarding the pagoda, they might¡¯ve returned to mock the Immortal Demon." Lin Jing was speechless. The Immortal Demon Serpent had claimed that only it could unlock the treasure, a claim Lin Jing had doubted. Still, he hadn¡¯t expected the treasure to require so little effort. Then again, the serpent had been sealed for millennia, mistaking Lin Jing for a Buddhist master. It hadn¡¯t considered that formations deemed unbreakable back then might now be outdated... "What was in the treasure?" Lin Jing asked. "We don¡¯t know," Elder Mo replied. "The demon king ancestors took the treasure, but even the elders are unaware of its contents. All we know is it contained rare spiritual plant seeds, which require Hundred Flower Valley¡¯s spiritual veins to grow. They even negotiated with the valley master over this." Lin Jing nodded and grinned. "Shouldn¡¯t those seeds include a share for the disciples?" Elder Mo chuckled. "Since you provided the intelligence, in theory, yes. But it depends on what the demon king ancestors decide." "Currently, the sect¡¯s strategy is to prioritize all resources for enhancing our sect¡¯s fortune. The focus is on nurturing core disciples to the point where at least one can secure a spot on the Genius Rankings and elevate the sect¡¯s status." "The Genius Rankings? You mean this?" Lin Jing handed Elder Mo the newspaper he had taken earlier. Both elders scanned it with their spiritual senses, stunned. Genius Rankings, Rank 87: Lin Jing Cultivation: Qi Refinement Stage 11Age: 27Sect: Beast Taming SectDescription: A disciple of the Beast Taming Sect and a student of Hidden Dragon Academy. Seven-time survivor of the Immortal Palace Cavern Heaven, subdued the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea with his pet beasts, and defeated Genius Rankings¡¯ Rank 44 Chu Ren and Rank 88 Tang Yun... Known for crossing realms to defeat peak Foundation Establishment opponents. Book 2: Chapter 63: Rising Fame Vol 2 Chapter 63: Rising Fame Elder Mo and Elder Yu froze upon seeing a certain name in the latest . Rank 32: Lin Jing Cultivation: Qi Refinement Stage 11 This had to be a mistake. No, wait¡­ this ranking had been personally delivered moments ago by the Tianji Pigeon. Could it actually be true? But how was this possible? Wasn¡¯t the Longevity Body notoriously difficult to cultivate? How could Lin Jing have broken through to the extreme limit of Qi Refinement and reached the eleventh stage? Moreover, he had even achieved this alongside his spirit beasts! "Are you truly a Longevity Body?" Elder Yu couldn¡¯t help doubting. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn¡¯t just the Longevity Body, a constitution harder to train than even a mortal physique. Even among constitutions that provided cultivation advantages, very few could achieve such a level. The ''s entry on Lin Jing gave no mention of any special constitution, leaving it unclear whether the pavilion had concealed this information or was simply unaware of it. If the world found out that Lin Jing possessed such a difficult-to-cultivate Longevity Body, his ranking would undoubtedly become even more impressive. The two elders were stunned. For a sect like the Beast Taming Sect, which was considered third-rate within the Ancient Kingdom, the Genius Rankings were a distant dream. Even in the Great Wasteland, only a handful of cultivators occasionally made it onto the rankings, usually in the lower tiers. Lin Jing¡¯s debut¡ªlanding within the top fifty at that¡ªwas an unprecedented feat for someone at the Qi Refinement stage, not just in the Great Wasteland but even across the entire Ancient Kingdom. How had he achieved this? Was it due to the Pine Leaf Mouse? That couldn¡¯t be it. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s synthesis abilities weren¡¯t suited for such rapid advancement, and its species wasn¡¯t combat-oriented. The Ice Soul Gu? Unlikely. Lin Jing¡¯s current cultivation was insufficient to control such a Gu. Besides, revealing the Ice Soul Gu just to make the Genius Rankings would be a foolish move, and the rankings¡¯ description suggested it wasn¡¯t involved. The Dragon Carp? Laughable. The elders glanced at the floating Qi Refinement Carp by Lin Jing¡¯s side and shook their heads. "Could it be the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea?" The two elders could only assume Lin Jing had tamed some powerful new beasts. As Beast Taming Sect elders, they naturally knew what the Ten Terrors were¡ªten of the most terrifying species in the Cloud Sea Mountain Range. Any one of them could easily crush the spirit beasts raised by the sect. Even the demon kings of the Cloud Sea would avoid crossing paths with these species. If Lin Jing had reached the extreme limit of Qi Refinement and had the aid of a Terror from the Cloud Sea, it would explain how he had defeated others on the Genius Rankings. "I got lucky," Lin Jing said honestly. "At the academy, I was accidentally drawn into a cave heaven inheritance alongside two contemporaries, which gave me the chance to break through." "As for the Ten Terrors, they were released by the academy¡¯s teachers during a trial. I was fortunate to capture one." The two elders fell silent for a moment before Elder Mo burst into laughter. What they had thought to be a slow-growing Longevity Body, needing centuries to reach its potential, had instead shown growth so rapid it rivaled demonic cultivators who used life-shortening techniques. "The Immortal Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure should include a share for you," Elder Mo said, clutching the rankings list. "I¡¯ll go speak with the demon king ancestors." Meanwhile, in the Hundred Flower Valley, a yellow-butterfly disciple hurried to report to the valley¡¯s Guardian Elder. The latest issue of the also concerned the valley. Many disciples had been unhappy about the Beast Taming Sect taking over part of their resources. After all, no one liked sharing the sect¡¯s spiritual energy. However, the two sects had been long-time allies, with the Beast Taming Sect helping the valley on multiple occasions. Their mutual support was well-known throughout the Great Wasteland. This arrangement was both an act of kindness and an investment in the Beast Taming Sect, a former giant that still held latent potential. "Master, look at this¡ªthe latest Genius Rankings. Rank 32," the disciple said breathlessly. "What has you in such a rush?" the elderly woman frowned, taking the document. Moments later, her expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Lin Jing? A disciple of the Beast Taming Sect? Rank 32? Qi Refinement Stage 11? How is this possible?" Her worldview was shaken. The information seemed so far-fetched that she wondered if the had made an error. The yellow-butterfly disciple stood quietly, sensing her master¡¯s shock. Until now, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s disciples, while somewhat stronger overall than those of the Hundred Flower Valley, were still within a comprehensible range. But this Lin Jing, who had suddenly emerged, was beyond comprehension. "Return to the gate. I must see the valley master immediately," the elder said, transforming into a butterfly and vanishing at incredible speed. Her mind was in turmoil. If the rankings were accurate, the valley master¡¯s decision to support the Beast Taming Sect had been brilliant. Anyone on the Genius Rankings was destined for Nascent Soul, and not just any Nascent Soul, but one with the potential for perfection. Such a cultivator could eventually become a top-tier powerhouse in the Great Wasteland. Lin Jing¡¯s foundation, achieving Qi Refinement Stage 11, was so extraordinary that he might one day ascend to the Nascent Soul Transformation stage. Even if he failed, his immense power could allow him to influence the forces of heaven and earth, qualifying him as a half-divine existence. The Beast Taming Sect had hidden a prodigy far surpassing its core disciples¡ªno, even its current sect master. With Lin Jing, even if the sect didn¡¯t fully recover within a century, his eventual rise would ensure its restoration. Upon reaching Nascent Soul Transformation, the Beast Taming Sect would not just be a leading sect in the Great Wasteland but would stand among the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s finest. Across the Great Wasteland, the new left many cultivators in disbelief. "Beast Taming Sect? Lin Jing?" "Never heard of him!" "Not surprising. According to the report, he¡¯s been studying at Hidden Dragon Academy in the Ancient Domain. That¡¯s a world away from the Great Wasteland." "How lucky is the Beast Taming Sect? Just before they were sealed by the Sect Regulatory Office, a super-genius emerged!" Book 2: Chapter 64: The Seven Spiritual Seeds Vol 2 Chapter 64: The Seven Spiritual Seeds "Valley Master¡­" "It seems the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s fortunes have not yet ended," the Hundred Flower Valley Master remarked, tossing aside the . "In that case, let¡¯s allocate another mountain peak to them." "Is that all, Valley Master?" The Guardian Elder fixed her gaze on the Valley Master, her eyes earnest. "This young man¡¯s talent is a once-in-a-millennium phenomenon in the Great Wasteland. Moreover, he¡¯s a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, a sect that has been our ally for generations..." "Lady Fang, there are no outsiders here. Speak your mind," the Valley Master replied, looking at the elder woman. The elder regarded the Valley Master, who was seated amidst a sea of flowers, surrounded by butterflies, with a look of satisfaction. As a woman, she could fully appreciate the Valley Master¡¯s extraordinary charm. Time had been kind to her, tracing only faint and graceful lines at the corners of her eyes, adding a layer of elegance and wisdom. Her hair, as smooth and dark as midnight silk, shimmered faintly under the light. It was tied into a simple yet elegant bun with a butterfly-shaped hairpin, while a few stray strands swayed gently in the breeze. Wrapped in a plain dress that highlighted her graceful figure, her serene and delicate face exuded both beauty and authority. The Guardian Elder began cautiously, "I¡¯ve watched you rise step by step to become the Valley Master. Our valley has long intermarried with the Beast Taming Sect. Unfortunately, their current sect master, Xu Xiaoyao, broke this tradition with his¡­ unusual preferences, favoring beasts over people." "I have no intention of following the ways of my predecessors. My only wish is to reach the Nascent Soul Transformation stage within my lifetime." "Indeed. Your talent surpasses even Xu Xiaoyao¡¯s. The Beast Taming Sect only trails us due to its reliance on demon kings. If their sect master were someone of your caliber¡ª" Before she could finish, the Valley Master¡¯s eyes flashed coldly. A faint ripple of power surged, and the Guardian Elder was instantly flung into the distance, leaving a trail of blood as she hit the ground. "Still as fiery as ever, I see¡­" The Guardian Elder struggled to her feet, muttering, "I¡¯m already seventy-one; what does it matter if I get scolded again?" Meanwhile, Elder Mo, on his way to visit one of the sect''s demon king ancestors, paused mid-step as a shadow flew past him. "Was that Elder Fang¡­ being thrown out?" he muttered. "Who in the valley could overpower her? She¡¯s in the early Golden Core stage..." Shrugging, he continued on his way. The Beast Taming Sect had more pressing matters, particularly regarding the true disciples. Currently, the sect''s true disciples were enduring rigorous training under the demon king ancestors. Once respected figures in the Great Wasteland, these disciples were now subjected to brutal trials. Even their teachers, though sympathetic, dared not object. Elder Mo¡¯s first visit was to Wang Batian, the lowest-ranking of the seven demon king ancestors. Known for his stern methods, Wang Batian was a turtle demon famous for his resilience. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Elder Mo reached the cave, he heard cries of pain. Inside a formation, a young disciple clad in armor and wielding a turtle-shell shield was enduring attacks from all directions¡ªbeams of light equivalent to the strikes of Foundation Establishment cultivators. "A Sword Light Formation," Elder Mo murmured, shaking his head. The sect master must have undergone similar training under the Divine Pine to achieve his current strength. "What''s your purpose here?" Wang Batian, in his turtle form, basked atop a mountain under the sun¡¯s warm rays. "The sect master has returned," Elder Mo said. "I came to request a share of the Immortal Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure." "Hmm?" Wang Batian frowned. "Even though he provided the intelligence, the sect¡¯s resources are scarce. You understand that the Longevity Body is an uncertain investment at best." Elder Mo sighed. The Longevity Body, while valuable, required immense time and resources to cultivate. Without abundant resources, even the most promising constitutions could be liabilities. "I heard a genius who trained at the Hidden Dragon Academy has returned," Wang Batian said. "What does he want now? Spirit seeds?" "Yes," Elder Mo replied. "Tch, another competitor for the seeds," grumbled the disciple within the formation as he deflected the light beams. "Silence!" Elder Mo snapped. This true disciple, despite his defensive prowess as a Turtle Body, was one of the less successful outcomes of the sect¡¯s experiments. Wang Batian explained, "The spiritual seeds are too rare to distribute freely. Once matured, they will yield peerless spiritual plants, capable of aiding even Golden Core cultivators in their pursuit of Nascent Soul." Elder Mo nodded. "I understand. However, Lin Jing¡¯s circumstances are unique. See for yourself." He handed over the . Wang Batian scanned the document, and the mountain grew quiet. "Where is he?" Even the ancient Wang Batian was shaken by what he read. A disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, with a Longevity Body, ranking 32nd on the Genius Rankings at the Qi Refinement Stage? "If this is true, then he is indeed deserving of a spiritual seed. Among the seven seeds, there is one particularly suited for him." The seeds retrieved from the Immortal Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure were all extraordinary: Moonlit Dao Lotus Seed: When matured, sitting upon the lotus can bypass bottlenecks below Nascent Soul Transformation, allowing even mediocre cultivators to ascend.Violet Heaven Ginseng Seed: Grants an Acquired Thunder Spirit Body to mortals or thunder-attribute bloodlines to beasts. Enhances mastery of thunder techniques.Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi Seed: Provides decades of cultivation energy for fire or yang attribute practitioners, drastically boosting their progress.Dawn Dew Flower Seed: Permanently enhances the user¡¯s comprehension abilities.Nine-Life Exquisite Grass Seed: Endows remarkable regenerative abilities, akin to having nine lives.Eternal Evergreen Vine Seed: Each leaf extends the user¡¯s lifespan significantly.Cloud-Hidden Orchid Seed: Calms the heart and clears mental demons, aiding long, uninterrupted cultivation. "Unfortunately, even with the Hundred Flower Valley¡¯s spiritual veins, these seeds will take decades to mature," Wang Batian sighed, recalling the treasure¡¯s incredible value. Elder Mo nodded in understanding but remained hopeful. With Lin Jing¡¯s rise, the sect¡¯s future seemed brighter than ever. Book 2: Chapter 65: The Demon Kings Youthful Self Vol 2 Chapter 65: The Demon King''s Youthful Self Among cultivators, there exists a significant group that views immortality not as a blessing but a curse. Many ancient monsters, having lived far too long, often ¡°go mad¡± in their twilight years. This ¡°madness¡± isn¡¯t about losing one¡¯s mind but about losing one¡¯s humanity, growing increasingly indifferent and evolving into something other than human. The personalities of high-level cultivators, solidified over millennia, often become extreme and eccentric. While some cultivators manage to retain their original nature despite their long lifespans, such individuals remain a rare minority. Cloud-Hidden Orchid. This sixth-grade spiritual plant, once consumed, can keep a cultivator¡¯s mind calm even through centuries of secluded meditation. It shields against inner demons, the erosion of time, and negative emotions, with effects lasting a lifetime. Grand Ancestor Wang Batian mulled over the situation. This item seemed tailor-made for Lin Jing, whose Longevity Body might otherwise lead him to lose his humanity. It would ensure Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t degrade into a shadow of his former self due to his longevity. ¡°Since you think it¡¯s suitable, perhaps we should consult the other Grand Ancestors as well?¡± Elder Mo suggested. Nearby, a Turtle Body True Inheritor crawled out of the Sword Light Formation, his armor and shield transforming back into a Mechanized Armadillo and Mechanical Turtle, respectively. He had clearly employed the Beast-Weaponization Secret Art, turning his pet beasts into magical artifacts. Confused, he stared at Elder Mo, unsure what he had shown Wang Batian to make him change his mind so abruptly. ¡°He won¡¯t need to compete with you anymore.¡± Elder Mo waved his hand, tossing the Genius Rankings list hovering mid-air to the Turtle Body True Inheritor. Staring at the list, the latter froze. This¡­ is the Genius Rankings? Indeed, the Grand Ancestors had stated that if a sect disciple could enter the Genius Rankings, it would greatly enhance the sect¡¯s fortune! ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± The True Inheritor¡¯s breathing stalled as he spotted Lin Jing¡¯s name on the list. ¡°Even if all of you True Inheritors worked together, you might not match him alone,¡± Elder Mo revealed a harsh truth, leaving the Turtle Body True Inheritor struggling to accept it. Meanwhile, Wang Batian had already transmitted messages to the other Demon King Grand Ancestors. Previously, not even the Sect Master had placed significant hopes on Lin Jing achieving great progress within a century. Resources were prioritized for the True Inheritors instead. Everyone knew how difficult it was for someone with the Longevity Body to progress. But seeing the new Genius Rankings, Wang Batian realized they had made a grave mistake. Just as exceptional mortals occasionally appear amidst the multitudes, Lin Jing might very well be a prodigy among those with the Longevity Body! ¡°Come to me at once.¡± At that moment, the various Demon King Grand Ancestors, each engaged in grueling training with their disciples, received the transmission from Wang Batian, the most senior among them. Moments later, one figure after another descended onto the mountaintop. Among them were a stag-shaped Demon King, an elephant-shaped Demon King, and a bird-shaped Demon King, their demon auras surging skyward. While these mighty beings gathered, none of them noticed a shadow sneaking into a forbidden area within the Hundred Flower Valley. ¡°A few minor formations set up by those Demon Kings? Laughable! Nothing can stop me!¡± The Divine Pine, in its Pinecone Avatar, slipped into the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Spiritual Seed Nursery. ¡°Moonlit Dao Lotus, Violet Heaven Ginseng, Four-Sun Divine Lingzhi, Dawn Dew Flower, Four-Life Exquisite Grass, Eternal Evergreen Vine, Cloud-Hidden Orchid¡­ Such rare treasures! I underestimated this Dead Demon Serpent¡¯s hoard. But it makes sense. These spiritual seeds are precious enough to make it risk everything to seize them.¡± The Divine Pine initially held no interest in the Dead Demon Serpent¡¯s treasure. But seeing the variety of spiritual plants, its thoughts shifted. Even for itself, obtaining such plants in a short time would be nearly impossible. ¡°I could use the Violet Heaven Ginseng as the core and the others as supplements to forge a Thunder Pine Avatar. Cultivating as grass and wood, defying the natural order, will invite tribulation sooner than any human cultivator. Training with lightning techniques would even benefit the heavens.¡± ¡°It seems the heavens must pay a price for this ride, haha!¡± The Divine Pine Avatar vanished in a flash, reappearing moments later above the Demon King Grand Ancestors. By now, the Demon King Grand Ancestors had all reviewed the new Genius Rankings, astonished at Lin Jing¡¯s performance. Though they were demons, their hearts had long grown human after guarding the sect alongside its human cultivators for over a millennium. The Grand Ancestors genuinely wished for the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s legacy to endure. If Lin Jing had merely been an ordinary Longevity Body, the Grand Ancestors might have compensated him in other ways while focusing resources on others. But with Lin Jing demonstrating unparalleled potential, their hesitation grew. ¡°He deserves a share,¡± declared the Elephant Ancestor. ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t reach Nascent Soul within a century, his talent proves he¡¯s worth more than such constraints!¡± ¡°Indeed. I¡¯d argue one share isn¡¯t enough. He should receive all seven spiritual seeds for full cultivation support! Even his Protector should receive additional resources!¡± A voice interrupted their agreement, unfamiliar yet commanding. ¡°Who goes there?!¡± The Grand Ancestors looked up, spotting a cracked pinecone gazing down at them. For a moment, they felt transported into another realm, surrounded by towering grass and wood, staring up at an immense Divine Pine stretching toward the heavens. ¡°The power of heaven and earth¡­ A Nascent Soul Transformation of Grass and Wood!¡± The Grand Ancestors were shaken. A Nascent Soul Transformation cultivator had appeared among them unexpectedly. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It¡¯s you! You¡¯ve achieved Nascent Soul!¡± The Giant Turtle, once a pet beast of the Second Sect Master, stared in disbelief at the Divine Pine. ¡°Heavenly Pine Ancestor of Tiandu Peak?!¡± Elder Mo exclaimed, stunned as he witnessed the Divine Pine¡¯s full power for the first time. ¡°You¡¯re already in the late Nascent Soul stage, Little Turtle. Isn¡¯t it natural that I¡¯ve reached Nascent Soul as well?¡± The Divine Pine chuckled, glancing at Wang Batian with an air of indulgence, as if regarding a mere child. At this moment, all present were deeply shocked. None had expected the Divine Pine Guardian Deity of Tiandu Peak to be a Nascent Soul cultivator! And they recalled¡­ this Divine Pine had accompanied Lin Jing to the academy as his Protector. Suddenly, everything made sense. Lin Jing¡¯s monstrous growth was no longer a mystery¡ªhe had been guided by a Nascent Soul Transformation cultivator! Book 2: Chapter 66: Bestowal of Title Vol 2 Chapter 66: Bestowal of Title Indeed, without the Divine Pine teaching Lin Jing the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art through the Pine Leaf Mouse, and taking him to train in the depths of the Great Wasteland, Lin Jing might still be selling Mechanical Bamboo Rifles, progressing at a snail¡¯s pace! Not to mention the terrifying existence of the Ice Soul Gu, which was key to his greatest fortune in the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, enabling him to break through extreme boundaries. It was only thanks to the Divine Pine that the gu was safely housed within him. In many ways, Lin Jing¡¯s rapid growth, which defied the typical challenges of the Longevity Body, could be attributed to the Divine Pine¡¯s unconventional, almost devilish, methods of tutelage. "Do you all agree with me?" The Divine Pine¡¯s voice was calm but commanding. "I¡¯ve seen the spiritual seeds planted in the Hundred Flower Valley. Given the quality of the spiritual vein, they¡¯ll take at least sixty years to mature. Planting them in another sect¡¯s domain is risky and wasteful. "Leave them to me. With my cultivation of the Grass and Wood Dao, I can accelerate the growth of all seven seeds instantly. "Using them entirely to nurture Lin Jing, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s prodigy, will benefit the sect far more." The gathered Demon King Grand Ancestors broke out in a cold sweat, their minds racing. Though they wanted to protest, the overwhelming pressure emanating from the Divine Pine silenced them. "Senior is correct," Wang Batian finally spoke after a long pause. "Entrusting the seeds to you will maximize their value as quickly as possible." The Divine Pine let out a satisfied chuckle. "Since you¡¯ve agreed, I¡¯ll take these seeds. Also, keep my Nascent Soul Transformation a secret¡ªit¡¯s no benefit to your sect. After all, I¡¯m no longer your Guardian Deity." With that, the Divine Pine¡¯s figure vanished, leaving the Demon King Grand Ancestors standing on the mountaintop, breathing heavily. "Do you think the Heavenly Pine Ancestor will truly use all the seeds for Lin Jing¡­?" "..." "I¡¯ll take four; you can have three." "???" Elsewhere, Lin Jing had been discussing Mechanized Arts with Elder Yu when the Divine Pine abruptly called him away. Outside, the Divine Pine handed Lin Jing three spiritual seeds, leaving the latter baffled. ¡°The Elder Mo and the Demon King Ancestors agreed to give us all seven seeds. I¡¯ll take four, and you get these three.¡± The seeds Lin Jing received were for the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi, Nine-Life Exquisite Grass, and Cloud-Hidden Orchid. ¡°What are these? Wait, they¡¯re all for us? This¡­ seems too good to be true,¡± Lin Jing asked, incredulous. ¡°The Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi is for your Dragon Carp. When it reaches the Demon Core Stage, feeding it this should help it leap from early Core Formation to Core Formation Perfection, saving years of cultivation.¡± The Dragon Carp, hovering nearby, widened its eyes and began to breathe heavily. It knew it was lucky to follow Lin Jing¡ªsuch fortunes were beyond belief! The Core Formation Stage would soon be within its grasp, its reign just on the horizon. It glanced at the Divine Pine, its former resentment over past beatings now replaced with admiration. ¡°The Nine-Life Exquisite Grass, once matured, grants unparalleled regenerative ability during the Qi Refinement Stage. For ordinary bodies, it could even regrow someone from mere bones. However, with your Longevity Body, the effect may weaken. Still, you¡¯ll no longer need pills to replenish blood or heal injuries. Your strong physique, bolstered by Longevity Blood, will recover any energy loss quickly.¡± ¡°The Cloud-Hidden Orchid is simply for consumption. It will ensure you don¡¯t lose yourself on the path of longevity.¡± Lin Jing took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed. Yet, curiosity lingered¡ªwhat were the four seeds the Divine Pine had claimed? The Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi was powerful but irrelevant for at least a decade. The Nine-Life Exquisite Grass, while impressive, gave Lin Jing an ominous feeling. With his regenerative capabilities, he worried about being targeted by a powerful beast. As for the Cloud-Hidden Orchid, it seemed far removed from his current concerns, as he hadn¡¯t yet experienced the passage of time. ¡°You¡¯re wondering if I kept all the good stuff for myself, aren¡¯t you?¡± The Divine Pine scoffed at Lin Jing¡¯s questioning gaze. ¡°One plant increases lifespan¡ªuseless to you. Another enhances insight¡ªyou already have the Hidden Dragon Arts, so you don¡¯t lack it. A third aids breakthroughs¡ªyou have all the time in the world. "I plan to use these three as supplements, with a fourth spiritual plant containing heavenly lightning power as the core, to forge a Thunder Pine Avatar. That way, I won¡¯t risk being struck dead by tribulation lightning." "While you¡¯re far from facing tribulations, remember to prepare. Cultivate lightning techniques or contract a lightning beast. Ignorance of lightning power will only leave you vulnerable." Lin Jing nodded earnestly. Legends say tribulation lightning is a celestial punishment designed to test lower-realm cultivators. In essence, it is divine lightning. Human cultivators typically face tribulations only upon reaching the Vacant Profound Stage, but those practicing special techniques or belonging to unique races often attract it earlier. For example, the Grass and Wood Clan, forbidden by the Immortal Court to gain sentience, often faces tribulations prematurely. Lin Jing recalled Senior Brother Ouyang once expressing concerns that even if a method to revive the demon race was discovered, it might lead to even greater calamities¡ªlike being targeted by tribulations. Tribulation lightning is far deadlier than ordinary lightning. Most high-level cultivators die not in battle or from old age but during their breakthroughs, unable to withstand the trial. While cultivating lightning techniques or raising lightning beasts might not guarantee survival, it at least provides a layer of defense, strengthening resistance against lightning. Dazed, Lin Jing returned to the hall. Elder Mo also reappeared, equally stunned. Elder Yu noticed their changed expressions and couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Lin Jing, when do you plan to leave?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no rush,¡± Lin Jing replied. Though he couldn¡¯t stay indefinitely, he figured another ten days or so wouldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°That¡¯s perfect!¡± Elder Mo took a deep breath. ¡°The Demon King Ancestors plan to officially name you the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect. The ceremony will be held in a month, inviting sects from across the Great Wasteland to reestablish the sect¡¯s prestige.¡± Lin Jing: ??? S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°But the Sect Master isn¡¯t here!¡± ¡°The Demon King Ancestors believe the Sect Master won¡¯t object. He has no children, so there¡¯s no one to challenge your position as heir. The only potential successor, his adopted daughter, practices a different technique altogether, disqualifying her from inheriting the position of Sect Master.¡± Elder Mo gave Lin Jing a pointed look. Book 2: Chapter 67: The Stirring of the Wasteland Vol 2 Chapter 67: The Stirring of the Wasteland Since Lin Jing had joined the Beast Taming Sect only recently and hadn¡¯t traveled the Great Wasteland as a disciple of the sect, no one had even heard of him prior to the announcement of the Genius Rankings. This was why many suspected Tianji Pavilion had made a mistake when his name appeared on the list. Now, with Lin Jing''s potential shining brightly, the sect¡¯s Demon Kings and Ancestors could not allow him to remain an unknown ¡°Inner Sect Disciple.¡± It would tarnish the sect¡¯s reputation, making it seem like they did not value talent. After all, the Inner Sect disciple rank was far from the core of the sect. Even the status of a core disciple couldn¡¯t fully reflect his importance. Only by naming Lin Jing the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect and a candidate for the next sect master could the sect officially and irrevocably bind him to their future. When a sect has a successor with the potential to reach the Nascent Soul Transformation stage, its fortune would undoubtedly flourish. Such a proclamation also served as a signal: "Boosting the sect''s destiny isn''t just about improving the strength of its disciples. Recruiting exceptional talents or cultivators with extraordinary potential can also achieve this.¡± If a few human Nascent Soul cultivators joined the Beast Taming Sect, the balance between human and demon fortunes within the sect would significantly stabilize. However, such a scenario had always been nearly impossible. After all, Nascent Soul cultivators, even rogue ones, were powerful figures in their own right. Most preferred their freedom or, if they sought to join a sect, would opt for super sects rather than a struggling one like the Beast Taming Sect, which lacked spiritual veins and was under lockdown. But if these rogue cultivators could see the sect''s potential, things might change. A sect that could potentially produce a Nascent Soul Transformation cultivator would be a rare gem in the Great Wasteland. By becoming the Holy Son, Lin Jing would signal that the Beast Taming Sect was on the rise. In the sect''s current state of decline, other sects would be unlikely to target them unless they were outright enemies. In fact, some cultivation families, wanting to "invest" in the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s future, might even send talented descendants to join, along with skilled cultivators willing to serve as guest elders. This could rejuvenate the sect¡¯s prospects. Thus, Elder Mo explained, ¡°You see now why the Ancestors wish for you to become the Holy Son.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I understand all that¡­ I just have no interest in the position of sect master.¡± Senior Brother Ouyang, for instance, seemed particularly keen on that role. ¡°Fine, Holy Son it is,¡± Lin Jing relented. ¡°Being the Holy Son doesn¡¯t mean I have to become the sect master, after all.¡± Considering the role the sect played in his past and the treasures he had taken from the Immortal Demon, he felt obligated to accept the title. However, one thing worried him. By openly showing himself, wouldn¡¯t he attract too much attention? He wasn¡¯t sure if the Demon Kings and elders knew he had already been assassinated by a Demon Emperor in Hidden Dragon City. If they knew, would they still dare to hold this inauguration ceremony? He sought counsel from Senior Pine. ¡°Elder?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. With me here, even if you flaunt yourself, those hunting you won¡¯t dare act recklessly,¡± the Thunder Pine replied nonchalantly. Lin Jing wasn¡¯t sure how reassuring that was, but it would have to do. The Genius Rankings announcement hadn¡¯t reached everyone yet, with only those cultivators who regularly purchased the learning of it immediately. Among the Beast Taming Sect disciples, few were aware, as they typically saved their Spirit Stones to focus on cultivation. Disciples like Wang Laozu, Qin Caixin, and Senior Brother Ziran¡ªwho had accidentally entered the Cavern Heaven with Lin Jing¡ªremained in closed-door cultivation, improving their strength. Without frequent sect events, disciple interactions had dwindled. But today, confusion spread when the sect suddenly issued a summons. At a plaza on Beast Taming Peak, a large number of disciples gathered, all looking puzzled. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Even the core disciples are here?¡± He Yiming noticed with surprise. Even the elusive true disciples had shown up. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ordinary disciples weren¡¯t the only ones baffled; many core disciples were equally unsure. Only the core disciple with the Turtle Body Physique gazed skyward and murmured, ¡°Something big is about to happen.¡± His cryptic words drew even more confusion. ¡°We¡¯re already in this state¡ªwhat ¡®big¡¯ could possibly happen now?¡± Before anyone could ponder further, elders began to arrive at the plaza. Nearly every member of the Beast Taming Sect based in Hundred Flower Valley was present, deepening the ominous atmosphere. Finally, Elder Mo and Elder Yu appeared in the sky, addressing the crowd. Elder Mo spoke first, ¡°Today, the new Genius Rankings have been released.¡± ¡°Our sect has a disciple on the list!¡± he announced. ¡°What?!¡± Shock rippled through the crowd. Even the elders looked surprised. ¡°Which core disciple made it?¡± Elder Li Hai of Nine Dragons Peak speculated. ¡°Could it be Zhang Jia?¡± He glanced at the Turtle Body disciple, as that disciple had been personally mentored by Grand Ancestor Wang Batian. ¡°No, no, no!¡± The disciple hurriedly waved off the suggestion. He didn¡¯t dare claim credit. Elder Mo let the tension build before revealing, ¡°Rank 32 on the Genius Rankings. Cultivation: Qi Refinement Stage 11. Listed for entering the Immortal Palace Cavern Heaven twice, breaking the Extreme Stage of Qi Refinement alongside his spirit beast, subduing the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea, and defeating ranks 98 and 66. The listed individual is Lin Jing, a former Inner Sect disciple of the Beast Taming Sect!¡± The crowd fell silent in disbelief. He Yiming, Qin Caixin, and Senior Brother Ziran, who had once been Outer Sect disciples with Lin Jing, looked astounded. Yet, as the news sank in, they realized Lin Jing was the only one capable of such feats. ¡°Lin Jing¡­ The guy who won first place during the Outer Sect Ascending Dragon Festival?¡± Some disciples were still trying to recall who he was. Not giving them time to process, Elder Mo continued, ¡°By the decree of the sect¡¯s Ancestors, Lin Jing is hereby named the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect. A month from now, at the site of the sect¡¯s original mountain gate, we shall hold the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony!¡± ¡°Next, each of you will report to Elder Yu to receive invitations. You are to deliver these invitations to designated sects, families, and rogue cultivators¡¯ Immortal Cities as swiftly as possible!¡± Book 2: Chapter 68: Master of Hundred Flower Valley Vol 2 Chapter 68: Master of Hundred Flower Valley Disciples of the Beast Taming Sect scattered in all directions, and while the Great Wasteland stirred because of Lin Jing, he had already retreated into the best cave dwelling on Beast Taming Peak to focus on cultivation. "The Genius Rankings are beginning to show their worth," Lin Jing murmured as he glanced at the back of his hand. A golden aura dragon flickered faintly, as if on the verge of awakening. "Unfortunately, without holding an official position, the Hidden Dragon Arts can never fully mature." Currently, his Hidden Dragon Arts had only reached a minor level of mastery. No matter how much fame he accumulated, it could only replenish the consumed Hidden Dragon Fortune, but not push the technique further. To truly evolve the Hidden Dragon Arts, he needed to merge the Hidden Dragon Fortune with an official position''s fortune. At that point, a new ability would emerge: the power of dragon fortune, which could temporarily elevate his cultivation. It was said that the first Ancient Emperor relied on this ability to channel the national fortune of an entire kingdom, becoming the strongest individual on the continent¡ªsomeone whose cultivation was closest to immortality. "Senior Pine, are you there?" Lin Jing called out. "What is it?" "Should we head to the Extreme Cold Land next? I''ve heard that even powerful cultivators risk freezing to death there." "I want to help the Flame Dragon Carp reach the tenth stage of Qi Refinement. With it by my side, the cold might be more bearable." "By harnessing the potential of Hidden Dragon Fortune, feeding the carp with Longevity Blood for nourishment, and relying on its natural talents, achieving the tenth stage of Qi Refinement shouldn¡¯t be impossible. But it''s still not a guarantee," Lin Jing speculated. "Hmm?" "If we could borrow some diluted dragon blood from the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor''s semi-divine avatar... there¡¯d be no question about it achieving the tenth stage." The Flame Dragon Carp silently nodded, though its frustration was evident. "No need," Senior Pine cut in. "You have the Ice Soul Gu within your body; you won''t freeze to death. A tenth-stage Flame Dragon Carp is far inferior to an eleventh-stage Ice Gu. Its warmth is barely one percent of what the Ice Soul Gu can disperse." Lin Jing fell silent. The Flame Dragon Carp glared angrily¡ªwas it really worse than a spider? It couldn¡¯t believe how much it disliked Senior Pine. "Fine, let¡¯s give it a try," Lin Jing said, pulling the indignant Flame Dragon Carp deeper into the cave dwelling. In the depths of the cave, Lin Jing watched as the Flame Dragon Carp floated in midair. He knew it had been longing to eat the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast for a while now. With the carp''s current cultivation, even with its strong bloodline, it was impossible to contend against a swarm of mosquito beasts. Fortunately, he only needed to summon one mosquito beast at a time. "Go." Lin Jing activated the Myriad Beast Circle. Inside the barren land of the circle, a swarm of mosquito beasts buzzed aimlessly. Suddenly, a drop of Longevity Blood fell, releasing an enticing aroma that sent the mosquito beasts into a frenzy. They became savage, abandoning their cohesion and attacking one another in a mad rush toward the blood. "Fools!" Moments later, a fat mosquito beast at the fourth stage of Qi Refinement managed to swallow the drop of Longevity Blood. Its body began to emit an ominous red mist, and its aura grew terrifyingly stronger. Boom! In an instant, it showed signs of mutation, radiating a special aura that made the other mosquito beasts retreat in fear. This mosquito beast seemed poised to become a "Mosquito King." "Huh. Can Longevity Blood cause such a transformation in demonic beasts?" Lin Jing observed. "The fear it inspires among the other mosquitoes feels similar to the Beast Taming Physique." Before Lin Jing could determine whether the transformation was due to the Longevity Blood or his own blood''s beast-taming traits, the Mosquito King began to display an alarming ability: commanding the swarm. Previously, the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts moved in groups but lacked leadership. Now, with the Mosquito King, their cohesion increased, and they began a new assault on the Myriad Beast Circle''s barriers. Realizing the danger, Lin Jing quickly pulled the Mosquito King out of the circle to prevent it from competing with him for control over the swarm. At that moment, the Flame Dragon Carp, which had been waiting eagerly, opened its mouth wide¡ªwider than its body¡ªand swallowed the Mosquito King whole before it could react. Flames ignited within the carp, refining the beast like a pill. "One at a time seems manageable," Lin Jing nodded. "In that case, we¡¯ll start hatching the dormant mosquito eggs soon." As he patted the contented carp on the head, Lin Jing noticed its blissful expression and considered bestowing more Hidden Dragon Fortune upon it. Suddenly, his face darkened. "You seem to be enjoying yourself," he muttered. The Flame Dragon Carp froze, puzzled by its master''s sudden foul mood. With a sigh, Lin Jing thought about how, ever since leaving the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven, he hadn¡¯t been able to enjoy food properly. The lingering effects of eating Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow had ruined his appetite for anything else. Looking at the carp¡¯s satisfaction, he felt a sudden urge to indulge his own taste buds. "I heard that Hundred Flower Valley produces a unique nectar called the Hundred Flower Immortal Honey. Its flavor is said to be unparalleled, one of the top ten delicacies in the Great Wasteland. However, it never leaves the valley and is reserved only for the valley master." "Maybe that could awaken my dulled palate," Lin Jing mused. He decided to give it a try. Unable to resist, he flew out of the cave, leaving the Flame Dragon Carp behind, confused and frustrated at being left alone again. Lin Jing intended to visit the Master of Hundred Flower Valley. Even though he was only at the Qi Refinement Stage, as the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, he had every right to pay his respects as a junior. Before he could request an introduction from the sect¡¯s grand elder, an elderly woman flew toward Beast Taming Peak and happened to cross paths with him. "Greetings, Senior," Lin Jing bowed respectfully. "You..." The elder, Elder Fang of Hundred Flower Valley, scrutinized him. "I¡¯ve never seen you in the valley before. Are you Lin Jing?" "Yes, Senior. I am Lin Jing," he replied. "So it¡¯s you." Elder Fang, aware of the recent events in the Beast Taming Sect, had been on her way to inquire further. She hadn¡¯t expected to run into the central figure of the commotion. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I am Fang, the Grand Elder of Hundred Flower Valley. If you need anything in the valley, just come to me," she said warmly. Although strict with her disciples, she was notably kind to this rising genius. "The Grand Elder?" Lin Jing was surprised but quickly asked, "Senior, I¡¯ve heard that Hundred Flower Valley has a rare delicacy, the Hundred Flower Immortal Honey..." "You want the Hundred Flower Immortal Honey?!" Elder Fang exclaimed. The honey was a top-tier treasure, reserved for the valley master. Historically, only the sect master of the Beast Taming Sect¡ªwhen married to the valley master¡ªhad ever been granted a taste. Elder Fang¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. "I knew it! My instincts were right. You¡¯re young and don¡¯t want to take unnecessary detours. Very good, I support you!" Lin Jing was stunned. "Huh?" Why couldn¡¯t he understand what the Grand Elder was talking about? Book 2: Chapter 69: The Myriad Beast Sect Vol 2 Chapter 69: The Myriad Beast Sect "Grand Elder, could there be some misunderstanding?" Lin Jing¡¯s expression was flat. He had only wanted a taste of the Hundred Flower Immortal Honey, but somehow the conversation had veered into whether he was avoiding detours in life. Could it be that this honey carried some special implications? "Misunderstanding?" Elder Fang¡¯s wrinkled face broke into a faint smile. "The Hundred Flower Immortal Honey is a sacred treasure of Hundred Flower Valley, produced in minuscule amounts. Only the Valley Masters of each generation are allowed to consume it. "Beyond the Valley Master, only the Valley Master¡¯s spouse, on the day of their grand wedding, has ever had the privilege of tasting it. Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t know." Lin Jing fell silent. He suddenly recalled hearing about this. Was this old woman assuming he had some feelings for the Valley Master of Hundred Flower Valley? But the Valley Master¡¯s age... wasn¡¯t she older than his great-grandmother? "Senior, I merely wish to taste the honey. I harbor no improper intentions toward the Valley Master," Lin Jing quickly clarified. Elder Fang eyed Lin Jing suspiciously. Was he too embarrassed to admit the truth, or did he genuinely just want to satisfy his palate? The latter seemed unlikely¡ªLin Jing didn¡¯t look like a glutton. "Are you sure?" "I¡¯ll pass," Lin Jing replied, deciding that Elder Fang¡¯s personality was too unpredictable. He made an excuse and promptly left. Better to watch the Flame Dragon Carp eat than risk tarnishing his reputation. If he actually ate that honey, he¡¯d never live it down. A Few Days Later East of the Great Wasteland, in the Misty Forest. In the soft light of dawn, a procession of carriages emerged from the forest¡¯s edge. The carriages, along with the horses pulling them, appeared to be crafted entirely from ink strokes, exuding a sense of profound elegance. Seated atop the leading carriage was a coachman dressed in black-and-white robes. His face was obscured by a wide-brimmed straw hat, and his entire being radiated an imposing aura. Inside the carriage behind him were three individuals¡ªan elderly man and two younger disciples, all dressed in matching robes. "Finally, we¡¯ve arrived in the Ancient Kingdom. Thank you for guiding us!" The gray-haired elder cupped his hands in gratitude toward the coachman. "No need to thank me," the coachman replied. "Your Myriad Beast Sect is an important partner of our Lotus Pavilion. Escorting you here was no trouble at all. "However," he added with a note of caution, "I must remind you¡ªonce you enter the Ancient Kingdom, mind your behavior. This is no longer Qingzhou." With those words, the coachman and his ink-formed carriage vanished, leaving the three members of the Myriad Beast Sect behind. The gray-haired elder turned to the two younger disciples¡ªa man and a woman. "Qingyu, Whitebird, let¡¯s go." "Yes, Deputy Sect Master," the two replied. Transforming into streaks of light, they flew toward the nearest Immortal City. "The price we paid to travel from Qingzhou to the Ancient Kingdom wasn¡¯t small," the Nascent Soul elder began. "With the Lotus Pavilion¡¯s guarantee, we¡¯re free to act in the Great Wasteland. I brought you two here to broaden your horizons. Remember, do not violate the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s laws." The disciples nodded solemnly. Before they could land and find a place to rest near the city, the elder suddenly halted in midair, extending his hand. A massive hand of true essence materialized, snatching a cultivator riding a giant eagle from the ground below. The rider, along with his mount, was lifted into the sky, his face pale with terror. "Spare me, Senior! I don¡¯t know how I¡¯ve offended you!" the rider begged, standing atop the captured eagle. His fear grew as he gazed at the Nascent Soul elder¡¯s imposing projection in the sky. "Are you a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect?" the elder asked. The eagle-rider hesitated, then quickly answered, "Yes, Senior. I am an Inner Sect disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. May I ask what you need from me?" "Just as I thought," the elder remarked with a smile. "I sensed your Beast Taming Qi and guessed as much. To think we¡¯d run into someone from the sect we were looking for so soon after arriving." The disciple¡¯s expression turned to dismay. Why had he, of all people, been singled out by this mysterious elder? "Senior, I am currently on an official mission, delivering invitations..." the disciple said nervously. "Invitations?" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, Senior. I am here to deliver invitations for the upcoming Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony of the Beast Taming Sect. If you¡¯re interested, you¡¯re welcome to attend." "Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony?" The Myriad Beast Sect trio exchanged puzzled glances. The elder¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Didn¡¯t your sect just get sealed by the Ancient Kingdom? Yet you still have the leisure to hold an inauguration ceremony?" "Lin Shixiong¡¯s unparalleled talent earned him a spot on the Genius Rankings. This was a unanimous decision by several of our demonic ancestors," the disciple explained cautiously, offering the invitation with both hands. The elder studied the invitation for a moment before speaking. "Very well. Return and tell your sect¡¯s elders that the Myriad Beast Sect of Qingzhou will attend the ceremony to offer our congratulations." Qingzhou? The disciple¡¯s heart sank. He knew Qingzhou was a region outside the Ancient Kingdom, a place without laws where massacres and exterminations were common. Hearing that his captor hailed from Qingzhou only deepened his unease. "Thank you, Senior. I¡¯ll take my leave." Without hesitation, the disciple fled, abandoning his task of delivering invitations and heading straight for Hundred Flower Valley. The Nascent Soul elder handed the invitation to his two disciples. "Eleventh stage of Qi Refinement?" Qingyu and Whitebird exclaimed after reading it. The invitation not only provided details about Lin Jing¡¯s placement on the Genius Rankings but also extended an open challenge to Core Formation cultivators from the Great Wasteland to spar with him during the ceremony. The Myriad Beast Sect disciples were stunned. Lin Jing¡¯s sect seemed confident in his abilities¡ªnot just boasting about his Genius Ranking placement but declaring him the strongest of his generation in the Great Wasteland. The Nascent Soul elder frowned. "This complicates our mission. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s dissolution was supposed to be our opportunity to absorb their members. But with a talent like this, it won¡¯t be easy to convince their elders to abandon their sect." Turning to his disciples, he asked, "Now that you¡¯ve seen the information on this Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, do you have the confidence to defeat him?" Book 2: Chapter 70: The Third Extreme Beast Vol 2 Chapter 70: The Third Extreme Beast The Myriad Beast Sect disciple Qingyu studied the description on the Genius Rankings and remarked, "Deputy Sect Master, reaching the peak of Qi Refinement and being able to fight at the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment is monstrous, no doubt. But at the end of the day, Qi Refinement is still just Qi Refinement. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sure, his contracted beasts might have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, but..." She paused and then continued with confidence. "Alone, I might not be his match. But if the challenge allows participants below Core Formation and imposes no rules, as stated in this invitation, then with my perfected Foundation Establishment cultivation and the beast army nurtured in my Myriad Beast Circle, he¡¯s no match for me." "The Myriad Beast Sect has always prided itself on one disciple being equivalent to an army. Even a pseudo-core cultivator would hesitate to face a Foundation Establishment disciple leading a beast tide. No matter how strong he is, it¡¯s impossible for him to take on a Core Formation cultivator while still in Qi Refinement." "But," Qingyu added, "our combat style may not be easily accepted here in the Ancient Kingdom. They might consider it ''unfair.''" The other disciple, Whitebird, nodded in agreement. "I¡¯ve studied the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s combat techniques. Compared to the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s war tactics, they¡¯re much less threatening." The Nascent Soul elder nodded thoughtfully. "You two are among the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s top five true disciples. Naturally, I trust your strength. But this Beast Taming Sect truly is an enigma." "How could a sect with a Nascent Soul early-stage master as its leader, supported by a few demonic Nascent Soul elders, produce such a little monster?" "Our sect leader is at the Nascent Soul Transformation stage, yet the young master he nurtured never broke through the peak of Qi Refinement." "Opportunities from places like Cavern Heaven are truly unpredictable," the elder mused, shaking his head as he resumed flying. "In any case, persuading the Beast Taming Sect amicably seems unlikely now. "The only way to sway their strong members is to convince them that the Myriad Beast Sect offers a better future than this so-called Holy Son. "Better yet, we could make their Holy Son aspire to join us." The elder¡¯s eyes gleamed. Defeating Lin Jing with Myriad Beast Sect techniques and offering him the promise of becoming a disciple under their Nascent Soul Transformation leader in Qingzhou might make him reconsider his loyalties. "In the coming days, I¡¯ll train you two further," the elder added. The Deputy Sect Master, a perfected Nascent Soul cultivator, looked down on the Beast Taming Sect. Since its second-generation master, the sect had followed a path of sentimentality and bonds with beasts, which he believed fundamentally clashed with the principles of true beast mastery. He was confident that once Lin Jing witnessed the superior methods of the Myriad Beast Sect, he would understand that it was far more suited to him than the Beast Taming Sect. A few days later, a disciple returning from an encounter with the Myriad Beast Sect reported the incident to Elder Yu in Hundred Flower Valley. Elder Yu was astonished and immediately informed the various demonic ancestors. "The Myriad Beast Sect? What are those folks doing in the Great Wasteland?" "Trying to poach members, probably! I¡¯ve had people approach me recently, hoping I¡¯d join their sects as a guest elder or a guardian beast after leaving the Beast Taming Sect. Fools! They underestimate my loyalty. I¡¯ve spent more time in this sect than they¡¯ve spent eating meals!" The demonic ancestors speculated that the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s presence boded ill, especially with the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony approaching. "Inform the Holy Son about this. He needs to be prepared," one ancestor instructed, though it seemed more like a directive for Senior Pine than Lin Jing. Elder Yu rushed to Lin Jing¡¯s cave dwelling but found it enveloped in a dense protective formation. "Hmm?" Elder Yu was impressed. Despite returning only briefly, Lin Jing was already hard at work cultivating. Such dedication, combined with his Longevity Physique, was the reason for his rapid progress. "But why is it so hot?" Elder Yu murmured, sensing the oppressive heat radiating even through the formation. "Could it be that Flame Dragon Carp?" Deciding to wait outside, Elder Yu guessed that the dragon carp might be attempting Foundation Establishment. Inside, however, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t helping the dragon carp break through Foundation Establishment but pushing it toward the peak of Qi Refinement. After ten days of effort, the carp was finally touching the threshold of the so-called "Extreme Stage of Qi Refinement." Two days later, the formation around Lin Jing¡¯s cave dissipated. When he emerged with the dragon carp, Elder Yu approached immediately. Expecting a ¡°transformed¡± dragon carp, Elder Yu was puzzled to find it looking the same as before. "Wasn¡¯t it breaking through?" he asked. Lin Jing nodded. "It was, but not to Foundation Establishment." Elder Yu fell silent. Another Extreme Stage Qi Refinement beast? An uncontracted dragon carp, yet Lin Jing had nurtured it to the Extreme Stage of Qi Refinement? Looking at the carp, Elder Yu felt a pang of worry. If certain powerful individuals discovered such a rare creature, it might be treated like a precious treasure and seized. "Keep a close eye on it," Elder Yu advised. "Especially now... the Myriad Beast Sect is here in Qingzhou." Lin Jing frowned upon hearing this. He was well aware of the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s capabilities, having used their Myriad Beast Circle before. The sect¡¯s reputation for overwhelming force made them formidable. "The ancestors believe the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony won¡¯t be peaceful. Stay on guard," Elder Yu warned. "I will, Elder Yu," Lin Jing replied. "I¡¯ve been preparing carefully. I certainly won¡¯t let myself become someone else¡¯s stepping stone during the ceremony." Lin Jing¡¯s confidence was evident. Despite his current spot on the Genius Rankings, he understood that the list was age-restricted. Many stronger cultivators over thirty were not listed but remained a significant threat. And now, with the sudden appearance of the Myriad Beast Sect, things were even more complicated. "If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll return to my seclusion," Lin Jing said with a respectful bow. "I still need to prepare a mechanized suit as a precaution. Elder Yu, I hope you¡¯ll evaluate it when it¡¯s complete." "A... what?" Elder Yu asked, baffled. "A mechanized power armor," Lin Jing replied nonchalantly. Book 2: Chapter 71: Demonic Beast Cultivation Method Vol 2 Chapter 71: Demonic Beast Cultivation Method After the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Glazed Immortal Eyes evolved, Lin Jing began designing a new type of mechanized creation. During the past few days, as he fed the Flame Dragon Carp with the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts, inspiration suddenly struck him. The primary material for the next generation of mechanized weaponry would undoubtedly come from the peculiar plants synthesized by the Pine Leaf Mouse. Since reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the Pine Leaf Mouse had indeed created a variety of fresh and interesting combinations. After extensive observation, Lin Jing discovered that the most promising synthesis was the Blood Devil Vine, created from the combination of the Bloodsucking Vine and other materials. The Blood Devil Vine could absorb the blood of demonic beasts no higher in rank than itself and condense a corresponding Blood Beast from that blood. If the Blood Devil Vine absorbed blood from ordinary demonic beasts, the resulting Blood Beast would have lackluster combat power¡ªbarely making an impact during the Foundation Establishment stage. It paled in comparison to the suppressive effect of the Spirit Bamboo and Spiritual Beans combination during the Qi Refinement stage. But what if it absorbed the blood of the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beasts? The Blood Devil Vine could then manifest Blood Mosquito Beasts. Mosquito beasts as a species are known for growing stronger in greater numbers. By leveraging a large number of Blood Devil Vines and the blood of mosquito beasts, a terrifying chain reaction could be created. Lin Jing dubbed this phenomenon Mosquito Fusion. In this way, he could command not only a conventional mosquito beast army but also a Blood Mosquito Beast army. Unlike the conventional mosquito beasts, which were notoriously difficult to control, the Pine Leaf Mouse had exceptional control over Blood Beasts. Whether for combat or other purposes, manipulating them would be far more manageable. Currently, Lin Jing envisioned using the Blood Devil Vine as the mechanized core, with Blood Mosquito Beasts as the driving force, combining them into a massive armored construct. He planned to engrave formation patterns onto the construct to further enhance its collective strength, creating a colossal mechanized monstrosity powered by a Mosquito Fusion Reactor. If successful, the combat power of this mechanized creation, dubbed Blood Mosquito Titan, might rival¡ªor even surpass¡ªthe Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s True Demonic King Form. Its potential for growth would also far exceed that of the Mechanical Bamboo Rifle. While Lin Jing was constructing the Blood Mosquito Titan, the date of the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony for the Beast Taming Sect drew closer. Suddenly, the tranquil Hundred Flower Valley was disrupted by an unexpected visitor. "Deputy Sect Master Miao Ling of the Myriad Beast Sect requests an audience with the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s esteemed Demonic Kings!" The speaker was clad in a gray robe, with gray hair and a powerful presence. Without needing an announcement from the disciples of the Hundred Flower Valley, both the Valley Master and the Demonic Kings of the Beast Taming Sect treated his arrival as a significant event. ¡°Nascent Soul Great Perfection!¡± The cultivation level of the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s Deputy Sect Master was far beyond that of any Nascent Soul Demonic King in the Beast Taming Sect, making him an intimidating force. Like the Beast Taming Sect, the Myriad Beast Sect also specialized in beast taming techniques, so his capabilities were hard to gauge. Faced with such a formidable figure, the Demonic Kings dared not be negligent and revealed their full might. Six mighty Demonic King Ancestors appeared, each emanating overwhelming pressure. Among them were: The Turtle King, the companion beast of the Second Sect Master.The Stag King and Demonic Elephant King, companion beasts of the Eighth Sect Master.The Parrot King, Boar King, and Flood Dragon King, companion beasts of the Seventh Sect Master. Although the visitor''s strength was undeniable, the Demonic Kings remained unafraid. After all, they were in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, and the Myriad Beast Sect wouldn¡¯t dare act recklessly here. ¡°What business does the Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect have?¡± the Parrot King asked. ¡°If you¡¯re here to offer congratulations, you¡¯re a bit early!¡± ¡°There''s no need to be so tense,¡± Miao Ling replied with a chuckle. ¡°I simply thought it best to pay my respects to you all before the ceremony. Shall we continue this conversation inside?¡± The Demonic Kings exchanged glances. Within the Hundred Flower Valley, the Protective Sect Formation was active and could potentially suppress even a Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivator. This indicated that Miao Ling bore no immediate ill intent. "Very well. Please, come in." With that, several figures flickered and reappeared within the guest hall atop the Beast Taming Peak. Surrounded by the six Demonic Kings, Miao Ling wasted no time and stated his intentions. Upon hearing him out, the Boar King snorted angrily. "Do you take us for fools? We know exactly what your Myriad Beast Sect stands for! You think we¡¯d give up our freedom to become your slaves?¡± The other Demonic Kings remained silent, their expressions unreadable. The Boar King¡¯s bluntness was useful for pressing Miao Ling to reveal his true intentions. Though none of them were inclined to join the Myriad Beast Sect, they were curious about the conditions he would offer. Miao Ling, noting the composed demeanor of the majority, smirked and nodded slightly. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve been in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom for too long to understand the changes in the Myriad Beast Sect,¡± he began. ¡°It¡¯s true that our core techniques involve controlling demonic beasts, but what does that have to do with you?¡± ¡°Does the Beast Taming Sect not rear demonic beasts and spirit beasts for its disciples to hunt as trials or use as sustenance? And do the human-centric sects not exploit their disciples like livestock?¡± ¡°If you join us, you¡¯ll be treated as Elders. To demonstrate our sincerity, we¡¯re willing to swear an Oath to Heaven, guaranteeing your freedom and safety.¡± Still, the Demonic Kings were unmoved. While there were ways to ensure the Myriad Beast Sect wouldn¡¯t harm them, this alone was not compelling enough. ¡°Furthermore,¡± Miao Ling added, ¡°if you join us, we¡¯ll grant you access to the Myriad Beast Codex, an unparalleled cultivation method. If I¡¯m not mistaken, all of you have relied on your bloodline alone for cultivation, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°The Myriad Beast Codex, refined by our Sect Master, is a groundbreaking technique that can be cultivated by both humans and demonic beasts. It allows you to learn various secret arts, significantly boosting your power. With it, you might even have a chance to ascend to the level of a Demonic Emperor.¡± ¡°Surely you understand how rare such a technique is. Most demonic beasts, no matter how mighty their lineage, lack suitable cultivation methods and can only rely on their bloodlines.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Before I came to this Great Wasteland, two of our sect¡¯s Demonic King Elders had already begun cultivating the Myriad Beast Codex. And now, both are on the path to becoming Demonic Emperors.¡± At the mention of the cultivation method for demonic beasts, a flicker of intrigue crossed the faces of the Demonic Kings. Now they understood the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s ace in the hole. Book 2: Chapter 72: The Mysterious Young Woman Vol 2 Chapter 72: The Mysterious Young Woman Previously, the six Demonic King Ancestors of the Beast Taming Sect had little interest in the Myriad Beast Sect. However, upon hearing that the Myriad Beast Codex could be cultivated by demonic beasts, their expressions grew solemn. Techniques suitable for demonic beasts were extremely rare, let alone cultivation methods. At least within the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, none of them had ever heard of a sect whose core method allowed beasts to cultivate. The Myriad Beast Codex was known to the Demonic Kings as a technique designed to work in tandem with the Myriad Beast Circle, the signature treasure of the Myriad Beast Sect. Without the codex, controlling powerful and ferocious demonic beasts often led to chaos and rebellion. But when combined with the codex, it was possible to suppress and manipulate even entire armies of demonic beasts. Moreover, the codex enabled users to employ these armies for extraordinary combat strategies, such as synchronized attacks¡ªor even mass self-detonation. Another unique aspect of the Myriad Beast Codex was its ability to double the nutritional absorption when consuming beasts as sustenance, enhancing cultivation. Though this property wasn¡¯t particularly remarkable compared to the Beast Taming Art, which provided similar benefits via feedback from pet beasts¡¯ growth, the key difference lay in the fact that the Myriad Beast Codex could be cultivated by the beasts themselves. This aspect alone would significantly enhance the cultivation and combat abilities of the Demonic Kings. To them, the value of a cultivation method specifically designed for beasts far surpassed any treasure left by an Immortal Demon. Seeing their silence, the Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect smiled faintly, sensing that he had already achieved part of his goal. Rising slowly, he said, ¡°Please take a few days to consider. After the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony, you can decide.¡± ¡°On the day of the ceremony, I will have disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect challenge your sect¡¯s Holy Son to demonstrate the power of the Myriad Beast Codex. After all, as kings among beasts, you should be cultivating techniques suited for dominion over your kind!¡± After the Deputy Sect Master departed, the six Demonic Kings remained in the hall, their thoughts consumed by the allure of the Myriad Beast Codex. After some time, Grand Ancestor Wang Batian broke the silence. ¡°You don¡¯t seriously intend to join the Myriad Beast Sect, do you? Their offer sounds good, but when has a pie ever fallen from the sky for free?¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the Longevity Body, and if the Myriad Beast Sect were based in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, I might¡¯ve been tempted,¡± the Boar King admitted. ¡°But I¡¯ve no interest in heading to Qingzhou.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re still itching to get your hands on the codex, aren¡¯t you?¡± asked the Flood Dragon King. The Boar King nodded begrudgingly. ¡°Too bad they wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to carry an improved version of the codex with them,¡± the Boar King growled in frustration. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯d consider just stealing it!¡± The other Demonic Kings shot him exasperated looks. Given the Deputy Sect Master¡¯s Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivation and the unknown number of demonic beasts within his Myriad Beast Circle, even a combined effort wouldn¡¯t guarantee victory. ¡°Don¡¯t be greedy,¡± the Stag King advised. ¡°The codex is impressive, but it¡¯s not ours to claim. Focusing on developing the Beast Taming Sect is the true path forward.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± the Elephant King agreed. ¡°Once the Holy Son¡¯s Longevity Body fully matures, just a bit of his blood will surpass anything that codex offers!¡± Indeed, the Myriad Beast Sect had underestimated the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s trump card¡ªa prodigy with a Longevity Body. For demonic beasts, the allure of Longevity Blood was unparalleled. Time passed swiftly. Lin Jing had now been back in the Great Wasteland for a month, and the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s preparations for the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony were complete. On this day, most disciples returned to the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s original mountain gate. While the spiritual veins of the old site had been sealed, the location remained sacred to the sect, making it the perfect venue for such a momentous occasion. Under the cloudless blue sky, cultivators from sects across the Great Wasteland arrived with invitation letters, flying towards the Beast Taming Sect from all directions. The sheer turnout concealed the fact that the sect had been in decline after its Sect Closure. This was the prestige a rising prodigy brought to a sect. If the Beast Taming Sect had chosen to inaugurate a Holy Son who wasn¡¯t listed on the Genius Rankings, few sects would have attended, let alone brought generous gifts. ¡°Sect Master of the Immortal Mist Sect, presenting a bottle of fourth-grade Rising Mist Pills as a gift!¡± ¡°Grand Elder of the Wilderness Body Sect, presenting a jade treasure as a gift!¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Violet Cloud Master from Tianyun City, presenting¡­¡± Elder Yu, smiling warmly, welcomed representatives from various factions and tallied their gifts. The Demonic King Ancestors had indeed shown their cunning, using Lin Jing¡¯s Genius Ranking debut as leverage for this grand occasion, ensuring a bounty of treasures flowed in. Meanwhile, Lin Jing had emerged from seclusion and returned from the Hundred Flower Valley to the original mountain gate. As he listened to the announcements of the gifts, he silently committed the names of the sects to memory. His sharp mind, trained from years of study, had memorized the hundreds of cultivation factions within the Great Wasteland. When the time came, it would be easy to identify those who hadn¡¯t sent gifts. ¡°Congratulations, congratulations¡­¡± ¡°Congratulations to your sect for producing such a peerless genius¡­¡± The Beast Taming Sect buzzed with excitement as cultivators exchanged greetings. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd. ¡°The Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect has arrived, bearing the Myriad Beast Circle as a gift¡­¡± Laughter echoed across the venue as the Deputy Sect Master ascended the mountain with two disciples. His overwhelming cultivation made him the most powerful presence at the event, drawing attention. After all, the appearance of a Qingzhou-based sect here was nothing short of unusual. Hidden among the crowd, Lin Jing observed the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s envoy. However, before they even fully revealed themselves, Lin Jing sensed a presence watching him from the shadows. Turning quickly, he spotted a young woman in a white dress. He was startled. ¡°Who is she?¡± he wondered. Lin Jing couldn¡¯t recall any faction bringing such a figure. Locking eyes with her, he spoke slowly, ¡°Who are you? Did you sneak in here without presenting a gift?¡± Book 2: Chapter 73: A Dire Omen Vol 2 Chapter 73: A Dire Omen "Finally noticed me, have you?" The mysterious girl in a white dress smiled faintly. As Lin Jing¡¯s gaze landed on her, she leaped lightly to stand before him. A delicate fragrance wafted over, causing Lin Jing to frown. Suddenly, the girl grabbed his wrist. Lin Jing flung her hand off and immediately followed up with a Diamond Fist, but she casually neutralized his attack. "Who exactly are you, and what is your purpose?" The term Longevity Body flickered across her lips, making Lin Jing''s expression change slightly. How did this woman know about his physique? "Relax, I¡¯m Bai Yuran, the 27th-generation disciple of the Tianji Pavilion. I mean no harm." She smiled as she clapped her hands. "I just wanted to confirm something. Seems like I was right." "A Tianji Pavilion disciple?" Lin Jing had considered many possibilities about her identity¡ªperhaps someone from the Demon-Slaying Bureau, or even the foster daughter of the sect leader, or maybe someone from the Yin Corpse Sect¡ªbut he hadn¡¯t expected her to be from Tianji Pavilion. Still, it wasn¡¯t completely unexpected. The Tianji Pavilion, known for their insight into all worldly matters, deducing his Longevity Body wasn''t too far-fetched. "What do you want from me?" Lin Jing asked. Tianji Pavilion disciples rarely roamed the cultivation world and were almost never involved in worldly affairs. Why would one suddenly show up at the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony of the Beast Taming Sect? Bai Yuran looked at him with an air of melancholy. "You, my dear young man, carry the Longevity Body. Your fate is bound to be turbulent, and in the future, countless beings aiming to become sovereigns will target you." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What¡¯s your angle?" Lin Jing shook his head. "This has nothing to do with your Tianji Pavilion, does it?" "The Southern Mountain Demon Emperor, who suddenly appeared in Hidden Dragon City, was likely after you, wasn¡¯t he?" Bai Yuran twirled a finger and smiled. "You were lucky to escape that calamity, but what about next time? Your luck won¡¯t always hold out, will it?" "What if," she continued, "someone could predict your future, letting you know months or even years in advance when crises will strike? Even with the Longevity Body, that would drastically increase your odds of survival, wouldn¡¯t it?" "Are you saying that person is you?" Lin Jing asked. "Exactly!" Bai Yuran puffed out her chest proudly. "As the most outstanding disciple of the 27th generation of Tianji Pavilion, I want to collaborate with you, predicting the crises you¡¯re destined to face. What do you think?" Lin Jing¡¯s face was unreadable. He thought to himself, "Speak plainly," he demanded. "I won¡¯t lie to you," Bai Yuran replied. "Using Tianji Pavilion¡¯s secret techniques to predict the future often comes at the cost of our own lifespan." "Because of this, we don¡¯t casually perform major divinations. However, since Tianji Pavilion exists in the cultivation world, it¡¯s unavoidable that many powerful figures seek us out for predictions. Thus, within our secret techniques, there¡¯s a little trick." "If the person being divined cooperates, they can shoulder more than 99% of the lifespan loss for the divination, instead of the user." "Do you understand now?" Lin Jing nodded slowly. "So, during a prediction, you risk minor backlash from the heavens and lose some lifespan. But you found a loophole: make the target bear the brunt of the cost instead. Since I have the Longevity Body, losing a bit of lifespan means little to me. And in return, you gain cultivation insights from using the secret technique." "Exactly!" Bai Yuran smiled. "Compared to the crises you might face, losing a tiny bit of lifespan is a small price to pay, right?" Lin Jing remained silent, thinking. He sighed internally. Bai Yuran seemed convinced this was a win-win, but Lin Jing couldn¡¯t bring himself to trust her just yet. "Well, aren¡¯t I just irresistible," he muttered bitterly. Without giving her a direct answer, he said, "Your identity is enough for now. The inauguration is about to begin, and I have a role to play." "Think it over, little brother. I¡¯ll even give you a free reading¡ªthere¡¯s a major calamity in your near future!" Bai Yuran called out as Lin Jing left. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Central Plaza was abuzz. Several powerful demon kings and ancestors hovered above, their monstrous auras filling the air. As the elders summoned Lin Jing, he made his appearance. "Is that him, Lin Jing?" The Genius Rankings didn¡¯t include portraits, so this was the first time many cultivators were seeing Lin Jing. He wore snow-white robes, his long black hair tied up with a simple wooden hairpin, swaying gently in the breeze. His unrestrained demeanor made him seem both carefree and strikingly handsome. "This kid is terrifyingly strong." Though Lin Jing concealed his cultivation level, the deep, glacial look in his eyes made even seasoned experts feel uneasy. The two disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect paid close attention to him but couldn¡¯t discern much else. The ceremony officially began. Lin Jing ascended the Hundred Step Cloud Ladder at a measured pace. Following behind him were the elders of the Beast Taming Sect, each carrying their beast-taming artifacts, their expressions solemn. At the summit of the ladder, Lin Jing stopped. The Second Sect Master¡¯s pet beast, Grand Ancestor Wang Batian, appeared in a humanoid form, holding an ancient tortoiseshell in his hands. His gaze fell on Lin Jing. This was the sect¡¯s Beast Treasure, a shell Wang Batian had shed in the past. Only when a Holy Son obtained the token of at least one demon king or ancestor would they be recognized as the sect¡¯s true heir. Wang Batian raised the tortoiseshell and announced in a booming voice: "Today, I formally appoint Lin Jing as the Sixth Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect. May he carry the torch forward and bring glory to our sect!" Lin Jing accepted the tortoiseshell. "I, Lin Jing, will live up to the expectations of my predecessors. I shall tame the Dao, protect the sect, and spread the light of our way across the heavens and realms!" "Ha ha ha, excellent!" Several demon king ancestors laughed heartily. "Such a grand occasion calls for some entertainment! Our newly appointed Holy Son, would any Great Wasteland geniuses dare challenge him?" Lin Jing flicked his sleeve and took a seat at a floating cloud table, lifting a teacup. "Challenges are welcome, but first, you¡¯ll have to get through the core disciples. Not just anyone is worthy of facing me." As per tradition, the sect¡¯s core disciples would deal with the weaker challengers, preserving Lin Jing¡¯s energy. Meanwhile, Lin Jing idly toyed with the tortoiseshell Wang Batian had given him. Book 2: Chapter 74: The Might of the Holy Son Vol 2 Chapter 74: The Might of the Holy Son On the day of the grand ceremony, numerous geniuses from the Great Wasteland arrived, most of them aiming to challenge Lin Jing. Such an event was a golden opportunity to make a name for oneself. Others, knowing their limits, simply came to witness the majesty of a Genius Rankings contender. Unfortunately for many challengers, they couldn¡¯t even defeat the core disciples of the Beast Taming Sect. ¡°Ha! Didn¡¯t eat enough? Make sure to grab a good meal later!¡± Zhang Jia, a Turtle Body Physique core disciple, clad in heavy armor and wielding a shield, didn¡¯t bother dodging the luminous attacks of the senior disciple from the Immortal Mist Sect. He laughed, claiming it only tickled. "Too slow! Taste my blade!" Another core disciple, a Wind Spirit Physique cultivator, combined with his hawk-shaped beast to transform into a bird-man hybrid. His incredible speed left a body cultivator from the Wilderness Body Sect flustered, unable to catch him while repeatedly struck by sword-like feathers. ... "Careful, my dear!" A genius from another sect, now entwined by a massive green snake spirit, wore a dazed expression, much to the anger of his elders. His opponent was a core disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, who possessed a Bewitching Physique. Once a courtesan, her unique physique aligned with the traits of a rare beast, and Elder Mo had redeemed her. Now a core disciple, her rise was nothing short of inspirational. The Beast Taming Sect, already a first-rate power in the Great Wasteland, naturally had exceptional core disciples. Their strength ranked among the top of the younger generation. Furthermore, they had been rigorously trained by the demon king ancestors, making ordinary geniuses no match for them, let alone worthy of challenging Lin Jing. "Excellent," one of the demon king ancestors remarked, satisfied with the display. "The disciples of the Beast Taming Sect are stronger than expected," commented one of the three members from the Myriad Beast Sect, sipping tea as they observed. Their two disciples were waiting to gauge Lin Jing¡¯s abilities before making a move, but the challengers so far had been too weak to force him into action. "I¡¯ll go first," said Whitebird, the female disciple of the Myriad Beast Sect. "Be careful," replied Qingyu, her male companion. After receiving approval from the deputy sect master, Whitebird took flight. Her agile form resembled a true bird as she landed gracefully on the dueling peak, drawing the attention of many. Even the demon king ancestors of the Beast Taming Sect turned serious, aware that the Myriad Beast Sect had finally entered the fray. "Whitebird of the Myriad Beast Sect in Qingzhou requests a duel," she announced. The appearance of the Myriad Beast Sect prompted murmurs among the Great Wasteland sects. "A Qingzhou sect? Are they here with ill intentions?" "No, they brought a congratulatory gift. They¡¯re probably not here to cause trouble." "But aren¡¯t their beast-taming philosophies completely different from the Beast Taming Sect? Why would they be connected?" Meanwhile, Lin Jing remained unfazed, sipping tea in silence. A burly, bearded young man leaped onto the stage. "The Myriad Beast Sect? I¡¯ll take this one." This was Duan Wenchang, a Foundation Establishment Great Perfection cultivator and one of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s core disciples. Though not blessed with a special physique, he had an innate affinity for beasts, being able to understand their language naturally. This made him a natural fit for the beast-taming path. He quickly transformed into a lion-man hybrid, wielding a tiger-tooth blade. Using both the Fusion Secret Art and the Beast Weaponization Art, he fully armed himself. "He¡¯s your opponent," he declared. "Let¡¯s see if he¡¯s enough," Whitebird replied. As the battle began, the demon king ancestors and other spectators were astonished when Whitebird unleashed her beast army¡ªa torrential swarm of white seagulls. One, two... eight... a thousand! A thousand white seagulls filled the sky, their sheer number creating a hurricane-like force that overwhelmed Duan Wenchang¡¯s blade attacks and sent him flying. Whitebird, now standing among her bird army, took out a jade flute. As she played, the flock''s formation shifted seamlessly. "A thousand bird demons... including over ten at the Foundation Establishment stage!" The Great Wasteland cultivators were stunned. They couldn¡¯t fathom how someone could raise so many demon birds. Even the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect were incredulous. After all, they struggled to raise just one or two pet beasts due to resource constraints. "To control such a massive bird demon army..." The demon king ancestors took deep breaths, suspecting that this army was funded by the Myriad Beast Sect, not Whitebird herself. "What now?" Bai Yuran, watching from the clouds, grew anxious. She thought, Yet Lin Jing remained calm, sipping tea as he observed the swirling seagulls. "Impressive beast army. The wind techniques are integrated well, but unfortunately, it lacks true unity." Whitebird frowned at his critique. "Holy Son, it¡¯s your turn to fight." Lin Jing chuckled. "Defeating Senior Brother Duan shows you have some skill. As a guest, let me give you some advice. Competing in beast-taming against me is like showing off a minor craft before a master." "Don¡¯t pin your hopes on these birds to defeat me." ¡¾Show this Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect what we¡¯re capable of!¡¿ The deputy sect master of the Myriad Beast Sect sipped his tea, confident in Whitebird¡¯s abilities. Lin Jing finally descended onto the battlefield. Whitebird raised her hand, commanding the seagulls to unleash a whirlwind. "Is he bluffing?" she wondered, but then something felt off. The seagulls trembled as if under an oppressive bloodline suppression. "What¡¯s happening?" Whitebird hadn¡¯t realized the severity of the situation. As Lin Jing¡¯s Beast Taming Qi surged, the bird army¡¯s formation collapsed. The seagulls scattered, attacking indiscriminately as if provoked by a primal fear. "This isn¡¯t good," muttered the deputy sect master, locking onto Lin Jing¡¯s Beast Taming Qi. "Could mastering the Beast Taming Art at an extreme level grant suppressive effects on beasts?" The demon king ancestors exchanged glances, their expressions suggesting, Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though Whitebird regained control over the seagulls, Lin Jing smirked. From one hand, he produced a Beast Taming Gourd; from the other, a Myriad Beast Circle. "So, would you prefer to face the beasts in the gourd or the fiends in the circle?" he asked, his tone mocking yet calm. Book 2: Chapter 75: Whose Holy Son? Vol 2 Chapter 75: Whose Holy Son? Lin Jing held the Beast Taming Artifact of the Beast Taming Sect in his left hand and the Beast Taming Artifact of Myriad Beast Sect in his right. As soon as he took them out, the entire arena fell silent. "This is..." The three disciples from Myriad Beast Sect were completely stunned. Though they had indeed gifted a Myriad Beast Circle to the Beast Taming Sect as a congratulatory gift for the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony, it had only just been given. How could Lin Jing already be using it? Moreover, the Myriad Beast Sect had given this gift with ulterior motives. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s artifact could only store contracted beasts, meaning it had a limit on the number of beasts it could hold. However, its internal environment was exceptional, perfect for nurturing beasts and cultivating various spiritual plants. On the other hand, the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s artifact could store an unlimited number of demonic beasts, but only after erasing their intelligence. Its internal environment was rather barren. These two artifacts represented the fundamentally different philosophies of beast taming between the Beast Taming Sect and the Myriad Beast Sect. From the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s perspective, gifting a Myriad Beast Circle was a calculated move. They hoped that the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect would be unable to resist its temptation. The moment he started using it, it would mark a significant step toward corrupting his beast-taming philosophy. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To make Lin Jing yield to the Myriad Beast Circle, their plan was to overwhelm him in battle using its brutal efficiency. But before they even had a chance to showcase its power, Lin Jing had already pulled out a Myriad Beast Circle of his own¡ªacting as if he had been using it for a long time! This Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect wasn¡¯t playing by the usual rules at all! Lin Jing¡¯s move left Bai Niao completely off guard and made the elders of the Beast Taming Sect break into a cold sweat. "Holy Son, what are you doing¡­ That thing is forbidden!" Countless cultivators turned their eyes toward the Demon King Ancestors of the Beast Taming Sect. Was the Beast Taming Sect planning to change its beast-taming philosophy? Bai Niao¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Without practicing the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s techniques, you won¡¯t be able to unleash the full power of the Myriad Beast Circle. I advise you not to embarrass yourself.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll admit that¡¯s true.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°But you¡¯re overlooking one thing¡ªso long as the beasts inside the Myriad Beast Circle are strong enough, even if the tamer does nothing, they can still sweep through everything in their path.¡± ¡°The Myriad Beast Sect is far from the Cloud Sea Mountains, so you may not have heard of the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea.¡± ¡°They are ten terrifying races that thrive in the Cloud Sea Mountains, creatures that can never coexist peacefully with other species. Against such monsters, even I must admit¡ªyour Myriad Beast Circle is the best tool for the job.¡± With that, Lin Jing casually tossed out his Myriad Beast Circle. In an instant, over a hundred vicious Mosquito Beasts swarmed out of the circle. The moment these Mosquito Beasts spotted the countless seabirds in the sky, they reacted as if they had seen a feast. Their savage nature was on full display as they charged forth, their bodies shimmering with a blood-red metallic sheen. "This is..." The moment the Mosquito Beasts appeared, the Deputy Sect Master of Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. Unlike the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, which was located in the heart of the continent, Qingzhou was far from the Cloud Sea Mountains. Two formidable natural barriers, the Misty Forest and the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, separated them. Thus, Qingzhou cultivators had never truly experienced the terror of the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea. But as soon as the Deputy Sect Master saw this swarm of Mosquito Beasts, he instantly grasped their horrifying nature. Despite being outnumbered ten to one by Bai Niao¡¯s Bird Demons, the Mosquito Beasts tore through the sky as if it were empty. They streaked through the aerial storm like flashes of blood-red lightning, each pass leaving another bird demon plummeting to the ground, covered in its own blood. The cultivators from the Great Wasteland gasped sharply. Although the Genius Rankings had listed Lin Jing as having tamed the Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea, even the cultivators from the Great Wasteland had been skeptical. Most assumed he had only tamed one of them. The Ten Terrors of the Cloud Sea represented ten terrifying species. Taming even one was already incredible. But taming an entire swarm of them? That was an entirely different level! So now, which one was truly the Beast Taming Circle¡ªthe artifact, or Lin Jing himself? "Why¡­?" Seeing the swarm of Mosquito Beasts closing in, Bai Niao¡¯s pupils shrank. She blew into her jade flute, commanding her birds to self-detonate in an attempt to block the incoming swarm. But to her horror, the explosions had no effect on the Mosquito Beasts. Watching as the swarm was about to engulf her, Bai Niao finally abandoned her pride. Her movements slowed, and she turned to look at Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s higher-ups in disbelief. At last, she understood¡ªthis whole battle had been a cruel joke at her expense. From the very beginning, Lin Jing had never taken her seriously. "You admit defeat?" "Is admitting defeat all I can do?" The Myriad Beast Sect had hoped their beasts could feast on Lin Jing¡¯s swarm. But Bai Niao had surrendered so quickly that Lin Jing lost interest. With a single thought, the Mosquito Beasts immediately halted in midair and then, in perfect unison, turned and flew back to him. At this moment, the Deputy Sect Master of Myriad Beast Sect felt like he had tried to steal a chicken but ended up losing the rice instead. His own disciple had lost to a Qingzhou cultivator! "Well¡­ at least this proves that the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect isn¡¯t blindly stubborn. Once he experiences the thrill of commanding a vast beast horde, it will be difficult for him to abandon it completely." "But no matter what, we cannot afford to lose today. Fortunately, we have taught Qingyu how to control a mid-tier Myriad Beast Circle..." "Qingyu, your turn." The Deputy Sect Master said expressionlessly. "You want to challenge me too?" Lin Jing looked at the male disciple who had stepped forward from the Myriad Beast Sect. "If you¡¯re stronger than her, then come at me." "Among the Five True Disciples of Myriad Beast Sect, I rank second, while my junior sister ranks fourth. Naturally, I¡¯m stronger than her." Qingyu glanced at his defeated junior sister before leaping onto the Duel Peak. He turned to Lin Jing and said, "Lin Holy Son, that Myriad Beast Circle treating you well?" "I¡¯ll admit that the Mosquito Beasts I tamed with it are terrifying, but do you really think this guarantees you victory?" With that, he summoned his own Myriad Beast Circle. However, instead of releasing any beasts, his artifact radiated a terrifying suction force. Lin Jing¡¯s entire Mosquito Beast swarm began to show signs of losing control¡ªbeing forcibly pulled toward Qingyu¡¯s Myriad Beast Circle! "This is... a mid-tier artifact!?" The powerful cultivators narrowed their eyes. Most lower-level cultivators only had low-tier artifacts, while mid-tier artifacts were typically wielded by Nascent Soul cultivators. Yet, this Myriad Beast Sect disciple could actually wield a mid-tier artifact! Under the suppression of Qingyu¡¯s artifact, Lin Jing¡¯s Mosquito Beasts showed signs of slipping from his control. Realizing this, Lin Jing swiftly recalled them into his Myriad Beast Circle, refusing to let them be stolen. Seeing this, Qingyu smiled at Lin Jing. "Whether a beast is unclaimed or contracted, under my Myriad Beast Circle, all can be refined." Book 2: Chapter 76: I Am the True Path! Vol 2 Chapter 76: I Am the True Path! ¡°The Holy Son reacts quickly. If you had been slower, your swarm of mosquitoes would already be mine.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your next move? Even if you summon your contract beast, it won¡¯t change anything. Under my , it¡¯ll still be suppressed.¡± ¡°If your luck is bad enough, I might even seize your beast entirely.¡± Lin Jing summoned the , crushing the previous disciple of the Myriad Beast Sect effortlessly. The cultivators from the Great Wasteland had thought Lin Jing to be almost invincible¡ªuntil this next Myriad Beast Sect disciple appeared, wielding such power that even mid-tier magical tools were at their command. Both sides displayed techniques to counter beasts, but now it seemed the methods of the Myriad Beast Sect disciple were far more terrifying. Sweat beaded on the foreheads of several Beast Taming Sect disciples as they watched, fearing for Lin Jing. If his contract beast were absorbed and refined by the , it would be catastrophic. ¡°Heh.¡± It was clear to all that Lin Jing was in a dire situation, but to everyone¡¯s surprise, he still managed to smile¡ªa smile that, no matter how one looked at it, wasn¡¯t the least bit friendly. ¡°Interesting. I underestimated you,¡± Lin Jing admitted, but instead of acting recklessly, he carefully stowed away the and patted the gourd at his waist. ¡°I¡¯ve already said it: even summoning your contract beast is useless,¡± Qinyu declared, holding the . ¡°Using the to activate this mid-tier treasure, I can instantly suppress any beast below the Demon Core Stage. Even Demon Core Stage creatures would struggle to resist.¡± ¡°Who said the contents of this gourd are my contract beast?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°I¡¯m curious, though. Can your suppress ?¡± Faced with his opponent¡¯s mid-tier magical tool, Lin Jing doubted that his Pine Leaf Mouse could handle it directly, so he avoided a head-on clash. With a single thought, the sky suddenly darkened. As everyone looked up, they saw an unending mass of vines emerge from Lin Jing¡¯s spatial artifact, blotting out the sun! The countless vines hung overhead like a massive storm cloud. Some among the crowd who recognized the item gasped. Though its color was off, the shape unmistakably resembled the infamous , a malignant plant. ¡°Beast Taming of plants?¡± Qinyu dismissed the idea that Lin Jing would use a mere , a low-grade malignant plant, against him. The couldn¡¯t suppress plants or tree spirits, but relying on something as weak as a seemed foolish. However, in the next moment, Qinyu¡¯s pupils constricted. After summoning the , Lin Jing summoned a mosquito beast¡ªand promptly crushed it with his bare hand! Boom! The mosquito beast burst into a spray of blood. The blood drops defied gravity, surging upward and into the vines, which absorbed every drop! Qinyu shuddered, sensing something ominous. The elders and demon kings of the Beast Taming Sect twitched at the sight. They had grudgingly accepted Lin Jing¡¯s earlier use of the to control a fierce mosquito beast, but sacrificing living creatures for power? This was practically as ruthless as the Myriad Beast Sect disciple who used exploding birds in battle earlier. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s demon kings exchanged grim looks, understanding full well that Lin Jing had been forced to resort to such measures by this Myriad Beast Sect disciple. Even Qinyu began to regret his actions. Mosquito beasts were bloodsucking creatures by nature, but to see one reduced to being drained by something else¡ªit was deeply unsettling. And then, horror materialized. Under the gaze of the shocked crowd, the began to spawn swarms of blood-red mosquito beasts, their numbers multiplying until they filled the sky. One mosquito beast had been sacrificed to summon hundreds, if not thousands, of blood mosquitoes. This was the ! ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡­¡± Qinyu¡¯s face paled as he activated the . Yet, just as Lin Jing had said, these blood mosquitoes weren¡¯t living creatures¡ªthey were mere constructs of blood and had no consciousness to suppress. The oppressive blood energy filled the air, shaking the disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect to their cores. Even summoning his own army of beasts seemed futile, for it was clear that nothing could rival the sheer terror of this blood-red swarm. As desperation crept in, Qinyu glanced toward the Deputy Sect Master for help. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Who dares to use demonic arts here?!¡± Before Qinyu could act, a voice rang out, interrupting the duel. It was like heavenly music to Qinyu¡¯s ears. Several figures descended onto the peak, clad in black robes emblazoned with the insignia of the . These cultivators, tasked with overseeing the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda after the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s closure, had been invited to the inauguration ceremony. Although they hadn¡¯t initially attended due to their duties, the overwhelming blood energy had drawn them here. However, what they found wasn¡¯t a demonic cultivator but rather the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Holy Son¡­ Blood mosquitoes filled the sky, and even the elders of the Beast Taming Sect looked nervous. The demon kings grimaced, for even they couldn¡¯t vouch for Lin Jing¡¯s alignment after this display. ¡°Take him away! Take him away!¡± The Myriad Beast Sect disciple prayed fervently that the Demon-Slaying Bureau would remove Lin Jing from the battlefield. This way, he wouldn¡¯t have to continue the fight. Fortunately for Lin Jing, he had prepared for this scenario. With a calm glance at the black-robed cultivators, he produced a token. Gao Sheng had assured him that with this token, even wielding an would not compromise his identity. ¡°We¡¯re on the same side.¡± Upon seeing the token, the Demon-Slaying Bureau cultivators froze. Their expressions shifted, and they immediately cupped their fists. ¡°Apologies, my lord. We shall take our leave.¡± Qinyu: ??? The token bore the insignia of the prestigious Gao Clan, one of the four great demon-slaying families. Even the Demon-Slaying Bureau couldn¡¯t question Lin Jing¡¯s actions. ¡°See? Now you¡¯re out of options,¡± Lin Jing said, turning back to Qinyu with a smile. ¡°Bluffing!¡± Qinyu retorted, his face pale. He refused to believe that a single mosquito beast could multiply into a swarm of this scale while maintaining its power. Desperate, Qinyu summoned his beast army, commanding them to attack Lin Jing. Qinyu¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. Lin Jing¡¯s experiments had shown that the blood mosquito swarm wasn¡¯t as powerful as an equal number of living mosquito beasts. However, their sheer numbers and bloodline connection made them terrifying nonetheless. And this was only the beginning. Though Lin Jing had a semi-finished ¡ªintended to power a massive mechanized creation¡ªhe had yet to deploy it. If he had, the blood mosquitoes would have been used as energy to drive an even more terrifying contraption. Watching Qinyu¡¯s beast army fall before the endless blood mosquitoes, the Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect glared at his disciple in frustration. ¡°Fool!¡± If the disciple had realized that both the vines and blood mosquitoes were being controlled by the Pine Leaf Mouse hidden in Lin Jing¡¯s sleeve, the situation might have been salvaged. But for a lower-stage cultivator, grasping such critical details in the heat of battle was nearly impossible. With this victory, Lin Jing not only shattered the disciple¡¯s morale but also ensured that the Myriad Beast Sect would think twice before targeting him again. Book 2: Chapter 77: A Divination Delivered Vol 2 Chapter 77: A Divination Delivered After defeating two disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect, Lin Jing returned to his seat at the table, earning loud applause from the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s elders and disciples alike. The elders eagerly touted the victory to outsiders, proclaiming, ¡°The Myriad Beast Sect is a beast-taming sect from Qingzhou with a Nascent Soul cultivator overseeing it. However, it¡¯s clear our Holy Son surpasses them all.¡± Despite the boastful words, cultivators from other sects in the Great Wasteland could only offer polite smiles. Lin Jing¡¯s combat style was so unconventional for a Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect that it seemed more in line with the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s approach. A few outspoken individuals even voiced this thought but were quickly rebuked by Beast Taming Sect disciples. ¡°That just shows how profound our Holy Son¡¯s mastery of the Beast Taming Dao is! He can easily defeat his opponent in their area of expertise. We can only wonder if anyone today will be able to force him to reveal the true secret techniques of our sect.¡± The elders had talked big, but the truth was that Lin Jing had yet to reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Without a breakthrough in his cultivation, he didn¡¯t qualify to learn the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s three core secret arts. No matter how much they boasted, there was no way for those techniques to emerge today. With the display of the blood mosquito technique, fewer challengers dared to step forward. No one liked the thought of being drained by a swarm of mosquitoes, so most contestants took the stage only briefly, sparred lightly with Lin Jing, and quickly stepped down. ¡°This guy¡­¡± Among the crowd, Bai Yuran, a disciple of Tianji Pavilion, observed Lin Jing, who was sipping coconut juice while munching on a spiritual fruit. When Lin Jing furrowed his brow and set the fruit down, an intense aura of oppression suddenly emanated from him. ¡°Rank 32 on the Genius Rankings? That¡¯s an understatement...¡± ¡°To show my sincerity, I¡¯ll use a treasure to divine his fate in greater detail,¡± Bai Yuran decided. Many shared Bai Yuran¡¯s sentiment. It wasn¡¯t just Lin Jing¡¯s strength that intrigued them¡ªit was his ability to perform techniques resembling blood-path demonic arts under the nose of the Demon-Slaying Bureau without repercussion. This signaled that someone highly influential within the bureau favored Lin Jing. This unspoken endorsement carried more weight than Lin Jing¡¯s place on the Genius Rankings, revealing a political reality that many sects couldn¡¯t ignore. The Hundred Flower Valley, a key ally of the Beast Taming Sect, had also sent important figures to the ceremony. The valley¡¯s master, her face veiled like an elegant lily, sat gracefully at the event. Beside her, the Great Elder of the valley hesitated before making a decision and spoke through a sound transmission. ¡°Valley Master, there¡¯s something I haven¡¯t yet shared. This Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect once expressed interest in our .¡± The Valley Master¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°This is no fabrication,¡± the Great Elder continued. ¡°But reflecting on it today, I believe the Holy Son may simply want to savor the honey for its flavor rather than for any ulterior motives.¡± She gestured toward Lin Jing. From the start of the ceremony, Lin Jing had been sampling all kinds of delicacies. Each time he tasted something, he would frown as if dissatisfied. Seeing Lin Jing¡¯s apparent pickiness, the Great Elder began to believe that he genuinely wanted the honey for its taste. After all, during the marriage of the previous Beast Taming Sect Master and the former Hundred Flower Valley Master, a single drop of Immortal Honey added to spiritual spring water had filled the Beast Taming Sect with its fragrance. Lin Jing must have read about such events and become curious. However, the truth was that the was not just a rare delicacy. It was essential for practicing certain secret techniques of the Hundred Flower Valley, some of which could only be cultivated after consuming it¡ªsuch as their dual-cultivation arts. This was why only the valley master¡¯s Dao companion, the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s former master, had ever shared the honey. ¡°What do you suggest?¡± the Valley Master asked. ¡°The honey yield this year is excellent,¡± the Great Elder replied. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to gift a portion to the Holy Son, it would undoubtedly strengthen our alliance with the Beast Taming Sect. His talent and potential are undeniable...¡± The Valley Master fell silent for a moment before responding. ¡°Using the Immortal Honey for his mere appetite would indeed be wasteful. Let¡¯s present him with an entry-level secret technique that requires it. If he¡¯s serious about cultivation, he will accept both together.¡± The Great Elder hesitated but nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Hey, Holy Son! Holy Son!¡± Lin Jing sighed, putting down the delicacies he had been sampling. Turning to the Tianji Pavilion disciple seated on a distant peak, he asked, ¡°You¡¯re still hesitating?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve decided to give you a divination!¡± Bai Yuran declared. ¡°If you¡¯re just going to tell me that I¡¯ll face some vague disaster in the near future, don¡¯t bother,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°This is no ordinary reading,¡± Bai Yuran said. ¡°Our disciples of Tianji Pavilion possess a unique life-bound treasure that can shield us from backlash during a divination. Though it damages the treasure, I¡¯m willing to use it to uncover the truth about your upcoming calamity.¡± Lin Jing raised a hand, inviting Bai Yuran over with a wave of spiritual energy. Handing him a spirit fruit, he said, ¡°I appreciate your effort. I can tell you¡¯re a good person.¡± Rolling his eyes, Bai Yuran took the fruit and sat beside Lin Jing, producing a mirror. ¡°Here?¡± Lin Jing asked. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Here.¡± Bai Yuran nodded and closed his eyes, beginning the divination. Time passed, and Bai Yuran suddenly opened his eyes, staring at the mirror in his hand. Within the mirror, a black coffin¡¯s shadow appeared, floating in an eerie void. Inside the coffin was a miniature figure of a black-robed elder, controlling the coffin as it chased something unseen. Crack. A fissure formed on the mirror. Bai Yuran¡¯s face paled as he whispered, ¡°Soon, you¡¯ll encounter this person. Their cultivation is vast, at the . However, their body has been destroyed, and they¡¯re seeking to possess yours!¡± ¡°A coffin as a manifestation of the Void Mystical Stage¡­ This must be a cultivator of the Yin Corpse Sect! Fortunately, their state is poor, and they didn¡¯t detect my divination!¡± ¡°Possess me?¡± ¡°Are they out of their mind?¡± Lin Jing muttered, momentarily stunned. It was baffling. Targeting someone with a for possession was undoubtedly a terrible choice. Book 2: Chapter 78: Rushing to Rebirth Vol 2 Chapter 78: Rushing to Rebirth Soul Seizing. Cultivators who reach the Nascent Soul Stage possess the ability to seize another¡¯s body. However, to protect the prodigies of the lower realms, the Celestial Palace in the Immortal Realm imposes strict regulations on this practice. Soul seizing is fraught with risks and constrained by the world¡¯s laws, making it highly prone to failure. A failed attempt often results in the Nascent Soul dissipating entirely. Under extreme circumstances, Lin Jing could understand why some cultivators would resort to soul seizing. After all, anyone desperate enough to consider such an act was likely at death¡¯s door, with nothing left to lose. But what baffled Lin Jing was the target: why on earth would someone try to seize Longevity Body? The Longevity Body cultivated at a painfully slow pace and, though prized by demons and monsters for its essence, offered little practical advantage. Even in the rare case of a successful soul seizure, the aftermath would be far worse than selecting a different special physique. If the Longevity Body were truly such a blessing, history would have seen cultivators with it reach the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage¡ªbut none ever had. ¡°Are you sure about this reading? You look younger than I am,¡± Lin Jing remarked skeptically. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me. Despite my age, I¡¯ve passed my master¡¯s rigorous tests and earned the right to walk the cultivation world as a Tianji Pavilion disciple,¡± Bai Yuran replied confidently. ¡°Strange. If this really is a Void Mystical cultivator from the Yin Corpse Sect, they shouldn¡¯t lack suitable bodies. Why would they choose such a poor strategy?¡± Lin Jing frowned, pondering the situation as he silently called out to Senior Pine. ¡°There¡¯s a Void Mystical cultivator suspected of having lost their body. What should we do? Do you think you can handle them?¡± Lin Jing asked. After a brief silence, Senior Pine¡¯s voice echoed in Lin Jing¡¯s mind. ¡°Void Mystical Stage? And they¡¯ve fallen to the point where they must seize a new body to survive, with no other options?¡± ¡°Seems that way,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Trash,¡± Senior Pine scoffed. ¡°So¡­ does this mean you have a way to deal with them?¡± Lin Jing asked, his spirits lifting. ¡°No, I just wanted to insult them. With cultivation that high, how could they end up in such a sorry state? I could¡¯ve done better with that power,¡± Senior Pine muttered. Lin Jing: ¡°???¡± ¡°Are you planning to return to the Hidden Dragon Academy?¡± Bai Yuran asked, breaking Lin Jing¡¯s reverie. She believed the academy was the safest place for him now. Returning there might help him avoid the looming danger, whereas wandering the outside world would only invite more trouble. The ostentatious inauguration ceremony had already drawn too much attention. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to the little girl!¡± Senior Pine interjected eagerly. ¡°If it were a fully-powered Void Mystical cultivator, even ten of me wouldn¡¯t dare face them. But someone so desperate they need to seize a body to survive? Hah! Hiding would be a waste!¡± ¡°Think about it. Void Mystical Stage cultivators are treasure troves! If we could pull off another ambush like the one with the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor, imagine the spoils we¡¯d collect!¡± Lin Jing blinked in surprise. ¡°Senior, how confident are you?¡± ¡°You won¡¯t be in danger. I¡¯ll set up a formation leveraging natural terrain. Once they fall into it, there¡¯ll be no escape for their spatial primordial spirit!¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Besides,¡± Senior Pine continued, ¡°aren¡¯t you curious why this Yin Corpse Sect cultivator skipped over countless other bodies and targeted you? Or what turmoil within the Yin Corpse Sect caused someone of such high rank to end up in this pitiful state?¡± Lin Jing hesitated but ultimately chose to trust Senior Pine, his guardian. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the Hidden Dragon Academy,¡± Lin Jing said, turning to Bai Yuran. ¡°Even a clay figurine has its limits. First, they sold information about my physique to the Southern Mountain Demon Emperor. Now their cultivators want to seize my body. I¡¯ve had enough!¡± Bai Yuran: ¡°???¡± ¡°You¡¯re just a Qi Refinement cultivator! What can you even do?¡± she exclaimed. Lin Jing didn¡¯t reply, only hoping that Senior Pine¡¯s plan would work. Deep down, he wished for greater strength so he could one day obliterate the Yin Corpse Sect himself. Half a day later, the Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony concluded. Not wanting to entangle the Beast Taming Sect further in his affairs, Lin Jing announced his plans to travel to the Air Domain and challenge a renowned ruin, leaving behind a clear trail of his whereabouts. Although he was eager to leave the Great Wasteland immediately, Lin Jing couldn¡¯t resist selecting a few gifts from the ceremony¡¯s offerings. Among them was the from the Myriad Beast Sect¡ªa valuable treasure that Lin Jing insisted on keeping to prevent its misuse or the propagation of more mosquito beasts. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s leaders, aware of the dangers associated with the Longevity Body, fully understood Lin Jing¡¯s decision to leave. However, to other sects, it was unusual for a newly inaugurated Holy Son to leave his sect so soon. Traditionally, this was a time to build alliances and establish connections with other sects. ¡°Holy Son!¡± The Great Elder of the Hundred Flower Valley, worried that Lin Jing might bypass their valley altogether, personally sought him out. ¡°Senior?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Ah, the Holy Son still remembers me.¡± The Great Elder chuckled. ¡°Previously, you expressed interest in our . After consulting with the Valley Master, we decided it would be inappropriate to present it as a mere ceremonial gift. Instead, we¡¯ve chosen a more suitable occasion to gift it to you.¡± ¡°Additionally, the Hundred Flower Valley will also grant you a matching secret technique!¡± Though Lin Jing¡¯s desire to satisfy his palate had waned in the face of impending danger, the mention of a secret technique piqued his interest. ¡°There are four secret techniques in our valley that require the Immortal Honey for cultivation,¡± the Great Elder explained. ¡°Usually, only the Valley Master or their successors are eligible to learn them, as the honey¡¯s low yield limits its use. However, the valley is willing to grant one of these techniques to the Holy Son.¡± ¡°Please elaborate,¡± Lin Jing requested. ¡°The first is the , a feigned death technique that conceals one¡¯s vital energy. When perfected, it can even hide you from tribulations. However, the technique is incomplete, as our inheritance of it was an accidental find.¡± ¡°The second is the , a flight technique far superior in speed to normal methods. When performed by a Nascent Soul cultivator, even most Nascent Soul Transformation experts would struggle to catch up without special means.¡± ¡°The last is the , a healing technique that creates a cocoon-like structure using condensed spiritual threads. It allows the user to heal from any injury, no matter how severe¡ªeven damage to one¡¯s core or soul. With this, a Golden Core cultivator could repeatedly use core-burning techniques without fear of their core shattering.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s eyes lit up as he asked, ¡°Senior, the can conceal one¡¯s vital energy?¡± This technique seemed tailor-made for someone with the Longevity Body. While Lin Jing had methods to hide his physique, his boundless vitality would become increasingly difficult to conceal as his cultivation grew. This technique could be a perfect solution. ¡°Yes, indeed. If you choose it, our Valley Master will personally instruct you,¡± the Great Elder offered. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Senior. I¡¯ll accompany you to retrieve it. Afterward, I¡¯ll be leaving the Great Wasteland,¡± Lin Jing replied. The Great Elder was stunned. ¡°Holy Son, are you in such a rush to¡­ reincarnate? A Nascent Soul cultivator offering personal guidance, and you refuse?!¡± Book 2: Chapter 79: The World Beneath the Frozen Pool Vol 2 Chapter 79: The World Beneath the Frozen Pool The Air Domain, once a principal battleground during the Celestial Palace and Celestial Alliance era, is littered with the remains of countless Void Mystical cultivators. Ruins and secret realms abound in this region, and many unknown cultivators have risen to prominence after gaining fortuitous encounters here. Most could trace their meteoric rise back to treasures found in the Air Domain. Bordering the Snow Plains like the Great Wasteland, the Air Domain is often a sanctuary for rogue Snow Plains cultivators seeking resources. Unlike the more regulated Great Wasteland, the Air Domain is not just a treasure trove for the Ancient Celestial Kingdom but also a haven for outsiders. After retrieving the and the from the Hundred Flower Valley, Lin Jing, accompanied by Senior Pine, set off for the Air Domain in search of an extreme cold region suitable for using the Ice Soul Gu to establish his Foundation. Back in the Great Wasteland, two individuals were particularly upset after Lin Jing¡¯s departure: the Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect and Bai Yuran of Tianji Pavilion. ¡°You useless fools¡­¡± Outside the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s mountain gate, the Deputy Sect Master of the Myriad Beast Sect glared at his two disciples, barely restraining the urge to slap them. However, he also knew it wasn¡¯t entirely their fault. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Holy Son was simply too powerful. ¡°Please, Deputy Sect Master, punish us!¡± the two disciples said, their faces pale with shame. ¡°Punish you?¡± The Deputy Sect Master gave them a cold look. ¡°After the inauguration ceremony, the demon kings of the Beast Taming Sect no longer take our sect seriously. If punishing you would restore our reputation among the Ancient Celestial Kingdom¡¯s cultivators, your deaths would be worth it. But¡­¡± He sneered. ¡°The Holy Son¡¯s power stems partly from our sect¡¯s treasure. If anything, his performance has boosted interest in the . And his strength seems closely tied to the Cloud Sea Terrors, particularly the mosquito beast.¡± ¡°The ¡­ If we can bring some of those beasts back to Qingzhou, it would significantly bolster our sect¡¯s foundations. You two will accompany me to the Cloud Sea Mountains to capture some mosquito beasts and atone for your failure.¡± The disciples¡¯ eyes lit up. Having experienced the terror of the mosquito beast firsthand, they knew its potential. Lin Jing¡¯s control methods had been crude at best, yet even so, the mosquito beast had overwhelmed them. If they could build a mosquito beast army and combine it with their sect¡¯s techniques, their battle strength would increase dramatically. ¡°Yes, Deputy Sect Master!¡± Meanwhile, Bai Yuran, after some hesitation, decided to head for the Air Domain. Lin Jing wasn¡¯t foolish; knowing a Void Mystical cultivator might target him and still leaving a trail meant he had some confidence. However, before she could follow, someone blocked her path. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Senior Brother Tian Huihua¡­¡± Bai Yuran froze in shock as the man appeared before her. ¡°Enough games. Time to return to Tianji Pavilion,¡± Tian Huihua said calmly. ¡°W-when did you find me?¡± Bai Yuran stammered. ¡°I¡¯ve been following you since you left for the Great Wasteland.¡± Tian Huihua stared at her impassively. Bai Yuran took a step back, forcing a smile. ¡°I just gave Lin Jing a divination. I wanted to¡­¡± ¡°No,¡± Tian Huihua interrupted, shaking his head. ¡°Discovering the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Holy Son¡¯s secret was your chance encounter, and our master allowed you to pursue it. But now that your divination has tied this matter to the Yin Corpse Sect, you cannot involve yourself further.¡± ¡°Why not¡­?¡± ¡°This escapade has earned you some credit,¡± Tian Huihua replied. ¡°The Yin Corpse Sect possesses the corpse of a celestial beast. They¡¯ve long sought to refine it into a puppet. However, their efforts have been repeatedly thwarted by the Ancient Celestial Kingdom¡¯s interference. One of their ancestors even lost his body in the process.¡± ¡°Is he the one targeting Lin Jing?¡± Bai Yuran asked, startled. ¡°Most likely,¡± Tian Huihua replied. ¡°Why would he want to seize Lin Jing¡¯s body? That seems¡­ unusual.¡± ¡°Our master suspects the Yin Corpse Sect lost a crucial resource needed for refining the celestial corpse. Without it, they can¡¯t continue their project. Your divination suggests they may be seeking a substitute.¡± Tian Huihua explained, ¡°Refining and controlling a celestial corpse requires not only immense death energy but also a delicate balance with life energy. By targeting Lin Jing¡¯s Longevity Body, they aim to integrate its vitality into the process, turning their failure into an opportunity. However, this is only speculation.¡± ¡°The Demon-Slaying Bureau has been informed and should already have experts protecting Lin Jing. His choice to head for the Air Domain rather than return to the academy aligns with their plans. Letting the Yin Corpse Sect ancestor think there¡¯s hope for possession is the best way to draw him out. The bureau likely wants to capture him alive.¡± ¡°Moreover, Lin Jing appears to have a powerful protector by his side. You needn¡¯t worry about him.¡± Though Bai Yuran nodded, her curiosity remained piqued. ¡°Is this the place, Senior?¡± Days later, in the Air Domain, Lin Jing stood atop a snowy peak, gazing at the pristine white expanse below. Beneath the snowline, hardy plants like snow lotuses dotted the landscape. Despite the chill, the area seemed no different from other snowy mountains. ¡°It¡¯s luck that brought us here,¡± Senior Pine said after surveying the mountain. ¡°For thousands of years, this place seems to have gone unnoticed. For cultivators practicing ice techniques, this would be an ideal spot for a sect, a family, or a cave abode.¡± ¡°Most extreme cold regions are already occupied. Finding a wild one like this is rare. Don¡¯t be fooled by appearances, though. Beneath this mountain lies a frozen pool, and that pool connects to a cavern¡ªa true extreme cold region!¡± ¡°Long ago, an Iceheart Snow Lotus grew here, gaining sentience from the cold energy.¡± Lin Jing was intrigued. ¡°Senior, are you saying that Iceheart Snow Lotus is¡­?¡± ¡°Dead,¡± Senior Pine replied curtly. ¡°And before you ask, it wasn¡¯t me. A group of cultivators refined it into avatars to reach the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage. I happened to witness it and avenged the lotus.¡± ¡°What happened to its remains?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡± Book 2: Chapter 80: The Awakening of the Ice Soul Gu Vol 2 Chapter 80: The Awakening of the Ice Soul Gu In an instant, Lin Jing reached the frozen pool that the Divine Pine had mentioned. The pool''s surface was calm and mirror-like, with a thin layer of frosty mist rising gently from its depths. This mist hovered over the water, adding an ethereal charm to the scene. Holding the Flame Dragon Carp, Lin Jing plunged into the icy pool. The deeper he went, the colder it became. However, the dropping temperature didn¡¯t bother him. Not only did the warmth of the Flame Dragon Carp shield him, but his Ice Soul Physique also gave him exceptional resistance to the cold. Bang¡ª Time seemed to blur. At some point, Lin Jing felt as though he had fallen from a heavenly pool. Water splashed violently as he landed heavily on the ground. The surrounding temperature underwent a drastic shift, growing so cold that even his Ice Soul Physique began to feel the chill. Looking up quickly, Lin Jing saw that the pool''s bottom had turned into a celestial pool above him. He now stood in a massive icy cavern. The walls were piled with frosty stones, and the biting cold seemed to pierce his very soul. As he ventured further, he felt the Ice Soul Gu, which was sealed by the Divine Tree, begin to stir faintly. ¡°Blub!!!¡± The Flame Dragon Carp, which had been indifferent to the cold until now, began to shiver. Lin Jing promptly tossed it back into the frigid pool above, saying, ¡°Stay in the water and train until you¡¯re no longer afraid of the cold.¡± ¡°A descendant of the Fire Qilin scared of the cold? Ridiculous.¡± The Flame Dragon Carp shot Lin Jing a look that seemed to accuse him of ignoring the attributes that came with its lineage. With the carp taken care of, Lin Jing exhaled a puff of frosty breath and surveyed the area. ¡°Anyone below the Golden Core stage and without a special physique would freeze to death here.¡± ¡°Freezing to death would be the least of their worries. Even higher-level cultivators could suffer permanent damage if they lingered too long. Now, hurry and break the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s seal. Let it absorb this extreme cold!¡± A pinecone suddenly materialized and urged him on. Lin Jing nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll count on you to protect me, Senior. As for the formation you mentioned for dealing with the Yin Corpse Sect cultivators¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If anyone from that sect finds their way here, I¡¯ll ensure they don¡¯t leave alive,¡± the Divine Pine replied confidently. Reassured, Lin Jing closed his eyes and entered the sealed world in his mind. There, he saw the Ice Soul Gu tightly bound by the branches of a massive tree. The Ice Soul Gu was a giant spider made entirely of ice and snow. As Lin Jing gazed at it, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve been sealed for so long¡­ Though, to be fair, the Dragon-Phoenix Cavern Heaven hasn¡¯t treated you poorly. You even broke through to the eleventh stage of Qi Refinement.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope that when you reach Foundation Establishment, you¡¯ll help me ascend to the twelfth stage. Thirteenth stage would be ideal!¡± Crack. With Lin Jing¡¯s actions, the branches binding the Ice Soul Gu began to loosen. Its full form gradually emerged, and an influx of cold air surged from the outside world into Lin Jing¡¯s body, which the Ice Soul Gu passively absorbed. At the same time, the Ice Soul Gu emitted a steady stream of cold air. The two types of chill were distinctly different: one was the pure, natural cold of heaven and earth, while the other was a toxic cold converted by the Ice Soul Gu. The latter was far more damaging to Lin Jing¡¯s body. Fortunately, a golden Buddhist bead within him absorbed most of the sinister energy. As the Ice Soul Gu freely absorbed the extreme chill, its cultivation was no longer restricted. Reaching Foundation Establishment was now only a matter of time. Meanwhile, Lin Jing decided not to remain idle. He retrieved a jar of Hundred Flower Immortal Honey gifted by the Hundred Flower Valley and a one-time-use jade slip of a secret art. Seizing this opportunity, he began practicing the Veil of Dissolution, aiming to further reduce his presence. ¡°Smells divine.¡± The golden floral scent of the Hundred Flower Immortal Honey, one of the top ten spiritual treasures of the Little Wasteland, wafted through the air as Lin Jing opened the jar. Even the Ice Soul Gu, a creature that had long been indifferent to earthly delights, couldn¡¯t help but twitch in response. ¡°That smells divine.¡± A voice rang out, startling Lin Jing. It wasn¡¯t the Divine Pine, nor was it the Pine Leaf Mouse or the Flame Dragon Carp. His expression darkened as he probed his surroundings cautiously. Outside his body, in the snow-laden expanse, the Ice Soul Gu had awoken. The enormous, crystalline spider had shed its slumber. Lin Jing was momentarily shocked. Wasn¡¯t it supposed to remain dormant until after Foundation Establishment? Why had it awakened immediately after the seal was broken? ¡°Container, you smell divine,¡± the Ice Soul Gu said again. ¡°Turns out it was talking about you,¡± Lin Jing muttered, a vein throbbing on his forehead. The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s sudden awakening was completely unexpected. Furthermore, Lin Jing remembered that the top ten Rare Gu usually lost their memories upon reincarnation. This meant the Ice Soul Gu should be like a newborn. Yet, it already knew that Lin Jing was its host and was capable of telepathic communication. Its intelligence far surpassed that of the Pine Leaf Mouse or the Flame Dragon Carp. ¡°Let me have a bite,¡± the Ice Soul Gu said, beginning to crawl inside Lin Jing¡¯s body. Breaking through its icy confines, it attempted to latch onto him like a bloodsucking beast. Alarmed, Lin Jing immediately restrained it with the power of their contract. The Ice Soul Gu froze in place, perplexed. ¡°Why are you stopping me?¡± ¡°You¡¯re trying to eat my flesh and blood. Do you even need to ask?¡± ¡°But you¡¯re using my power without offering anything in return. Isn¡¯t that unfair?¡± Lin Jing was stunned. Was this Ice Soul Gu¡­ trying to reason with him? ¡°No means no. Stop eyeing my body.¡± ¡°Fine, then release this strange restraint. I¡¯ll leave.¡± Lin Jing remained silent. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I said I¡¯d leave, but you still refuse?¡± ¡°If you want me to work for you, we should cooperate fairly. Otherwise, you¡¯re just exploiting me,¡± the Ice Soul Gu argued. Lin Jing felt a chill. ¡°You just awakened, didn¡¯t you? This doesn¡¯t sound like something a baby spider would say¡­¡± If the Ice Soul Gu was this intelligent from birth, then the legendary bloodlines of the top ten Rare Gu were indeed extraordinary. In comparison, the Flame Dragon Carp, with its Qilin lineage, seemed downright foolish at first. ¡°I don¡¯t want to argue, but I sense strange restrictions on me. You must have tampered with me while I was asleep. I can¡¯t attack you directly, so I have no choice but to talk things out,¡± the Ice Soul Gu admitted. ¡°If you don¡¯t respond, I¡¯ll just end myself. I can reincarnate, but without me, you¡¯ll lose your chance to grow stronger.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± Lin Jing picked his ear nonchalantly. The Ice Soul Gu fell silent. Lin Jing chuckled and added, ¡°Don¡¯t try to scare adults with childish threats. While I won¡¯t let you feed on my flesh, I can offer you something else.¡± The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s mood seemed to lift. ¡°I knew that fish in the pool was meant for me. I misjudged you. That container of mine really smells divine.¡± Book 2: Chapter 81: Reasoning Vol 2 Chapter 81: Reasoning ¡°Container, your strength is still too weak. Directly absorbing your nutrients would hinder your cultivation and ultimately affect me as well,¡± the Ice Soul Gu stated with calm logic. ¡°It¡¯s better to consume external resources, like the extreme cold here or that fish, rather than depleting you directly.¡± Lin Jing didn¡¯t even need to analyze the situation; the Ice Soul Gu had already outlined the pros and cons with flawless reasoning. ¡°You make a good point, but that fish is your companion, not your food,¡± Lin Jing replied, his expression dark. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What I intend to feed you is this.¡± Lin Jing retrieved the Myriad Beast Circle and pulled out a Mosquito Beast that had absorbed Longevity Blood. The Ice Soul Gu sensed the Mosquito Beast and fell silent for a moment, seemingly unimpressed. ¡°I prefer food with ice attributes. This mosquito doesn¡¯t suit my tastes,¡± it finally said. Lin Jing clenched his fist. ¡°The Flame Dragon Carp is fire-attributed. Why did you find it appealing?¡± ¡°Eating too much cold food isn¡¯t good for my system. Occasionally, I crave something warm. My organs told me so,¡± the Ice Soul Gu muttered. Lin Jing nodded. That¡­ sounded reasonable. Reasonable, my *ss! Annoyed, he threw the Mosquito Beast into the cold pool. The Flame Dragon Carp immediately swam over and swallowed it. Unlike the Ice Soul Gu, it could refine the Mosquito Beast¡¯s metallic essence with its Flame Refinement ability, facing no digestion issues. ¡°You should learn from it¡ªat least it¡¯s not picky about food.¡± The Ice Soul Gu scoffed disdainfully, clearly unimpressed by the Flame Dragon Carp. Sensing the gu¡¯s emotions, Lin Jing suddenly smirked. ¡°It looks like you¡¯re underestimating it. How about a little wager?¡± ¡°A wager?¡± the Ice Soul Gu tilted its head in curiosity. ¡°This Flame Dragon Carp is your key partner. It can assist you in growing stronger. Let¡¯s settle this: the two of you will fight. If it wins, you¡¯ll acknowledge its strength and stop treating it with contempt. You¡¯ll also obediently train and provide it with your support.¡± ¡°And if it loses?¡± the Ice Soul Gu asked. ¡°If it loses, it¡¯ll stop interfering and follow your lead. All decisions will be yours to make,¡± Lin Jing proposed. The Flame Dragon Carp froze, stunned by this sudden challenge. Fight the Ice Soul Gu? Was this a joke? The carp was confident it could crush Lin Jing in an instant, let alone the spider. ¡°It¡¯s doomed to lose,¡± it declared smugly. ¡°Let¡¯s begin, then,¡± the Ice Soul Gu said, releasing the Flame Dragon Carp. In the next moment, the cold cavern was filled with a terrifying chill as the snow-white spider fully emerged. Its icy blue eyes locked onto the Flame Dragon Carp in the pool below, where the fish appeared dumbfounded by its rival''s overwhelming aura. Boom! The Ice Soul Gu unleashed its strength. Its eleventh-stage Qi Refinement cultivation, combined with the bloodline of a Gu King, released a frigid wave that even Lin Jing found life-threatening. The Flame Dragon Carp trembled under the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s predatory gaze. ¡°It woke up, and it thinks it can replace you,¡± Lin Jing calmly explained to the carp, which began to shake with fury. Without waiting for further provocation, the Ice Soul Gu pointed a sharp, crystalline leg at the carp, releasing a torrent of bone-chilling cold that surged toward it. Though the carp was at the tenth stage of Qi Refinement, its bloodline and cultivation couldn¡¯t withstand the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s superior power. But just as the spider felt certain of its victory, it noticed something strange about the carp¡¯s trembling¡ªwas it fear, or¡­ rage? ¡°¡± The Flame Dragon Carp roared, producing several jade bottles seemingly out of nowhere. Grade-Three Pills! The carp devoured them one by one: Primordial Essence Pill: Temporarily boosted its strength to Foundation Establishment.Frozen Heaven Pill: Granted unparalleled resistance to ice and snow.Blazing Sun Pill: Amplified the power of its fire-based techniques. Despite its low cultivation and bloodline, the carp¡¯s resourcefulness turned the tide. As it swallowed the pills, its aura skyrocketed. Fiery dragon-shaped flames coiled around its body, elevating it to the peak of Foundation Establishment for a brief period. One pill to swallow, and the heavens bow to my will! With a ferocious glare, the Flame Dragon Carp erupted with fiery might. Under the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s stunned gaze, it transformed into a blazing dragon, its searing flames vaporizing the frigid cold in an instant. Moments later, the carp emerged victorious, leaving the Ice Soul Gu crippled and sprawled at Lin Jing¡¯s feet. ¡°Weakling,¡± the carp snorted before retreating to a quiet corner to endure the side effects of its pills. Lin Jing shook his head at the battered spider. ¡°You might be powerful, but you¡¯ve learned an important lesson today. The cultivation world is merciless. Even a seemingly foolish and weak Flame Dragon Carp can pull out unexpected tricks and crush you.¡± ¡°From now on, listen to me. I¡¯ll ensure you avoid unnecessary suffering.¡± The Ice Soul Gu didn¡¯t argue. Though its wounds healed rapidly in the icy cavern, its pride had been thoroughly shattered. ¡°You still look unconvinced,¡± Lin Jing observed. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give you one more chance.¡± He gestured to the Suspended Gourd hanging at his side. ¡°Inside this gourd is another companion of yours. It¡¯s excellent at cultivating spiritual plants. If you can defeat it, I¡¯ll let it grow Ice Spirit Plants here to provide you with food. The other terms remain the same. What do you think?¡± The Ice Soul Gu raised its head, surprised by Lin Jing¡¯s generosity. ¡°You¡¯re actually giving me another chance?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t lose this time,¡± it said confidently. Without hesitation, Lin Jing sent it into the Suspended Gourd. It never came out again. Later, while Lin Jing savored a few bites of Hundred Flower Immortal Honey and practiced the Art of Shedding, he glanced at the Beast Taming Space and discovered the Ice Soul Gu bound once again. The Pine Leaf Mouse had used wooden strips to restrain it and was directing it to create icy storage boxes for its hoard of spiritual fruits. ¡°Was it worth it?¡± Lin Jing sighed, shaking his head. Seeing that the Ice Soul Gu hadn¡¯t triggered any unique divine abilities through his Longevity Body, Lin Jing knew it would struggle to rise above its current limitations, no matter how extraordinary its bloodline might be. Book 2: Chapter 82: Thunder Pine Vol 2 Chapter 82: Thunder Pine Despite its impressive strength, the Ice Soul Gu was no match for the Flame Dragon Carp and the Pine Leaf Mouse at this stage. The Flame Dragon Carp, while lacking the bloodline strength of the Ice Soul Gu, had always been part of the team as a counter to it. Thanks to its innate talent in alchemy, it had stockpiled a variety of pills specifically designed to suppress the Ice Soul Gu. As for the Pine Leaf Mouse, its bloodline had evolved to rival that of the Ice Soul Gu. Its cultivation was far superior, making a direct confrontation a one-sided slaughter. That said, the Ice Soul Gu wasn¡¯t weak. As an artificial creation, it could only unleash its full potential when paired with a skilled Gu Master. Among Lin Jing¡¯s three contracted beasts, only the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power could perfectly merge with Lin Jing¡¯s True Qi, creating a synergy that exceeded the sum of its parts. Additionally, at the Qi Refinement stage, a Gu¡¯s abilities were far from fully developed. Once the Ice Soul Gu reached Foundation Establishment and its Gu King bloodline fully awakened, its power would skyrocket. However, the other two beasts were also on the verge of breakthroughs. The Flame Dragon Carp had yet to reach Foundation Establishment. Once it transformed into a dragon upon breaking through, its growth wouldn¡¯t lag far behind the Ice Soul Gu. Meanwhile, the Pine Leaf Mouse had an arsenal of resources: the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, the Divine Tree Seal, and warehouses full of Divine Tree fragments. Not to mention its Blood Mosquito Army and the Demon King True Form Talent, both of which offered incredible growth potential. The Ice Soul Gu wasn¡¯t weak¡ªit was simply surrounded by freakishly strong companions. With these two monsters aiding Lin Jing in ¡°early education¡± for the Ice Soul Gu, Lin Jing was confident it would quickly learn to understand its place. Settling down in the icy cavern, Lin Jing began practicing the Art of Shedding. He also sent a telepathic message to the Pine Leaf Mouse: ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it. Let the Ice Soul Gu return soon to focus on its main task¡ªFoundation Establishment.¡± Lin Jing was sure that after being bossed around by the Pine Leaf Mouse for a while, the Ice Soul Gu would obediently come back to absorb the extreme cold energy and prepare for its breakthrough. Its bloodline-born pride had likely been worn down to nearly nothing. Meanwhile, the Divine Pine guarding the frozen pool above sensed the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s awakening. ¡°Good thing I¡¯ve been cultivating this Longevity Body well. If it were any other container, the Ice Soul Gu might have already taken over,¡± it mused. ¡°Now, all that¡¯s left is to wait for that old monster from the Yin Corpse Sect. I wonder if he¡¯ll manage to find this place¡­ and if he dares to show up.¡± The days passed. Lin Jing and his companions trained in the icy depths for more than half a month, while the Divine Pine stood vigil above. Finally, the long-anticipated disturbance occurred. The Divine Pine, now appearing as a floating pinecone, snapped to attention as dark clouds gathered in the sky. Under the blackened heavens, a coffin floated ominously. Standing atop its spectral image was a diminutive figure in a black robe, staring down at the frozen pool with a lifeless gaze. ¡°It seems the Longevity Body is here,¡± the figure muttered. ¡°Those fools failed to bring it back to headquarters. It always falls to me to clean up their mess.¡± The black-robed figure¡¯s gaze shifted, landing on the Divine Pine. ¡°A sentient tree acting as a protector? No wonder the target dared to leave the academy.¡± ¡°Scram!¡± A wave of spiritual pressure emanated from the figure¡¯s soul, attempting to force the Divine Pine to withdraw. Despite having lost his physical body, this ancestor of the Yin Corpse Sect possessed Void Mystical Stage cultivation. Compared to the Divine Pine¡¯s Nascent Soul Transformation Stage, he held an overwhelming advantage. ¡°I don¡¯t want to waste my soul energy. Leave within three breaths, and I¡¯ll spare your life,¡± the ancestor threatened. The Divine Pine chuckled, its voice laden with mockery. ¡°Yin Corpse brat, are you talking to me? Your cultivation may be higher, but I¡¯m much older than you. Didn¡¯t anyone teach you to respect your elders in the demonic path? If anyone should leave, it¡¯s you! I haven¡¯t even decided whether to consume this Longevity Body yet¡ªyou think you¡¯re entitled to it?¡± ¡°You court death!¡± the ancestor snarled, stunned that a mere Nascent Soul cultivator would dare provoke him. ¡°Then I¡¯ll refine you along with the Longevity Body!¡± With a flick of his arm, the coffin¡¯s shadow released a surge of deadly energy. However, just as the attack began, a loud crackling sound echoed. The ancestor¡¯s eyes narrowed in shock. From beside the pinecone, a massive pine tree had appeared. Though its cultivation was also at the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage, this tree radiated golden-green light interwoven with arcs of lightning. Golden lightning snaked across its trunk, spreading a massive vortex of clouds above. Thunder rolled ominously within. ¡°Void Mystical brat, you¡¯ve experienced tribulations, haven¡¯t you?¡± the Divine Pine asked, laughing sinisterly. ¡°For us spirit trees, attracting tribulations is far too easy. My Thunder Pine avatar just triggered one. I hope you enjoy it!¡± The ancestor¡¯s expression turned grim. Lightning tribulations were deadly to Yin Corpses. In his current weakened state, getting caught in one would leave him gravely injured, if not outright destroyed. ¡°I¡¯ll remember this!¡± he hissed, preparing to flee. But before he could, countless Thunder Pines sprouted across the snowy mountain, forming a vast Wood-Sealing Formation that trapped him in place. ¡°You¡¯ll have to sacrifice something to catch the wolf. Losing this avatar is a small price to pay for eliminating a Void Mystical Yin Spirit. Besides, learning from the tribulation¡¯s impact on my avatar will benefit me,¡± the Divine Pine muttered. The ancestor struggled, breaking through the formation in mere moments. But those moments were enough. The connection to the Thunder Pine avatar drew the tribulation¡¯s wrath upon him. Both the Thunder Pine and the Yin Corpse Sect ancestor were engulfed in a torrent of divine lightning. As the Divine Pine¡¯s avatar crumbled under the assault, it showed no sadness, only curiosity. ¡°I wonder if that old corpse brought enough treasures with him¡­¡± Boom! While the ancestor endured the relentless tribulation, the Divine Pine concealed its true body and transmitted a message to the void. ¡°Hey, you in the shadows. You¡¯re from the Demon-Slaying Bureau, right? Hands off¡ªthis one¡¯s mine.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already sacrificed an avatar and risked attracting the tribulation myself. Don¡¯t expect me to do your dirty work for free!¡± From the void, a voice responded, tinged with amusement. ¡°You¡¯re a bold little tree. Do you even know who you¡¯re talking to?¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Book 2: Chapter 83: The Heavenly Demon Physique Vol 2 Chapter 83: The Heavenly Demon Physique The voice sounded incredibly youthful, more like that of a child than an elder. When it reached Thunder Pine''s ears, the ancient tree spirit froze in surprise. ¡°A Child Immortal?¡± During the tribulation that trapped the Ancestor of the Yin Corpse Sect, a boy clad in yellow robes, seemingly no older than ten, appeared out of the void. Thunder Pine had been focused on the tribulation and the Void Mystical Yin Spirit, but when the child emerged, it couldn''t help but be amazed. ¡°I expected the Demon-Slaying Bureau to send someone, but I didn¡¯t expect such a significant figure.¡± ¡°A significant figure? Compared to you¡ªa grass and wood spirit that has cultivated to this level¡ªI¡¯m the one who should be in awe,¡± the boy said with a playful grin. ¡°I heard that thousands of years ago, there was a faction in the Misty Forest entirely made up of grass and wood spirits. But a traitor arose within their ranks, slaughtering the entire tribe and fleeing to the Ancient Kingdom.¡± ¡°That traitor, the Malignant Plant who wiped out their kind, was you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Thunder Pine chuckled. ¡°As expected of one of the bureau''s leaders, you¡¯ve dug up my past so thoroughly.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m no threat. Back then, I was young and foolish, thinking I¡¯d found a family. Who would have guessed I¡¯d stumbled into a faction of Malignant Plants? For self-preservation, I had no choice but to destroy them.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping my head down in the Ancient Kingdom all these years.¡± ¡°You certainly have been quiet,¡± the boy replied. ¡°But one order from the Sect Regulatory Office, and here you are, unleashed.¡± He added, ¡°You can stay in the Ancient Kingdom if you wish, but the Yin Corpse Sect cultivator? The Demon-Slaying Bureau will handle that.¡± With a resounding boom, the Void Mystical Yin Spirit, who had just survived its tribulation but was severely weakened, was absorbed into the Celestial Prison summoned by the boy, along with its Void Mystical manifestation, the Black Coffin. Thunder Pine''s massive form appeared, revealing a face on its trunk as black as ink. Its gaze toward the boy was anything but friendly. ¡°Relax,¡± the boy said with a chuckle. ¡°Using the tribulation to weaken it was the most efficient method. If I had directly intervened, I¡¯d have had to deal with its countless strange tricks.¡± ¡°As a token of the Bureau¡¯s gratitude, how about I adopt you as my foster son?¡± ¡°Go f*** yourself!¡± Thunder Pine barked irritably. ¡°I¡¯m no younger than you, kid! I¡¯ve heard of the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s leader who cultivates the Child Immortal technique, remaining forever in a child¡¯s form and, as a result, childless. You love adopting people as foster sons, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not interested in being one of them!¡± The boy sighed regretfully. ¡°What a pity. I¡¯ve adopted humans and beasts as foster children but never a grass and wood spirit.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. That guy¡¯s not of much use to you anyway. Most of his treasures were destroyed in his battle with the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s experts. All that¡¯s left is his memory, which you¡¯d struggle to extract. Handing him over to the Bureau ensures his knowledge is put to maximum use.¡± Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Enough nonsense!¡± Thunder Pine snapped. ¡°If I¡¯m not satisfied, even if you¡¯re Void Mystical, I won¡¯t let this slide.¡± ¡°I¡¯m curious what other cards you¡¯re hiding. You¡¯re not bluffing¡ªI can sense that. But I can also tell you don¡¯t want to play them,¡± the boy mused. Then, suddenly, he called toward the Frozen Pool, ¡°Come on out, kid!¡± Ripples spread across the pool¡¯s surface, followed by a massive surge of water. A white-haired, blue-eyed youth emerged, his aura terrifying. Seventeen layers of freezing whirlpools surrounded him, and snow began falling from the sky. ¡°Qi Refinement Stage 17, peak level,¡± the boy said, observing Lin Jing. ¡°This Ice Soul Gu, which parasitized within me, has finally reached Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°With Qi Refinement Stage 12 cultivation and the Ice Soul Gu of the Gu King¡¯s bloodline, even an average Core Formation cultivator wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat him.¡± ¡°Remarkable talent,¡± the boy said, his gaze admiring. ¡°Only one level below the Ancient Imperial Prince with his Boundary-Breaking Beast¡¯s assistance. Is this still the Longevity Body I thought I understood? It seems the Beast Taming Art and the Longevity Body are an extraordinary match.¡± Pulled from the depths of the Frozen Pool by a powerful force, Lin Jing looked at the boy and Thunder Pine. ¡°Senior, what¡¯s going on here?¡± he demanded. ¡°That boy¡­ is he¡­¡± ¡°Look closely. He¡¯s alive, not a Yin Spirit,¡± Thunder Pine said. ¡°This guy is one of the old monsters of the Demon-Slaying Bureau.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the four great Demon-Slaying Families, right? Your detective friend Gao Sheng¡¯s great-grandfather is an ancestor of one of them.¡± ¡°And this old monster before you? He¡¯s the Nascent Soul Transformation Ancestor of those families, and they all call him foster father.¡± ¡°What!?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s eyes widened as he glanced at the yellow-robed boy. ¡°The Yin Corpse Sect cultivator has been dealt with, but he¡¯s taken the Yin Spirit,¡± Thunder Pine said coldly. The boy laughed. ¡°I may not have anything to offer you directly, but since you¡¯re acting as his protector, compensating him instead should be fine, right?¡± He preferred to reward Lin Jing, a human, rather than further empowering a Malignant Plant like Thunder Pine. Thunder Pine was about to retort when the boy produced a jade slip. ¡°This contains the method for cultivating a physique from the continent¡¯s former number-one demonic sect, the Heavenly Demon Sect.¡± ¡°The Heavenly Demon Physique can temporarily boost cultivation in exchange for lifespan. According to the Bureau¡¯s records, during the sect¡¯s downfall, a Nascent Soul demonic cultivator burned a thousand years of his lifespan, temporarily attaining Void Mystical strength. He maintained this power for ten years before falling back to Nascent Soul.¡± ¡°Though he lost a millennium of life, he survived a certain death scenario. During those ten years, he used his immense power to plunder resources beyond what his former strength could achieve.¡± ¡°Whether it was a loss or a gain depends on perspective. But for someone with a Longevity Body, cultivating the Heavenly Demon Physique is a surefire win. Burning a thousand years is hardly a concern.¡± ¡°So this technique really exists!¡± Thunder Pine exclaimed, delighted. It had long sought a demonic art to allow Lin Jing to trade lifespan for power and hadn¡¯t expected to find it in the Bureau¡¯s collection. Then again, it made sense. The Bureau had dismantled countless demonic sects during the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s founding wars. ¡°Not bad,¡± Thunder Pine said with a grin. ¡°Though I didn¡¯t expect the Bureau to offer a demonic technique as compensation.¡± The boy gestured toward Lin Jing. ¡°He¡¯s one of only two Longevity Body cultivators alive. Losing him young would be a shame. This technique will give him a trump card to preserve his life, easing your burden as his protector.¡± Book 2: Chapter 84: Joining the Demon-Slaying Bureau Vol 2 Chapter 84: Joining the Demon-Slaying Bureau The Heavenly Demon Physique. Hearing about this physique, Lin Jing was visibly surprised. Its abilities, while certainly not to be used casually, were akin to possessing a forbidden weapon that could intimidate enemies merely by existing. Even with his current Qi Refinement cultivation, he could theoretically sacrifice a thousand years of lifespan. At that point, suppressing even ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators or Demon Kings wouldn¡¯t be out of reach. This was just at his Qi Refinement stage¡ªif he reached the Core Formation or Nascent Soul stages and sacrificed even more lifespan, those one or two realms above him would think twice before attempting to take him on. The most critical point was that the cultivation gained from the Heavenly Demon Physique wasn¡¯t fleeting. A Nascent Soul cultivator could burn a millennium of lifespan to temporarily achieve Void Mystical combat strength and maintain it for a full ten years. During that time, one could accomplish feats impossible at lower cultivation, amassing enough resources to offset the cost of the lost years. The Heavenly Demon Physique, as a second physique for someone with the Longevity Body, was practically a perfect match. ¡°Senior, besides me, are there really other Longevity Body cultivators alive?¡± Lin Jing asked, recalling the boy''s earlier comment that he was one of two. ¡°There is,¡± the boy replied. ¡°A thousand years ago, a Longevity Body emerged in Qingzhou. However, before they could mature, they were captured and caged by the Sky Lion Clan.¡± ¡°That clan sacrifices Longevity Blood and Flesh every decade during their ancestral ceremonies, just like the Ancient Celestial Palace used Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow for celebratory feasts. ¡°Because Longevity Bodies cultivate slowly, low-level Longevity Blood wasn¡¯t very beneficial to the Sky Lion ancestors, so they spared her soul. But death might have been a kinder fate. ¡°After being caged for a thousand years, one can only imagine the state of her mind.¡± Lin Jing fell silent. It was shocking to learn another Longevity Body lived, but her circumstances were far worse than his. Fortunately, he had been rescued by the Beast Taming Sect. Otherwise, if the Yin Corpse Sect had sold him to a demonic beast, his fate might have been the same. The Sky Lion Clan was well-known¡ªa terrifying demonic beast tribe in Qingzhou. They had a Void Mystical Demon Ancestor and their own pocket dimension as a territory. ¡°No one ever tried to save her?¡± Lin Jing asked. Realizing the foolishness of his question, he regretted it immediately. The Tianyuan Ancient Kingdom had no obligation to rescue her, especially since she was from Qingzhou and not a cultivator of the kingdom. Even if she were, saving her from the Sky Lion Clan could cost numerous Nascent Soul and Void Mystical lives with no guarantee of success. Rescuing her would undoubtedly be a losing venture. The boy held up the jade slip for the Heavenly Demon Physique. ¡°This is the fate of a Longevity Body. It¡¯s almost unchangeable. You should count yourself lucky to be in the Ancient Kingdom, where no powerful demonic beast tribes exist.¡± ¡°Understood. What¡¯s the other prerequisite for cultivating the Heavenly Demon Physique?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°You have to join the Demon-Slaying Bureau,¡± the boy said. ¡°It¡¯s not as if the Bureau will constantly assign you tasks or restrict your freedom. However, the Bureau must know your location at all times.¡± Thunder Pine spoke up, ¡°Agree to it. At least it will provide you with an additional layer of protection. For someone like you, allowing the Bureau to track your movements is a small price to pay for some measure of security.¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, Lin Jing nodded. He had little choice. The Heavenly Demon Physique was too important to pass up. The boy tossed the jade slip and a token to Lin Jing. ¡°This token is custom-made. Once refined, it will not only identify you as a Demon-Slaying Guard but also act as a miniature Bureau branch. ¡°When guards on missions discover traces of demonic cultivators or sects, they immediately report to a Bureau branch through a secret technique. Your token will work similarly, allowing you to receive intelligence on demonic sects and cultivators from all over.¡± Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Moreover, this token allows me to track your location. If you encounter a threat Thunder Pine can¡¯t handle and don¡¯t want to die without help, keep it safe.¡± ¡°One last thing. The Heavenly Demon Physique is incredibly difficult to cultivate. Of all the Bureau¡¯s confiscated techniques, only two people have succeeded with it¡­¡± Lin Jing put the token away and said, ¡°Thank you, Senior.¡± Thunder Pine muttered, ¡°If I can¡¯t handle something, the Bureau probably can¡¯t either.¡± Ignoring the comment, the boy left with the sealed Yin Corpse Sect Void Mystical Yin Spirit in tow. ¡°Senior Thunder Pine¡­ Couldn¡¯t you give him some face?¡± ¡°What did I say that wasn¡¯t true?¡± Thunder Pine glared at Lin Jing. ¡°If you were the one caged by the Sky Lion Clan, do you think the Bureau would rescue you?¡± ¡°Still, this token isn¡¯t useless. If the situation is something the Bureau can handle, like this Void Mystical Yin Spirit, they¡¯ll probably come to your aid. You have some value as a Longevity Body. But don¡¯t think they¡¯ll save you if the cost outweighs the benefits. ¡°So, why are you just standing there? Start cultivating the Heavenly Demon Physique! If you want to survive, you must rely on yourself. If you encounter a situation I can¡¯t handle, don¡¯t count on me¡ªI¡¯ll be the first to run.¡± Lin Jing silently nodded. He looked at the jade slip for the Heavenly Demon Physique. Thunder Pine¡¯s cherished Void Mystical Yin Spirit had been taken, and the compensation fell into his hands. Thunder Pine had accepted it. For this alone, Lin Jing swore that if Thunder Pine were ever captured and refined, he would avenge him and outlast his enemies. Later Lin Jing lay on the snowy mountain. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Thunder Pine asked. ¡°I can¡¯t learn it,¡± Lin Jing admitted. ¡°The Heavenly Demon Physique technique is too difficult. Even with the help of Hidden Dragon Fortune, I haven¡¯t made any progress.¡± ¡°At this rate, I¡¯ll exhaust the Hidden Dragon Fortune without mastering it.¡± After a moment of silence, Thunder Pine said, ¡°You just finished practicing the Molting Technique from Hundred Flower Valley. Take a break. The Ice Soul Gu has reached Foundation Establishment. Our goal here is achieved. Return to the academy for now.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Lin Jing replied. Just then, the Demon-Slaying Bureau token he carried received a message: ¡°A Yin Corpse Sect stronghold has been discovered. It contains two captives with special physiques, guarded by a Core Formation demonic cultivator!¡± Book 2: Chapter 85: The Twins Vol 2 Chapter 85: The Twins ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Thunder Pine asked when it noticed Lin Jing staring intently at his token. ¡°Nothing much. A Demon-Slaying Guard discovered a Yin Corpse Sect stronghold, and I received the intel,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°Are you planning to raid that stronghold?¡± Thunder Pine guessed his intention. ¡°Yes,¡± Lin Jing said, clenching the token tightly. ¡°The report says two individuals with special physiques are imprisoned there.¡± ¡°I recall that¡¯s how the Beast Taming Sect rescued you from a Yin Corpse Sect stronghold back then,¡± Thunder Pine said. ¡°Indeed. The nearest Demon-Slaying Bureau branch should have also received the intel. If luck is on their side, those two will be saved. However, this is a rare opportunity for me to take revenge against the Yin Corpse Sect with my own hands. It¡¯s just a small stronghold guarded by a Core Formation demonic cultivator, but even an empire¡¯s downfall can begin with an ant nest.¡± ¡°Fine. Consider it a test of your abilities. Go ahead,¡± Thunder Pine said approvingly. ¡°But I won¡¯t intervene unless a Nascent Soul shows up.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Lin Jing activated the token, which pointed him toward the stronghold. With the Ice Soul Gu successfully reaching Foundation Establishment and its bloodline elevated from King-tier to Emperor-tier, Lin Jing¡¯s strength had risen significantly. His cultivation advanced from Qi Refinement Stage 11 to Stage 12, just as the Child Immortal had predicted. Combined with his other trump cards, he felt confident in his ability to handle the Core Formation cultivator guarding the stronghold. Lin Jing soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of blue light as he flew toward his target. In a secluded valley near Qianxun City¡­ A black-robed elder stood before the lifeless body of a Foundation Establishment Demon-Slaying Guard, a gaping hole in the guard¡¯s chest. The elder casually waved a hand, and the body disintegrated into ash. Behind him were two gray-robed Yin Corpse Sect cultivators escorting a young boy and girl, both bound by a spell. Tears welled in the captives¡¯ eyes as they saw the fallen Demon-Slaying Guard. ¡°Master, it seems the Demon-Slaying Bureau has discovered us. Should we evacuate immediately?¡± one of the gray-robed cultivators asked. ¡°No need,¡± the elder said. ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged the transaction with the buyer here. Changing the location now would be too troublesome.¡± ¡°Complete the trade quickly, and then we¡¯ll leave. Your efforts in capturing these two have been commendable. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re rewarded after the deal,¡± the elder promised. ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Though they felt staying was risky, the two gray-robed cultivators dared not disobey. The young captives, a boy and a girl with similar features, were Qi Refinement cultivators. Despair filled their eyes as they anticipated their grim fate. The captors, meanwhile, marveled at their good fortune¡ªsnagging a pair of Twin Physiques so effortlessly. The Twin Physique manifests only in twins. Individually, it has no effect, but when the twins fight together, their minds synchronize, allowing them to share techniques and amplify their strength exponentially. This made them formidable in battle. Suddenly, a beam of white light pierced through the heads of the two gray-robed cultivators, killing them instantly. A Core Formation Demon-Slaying Guard, clad in crimson armor and exuding righteousness, appeared in the sky. Seeing him, the elder cursed their luck for not insisting on relocating the trade. The young captives¡¯ despair briefly gave way to hope. But that hope quickly turned into horror. ¡°You arrived quickly,¡± the Yin Corpse Sect elder said coldly to the Demon-Slaying Guard. ¡°Next time, keep your subordinates in line.¡± ¡°That one was new and foolish. He¡¯s paid the price with his life, hasn¡¯t he?¡± the guard replied. ¡°The usual deal: I¡¯ll destroy this stronghold, and you take the twins.¡± ¡°Your spoils are already inside the stronghold,¡± the elder said indifferently. The twins froze in fear, their hearts sinking into a frozen abyss. They never imagined that the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s guards¡ªdedicated to eradicating evil¡ªwould collaborate with their captors. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Struggling futilely against their bonds, they realized they were mere goods in this transaction. Unbothered by their thoughts, the Demon-Slaying Guard remained focused on his cooperation with the Yin Corpse Sect. Over the years, he had used his position to secretly feed them information in exchange for rewards. This arrangement had allowed him to rise from Foundation Establishment to Core Formation, his path far smoother than the perilous battles he once endured. As the trade neared completion, a strange laugh echoed from the sky. Thunder Pine, observing the scene from above with Lin Jing, couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Well, this is interesting. I wonder what you think of all this?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? This is common enough.¡± ¡°Except now there are two Core Formation enemies instead of one.¡± ¡°At least they¡¯re only early-stage Core Formation,¡± Lin Jing said calmly. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Neither of the Core Formation cultivators had sensed Lin Jing¡¯s presence due to his layered concealment techniques. It was only when Thunder Pine¡¯s laugh drew their attention that they noticed him. ¡°A Qi Refinement cultivator?¡± Both were puzzled by the sudden appearance of such a low-level intruder. However, with their deal exposed, they shared a single thought: eliminate him. ¡°Die!¡± the Demon-Slaying Guard roared, his eyes shooting twin beams of white light¡ª the same technique that had killed the gray-robed cultivators earlier. Lin Jing raised his hand, and a surge of icy energy spread from his arm, freezing the beams mid-air. Snowflakes began to drift down, and the twins looked up at Lin Jing with a mix of awe and disbelief. Book 2: Chapter 86: Demon Extermination Vol 2 Chapter 86: Demon Extermination With a swift motion, Lin Jing absorbed the power of the Ice Soul Gu. His true energy merged seamlessly with the Gu''s chilling force. His jet-black hair and dark eyes transformed into snow-white locks and icy blue irises. The stark white hair and piercing blue eyes gave Lin Jing a cold, detached aura. Due to the overwhelming strength of the Ice Soul Gu, empowered by the Gu King''s bloodline, Lin Jing''s body once again underwent unavoidable changes. Yet, this incredible frost power was worth any price. ¡°He¡¯s no ordinary Qi Refinement cultivator! This is the power of Gu insects¡ªhe¡¯s a demonic cultivator from the Gu God Sect!¡± Before the Demon-Slaying Guard could react, the Yin Corpse Sect Leader shouted in shock, staring at the white spider pattern that had surfaced on Lin Jing¡¯s neck. ¡°The Gu God Sect? Why would someone from the Gu God Sect appear here?¡± The Crimson Armored Demon-Slaying Guard was visibly stunned. Unlike the Yin Corpse Sect, the Gu God Sect usually operated near the Cloud Sea Mountains. In his many years in the Air Domain, this was his first encounter with a demonic cultivator from that sect. A demonic cultivator from the Gu God Sect? The revelation sent shockwaves through the two Twin Physiques, their emotions fluctuating wildly. ¡°He¡¯s planning a double cross.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s attack together!¡± The Yin Corpse Sect Leader issued the command. Five formation diagrams materialized around him, summoning five corpses, each with a distinct hue¡ªgold, green, blue, red, and earthy yellow. These were the legendary Five-Element Corpse Buddhas. ¡°These corpses were crafted from cultivators with gold, wood, water, fire, and earth spiritual physiques, refined into Corpse Puppets. And through the Corpse Core Technique, they¡¯ve been elevated to the false core stage. Impressive, but... too bad they encountered this kid.¡± As the Divine Pine remarked, the Five-Element Corpses soared into the air, encircling Lin Jing. The Crimson Armored Guard also unleashed nine righteous sword artifacts, brimming with energy that suppressed evil. ¡°Demon-Purging Sword Formation!¡± Hovering behind him, the sword formation gathered power. When the nine sword artifacts shot forward, the five corpses formed a Five-Element Formation under the Yin Corpse Sect Leader''s control, trapping Lin Jing within. ¡°My Five-Element Formation is so potent that even a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator wouldn¡¯t escape easily!¡± The Yin Corpse Sect Leader sneered. Lin Jing indeed felt the immense pressure. His true energy was suppressed, unable to flow freely. As the nine swords closed in, the five corpses unexpectedly moved. They leapt to shield Lin Jing, intercepting the incoming swords! The five corpses were sent flying by the impact. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± The Demon-Slaying Guard glared at the Yin Corpse Sect Leader, who spat out blood in shock. ¡°Fool! Look carefully!¡± ¡°What...?¡± A spiritual scan revealed nearly transparent spider threads emanating from Lin Jing¡¯s fingers, linking the five corpses. The threads severed the Leader¡¯s connection to them, granting Lin Jing full control. ¡°This Gu insect... it¡¯s extraordinary! It instantly usurped my refined corpses!¡± ¡°This can¡¯t be real. How could such a Gu insect exist?¡± The Yin Corpse Sect Leader¡¯s panic deepened. To his horror, he realized the Gu toxin had infiltrated him through his severed connection with the corpses, bypassing physical contact entirely. ¡°This Gu toxin... even my spiritual energy is freezing. I¡¯ve lost control of my own body!¡± The Ice Soul Gu''s frost power easily overpowered the leader¡¯s defenses. Its toxic force could subjugate even Nascent Soul cultivators if its strength continued to grow. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Old man, if you take care of those two, I¡¯ll let you spar with this squirrel and the carp again. How about that?¡± With the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s current might, enhanced by his fusion with Core Formation power, Lin Jing casually dismissed his Qi Refinement adversaries. ¡°No need,¡± Lin Jing replied calmly. Frost energy erupted from his body in a storm that engulfed the two Core Formation cultivators. The Yin Corpse Sect Leader shouted, his core cracking slightly under the immense cold. His body, riddled with corpse spots, barely dodged the onslaught. Meanwhile, the Crimson Armored Guard, seemingly unfazed by the Ice Soul Gu''s terror, invoked a protective white true energy shield and redirected his swords toward Lin Jing. To his dismay, as the swords neared Lin Jing, they froze mid-air, unable to advance. The frost emanating from Lin Jing surpassed even the Ice Spirit Physique, rivaling the mythical Ice God Physique. ¡°Who are you?!¡± The Guard roared as the frost invaded his protective energy, freezing him completely. His Core Formation cracked under the strain, but he managed to activate his trump card: the Core Formation Divine Ability. Two radiant swords burst from his eyes, shattering the frost around him as they hurtled toward Lin Jing. The Divine Pine murmured, ¡°Core Formation Divine Abilities are the ultimate ace of Core Formation cultivators. They damage the core with each use, so they¡¯re rarely deployed unless absolutely necessary. To use it now means...¡± The frost rapidly tried to freeze the radiant swords, but their sheer power shattered the ice, streaking toward Lin Jing¡¯s head. ¡°Fight each other to the death!¡± Seeing this, the Yin Corpse Sect Leader abandoned the fight, hoping to escape with the Twin Physiques. However, as he reached them, a single red leaf descended, rippling with spatial energy and drawing everyone¡¯s attention. In the next moment, Lin Jing vanished, reappearing in front of the twins and the Yin Corpse Sect Leader, holding the red leaf between two fingers. A squirrel perched on his shoulder. ¡°!!¡± The squirrel¡¯s eyes glowed red as thousands of blood mosquitoes materialized, swarming the Yin Corpse Sect Leader and the Demon-Slaying Guard, their pupils contracting in terror. ¡°He evaded the Divine Ability! That¡¯s spatial sorcery!¡± ¡°And blood arts! Who is this guy?¡± ¡°Damn it, that looks like... the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast!¡± To protect the twins, Lin Jing summoned the Pine Leaf Mouse to join the fray. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m a Demon-Slaying Guard, here to save you.¡± Lin Jing faced the two Core Formation cultivators, blood mosquitoes swarming around him. The twins nodded nervously, their fear deepening. Book 2: Chapter 87: Battling Core Formation Vol 2 Chapter 87: Battling Core Formation The swarm of blood mosquitoes launched relentless suicidal attacks, leaving the two Core Formation cultivators, one a leader from the Yin Corpse Sect and the other a branch head of the Demon-Slaying Bureau, in utter disarray. Neither had ever encountered such an eerie blood-path technique that mimicked the characteristics of the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast. Despite their Core Formation cultivation, the sheer number of blood beasts, attacking without regard for life, left them unnerved. After eliminating hundreds, the relentless assault made them realize this was a battle they couldn¡¯t afford to prolong. Initially, seeing Lin Jing as a mere Qi Refinement cultivator, the pair had struck with confidence. However, they soon discovered this was no ordinary Qi Refinement practitioner. Not only did he harbor a powerful Gu insect, but he also had a Foundation Establishment-level pet beast proficient in spatial arts! Realizing that Lin Jing wasn¡¯t easily subdued, the two began to negotiate. ¡°Fellow Daoist, we have no grudge with you. Extermination will bring you no benefit. If you force us to the brink, we¡¯ll shatter our cores and unleash our divine abilities. Neither of us will walk away alive!¡± Surrounded by the blood mosquito army, the two Core Formation cultivators exuded a menacing aura as the power of their cores surged. ¡°If your goal is the Twin Physiques, you can have them. But if you push us further, no one will come out unscathed.¡± Standing protectively before the twins, Lin Jing regarded the trapped cultivators above. He didn¡¯t think they were bluffing. Having witnessed the devastating power of the Crimson Armored Guard¡¯s Core Formation divine ability earlier, Lin Jing knew that even with the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s fusion, he couldn¡¯t fully withstand such an attack. Core Formation divine abilities were a double-edged sword. Using them inflicted wear on the core, which could take decades of secluded cultivation and rare healing treasures to repair. Shattering the core entirely would drop a Core Formation cultivator to the Foundation Establishment stage, a state from which most never recovered. The two cultivators¡¯ threat to unleash their most destructive divine abilities, even at the cost of shattering their cores, was a clear message: Lin Jing should back down to avoid mutual destruction. ¡°Full-powered divine abilities, huh...¡± Lin Jing¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile as he weighed the threat. For Core Formation cultivators, divine abilities were their ultimate trump card, rarely used in battles unless the disparity in power was immense. That two Core Formation cultivators were threatening a Qi Refinement-stage opponent with such measures was almost unheard of. Lin Jing responded with actions instead of words, making it clear he was unafraid. The Pine Leaf Mouse continued directing the blood mosquito swarm, while Lin Jing raised his right hand, launching spider silk toward the pair. ¡°Watch out! Those threads are laced with terrifying Gu poison. It almost controlled me. Even using my divine ability, I could barely suppress it. Don¡¯t let it touch you!¡± the Yin Corpse Sect leader shouted, wary that the Crimson Armored Guard might become Lin Jing¡¯s puppet and turn against him. ¡°Let me tell you something,¡± Lin Jing said, his fingers deftly manipulating the white threads. ¡°Even if you suppress the Gu poison now, it¡¯s only temporary. Without me, there¡¯s no cure. The poison will spread until it freezes your soul. Do you still want me gone?¡± The Yin Corpse Sect leader¡¯s expression faltered as Lin Jing¡¯s words struck home. This Gu insect was unlike anything he had seen. It had not only usurped control of his refined corpses but also infiltrated him through their spiritual connection. ¡°Since you insist on courting death, don¡¯t blame fate,¡± he snarled. The sect leader stopped evading and reached for the incoming spider silk. As his body exhibited more corpse-like features, he activated a secret art: . This technique temporarily converted his physique into that of a corpse puppet, enhancing his resistance to negative effects and mitigating the Gu poison¡¯s influence. Even so, the transformation pushed his body to its limits, cracks appearing across his form as his corpse-like state deepened. Seizing the spider silk, he planned to capture Lin Jing and force a cure for the poison. However, before he could act, a chilling gust swept through the battlefield. A spatial ripple appeared, and Lin Jing, along with the Pine Leaf Mouse and the Twin Physiques, vanished. The sect leader froze, scanning the area with his spiritual sense, only to find no trace of Lin Jing or the twins. The swarm of blood mosquitoes, now without the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s guidance, continued their frenzied attacks, driven solely by instinct. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. High above, concealed by an illusion, Lin Jing observed the scene below. ¡°You¡¯re pretty quick on your feet, kid,¡± remarked the Divine Pine, watching the scattered red leaves. It was clear that Lin Jing¡¯s strategy was to avoid the divine abilities entirely. Though powerful, a divine ability was useless if it couldn¡¯t hit its target. The two Core Formation cultivators had issued hollow threats. Without a guaranteed strike, activating their divine abilities would be pointless. Furthermore, Lin Jing had cleverly used the Gu poison as a counterthreat, forcing the Yin Corpse Sect leader into a corner. To survive, the sect leader now had no choice but to capture Lin Jing alive. The sect leader¡¯s Core Formation divine ability, when unleashed, had amplified his strength twofold. While Lin Jing couldn¡¯t match him in direct combat, his spatial arts and illusionary tactics left the leader struggling. ¡°Drawing out just one of their divine abilities is enough,¡± Lin Jing murmured as he watched below. Enraged by Lin Jing¡¯s disappearance, the Yin Corpse Sect leader annihilated countless blood mosquitoes with a sweep of his corpse banner. His gaze shifted to the Crimson Armored Guard, and with a roar, his Five-Element Corpses surrounded the guard. In a flash, his claw pierced the guard¡¯s chest. Book 2: Chapter 88: Followers Vol 2 Chapter 88: Followers ¡°What are you doing?!¡± The Crimson Armored Demon-Slaying Guard¡¯s pupils shrank as he was suddenly attacked by the Yin Corpse Sect cultivator. ¡°Wondering why I didn¡¯t chase that brat?¡± The sect leader sneered. ¡°Having activated my to its full potential, I can¡¯t allow you to walk away with the spoils.¡± ¡°After this battle, my cultivation will likely drop to the Foundation Establishment stage. But if I can secure a Core Formation corpse puppet, it won¡¯t be a complete loss. With my talent, advancing to the Nascent Soul stage was never an option anyway.¡± ¡°A Core Formation corpse puppet will allow me to condense a high-quality Corpse Core and attain a false core with little hindrance.¡± The Yin Corpse Sect leader''s tone was cold. ¡°That brat may have escaped, but now that I¡¯ve regained control of the Five-Element Corpses, I¡¯ll deal with you first.¡± ¡°No need to worry. My will last long enough to finish you off. Afterward, I¡¯ll find him and kill him too. I¡¯ll even preserve your reputation.¡± Having gained a surge of power, the first thing the sect leader did was launch a sneak attack on the Crimson Armored Guard. Observing this, the Divine Pine commented disdainfully, ¡°At least the Yin Corpse Sect brat is acting sensibly. That Demon-Slaying Guard, relaxing his guard around a demonic cultivator¡ªwhat an idiot.¡± ¡°Was this part of your plan, too?¡± the Divine Pine asked Lin Jing. ¡°It was a possibility I accounted for,¡± Lin Jing replied calmly. ¡°That¡¯s why I returned control of the Five-Element Corpses to him¡ªto enhance his strength. Yin Corpse Sect cultivators are different. Even if they drop to the Foundation Establishment stage, they can form false cores and turn enemies into corpse puppets to bolster their power.¡± ¡°With such an increase in strength, it was almost certain he¡¯d target the Demon-Slaying Guard first. Ideally, the guard would have reacted and realized the sect leader would betray him, leading to mutual destruction. Unfortunately, the guard didn¡¯t catch on and thought I was still the shared enemy.¡± ¡°Still, this situation is easier to handle. Once his divine ability runs out, I can finish him off. And even if I leave now, he¡¯s already infected with the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s poison. He won¡¯t live long.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s eyes flashed. The fate of the sect leader was sealed, much like what had happened to Senior Brother Ouyang years ago. The Ice Soul Gu¡¯s poison was incurable. The Divine Pine and Lin Jing¡¯s telepathic exchange went unnoticed by the Twin Physiques, who remained paralyzed with fear. Although they had escaped the Yin Corpse Sect, they now found themselves in the hands of what appeared to be a demonic cultivator from the Gu God Sect. ¡°Senior, since he¡¯s doomed anyway, why not finish him off now?¡± the girl stammered nervously. ¡°Why don¡¯t you do it yourself?¡± Lin Jing asked. ¡°Haven¡¯t you killed anyone yet?¡± Killing the Crimson Armored Guard would likely alert the Demon-Slaying Bureau. Lin Jing suspected this guard wasn¡¯t the only one colluding with demonic sects. Perhaps his time would be better spent elsewhere. ¡°Then the spoils of war are mine,¡± the Divine Pine sighed, lamenting that these early-stage Core Formation cultivators weren¡¯t challenging enough for Lin Jing. Lin Jing was about to respond when, suddenly, a pine tree branch pierced the chest of the Yin Corpse Sect leader below. Blood streaked across his eyes as he realized he had been outplayed from the start. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With both Core Formation cultivators dead, Lin Jing retrieved a jade token. Though he had several Demon-Slaying Bureau tokens, only this one could establish contact. The token had been given to him by Cold Moon Sword Immortal Feng Ning, a disciple of the Void Mystical Sword Ancestor from the Heavenly Sword Gate. While Feng Ning herself was only at the Core Formation stage, her status meant even top cultivators showed her respect. Rather than act alone, Lin Jing decided to report the internal corruption to someone reliable. Activating the token, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Lin Jing? You¡¯ve finally activated this jade token. Have you changed your mind about joining the Demon-Slaying Bureau?¡± The voice belonged to Feng Ning. ¡°No, Senior Feng,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°I¡¯ve already joined under the invitation of Senior Tongzi Xian.¡± ¡°Tongzi Xian personally invited you?¡± Feng Ning¡¯s surprise was evident. Lin Jing briefly explained the circumstances of his joining and the incident involving the collusion between the local Demon-Slaying Bureau and demonic sects. Feng Ning¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°Well done. This isn¡¯t just a problem with one bureau branch; it¡¯s likely a widespread issue across the Air Domain. I¡¯ll contact my associates in the Bureau to investigate. Handling this alone might be too much for you.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°But to think you could take on two Core Formation cultivators as a Qi Refinement practitioner... If word spreads, it will shock the Ancient Celestial Kingdom.¡± ¡°It was the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°Surely you don¡¯t think I could manage that with just my Qi Refinement cultivation.¡± ¡°True, I know the strength of Beast Taming cultivators depends on their beasts. Still, many won¡¯t care about those details. They¡¯ll only see ¡®Qi Refinement defeats Core Formation¡¯ and the fame that comes with it.¡± Feng Ning chuckled. ¡°Let them talk. Fame can be useful. And thanks to exaggerated stories like these, hidden techniques like the Hidden Dragon Arts remain relevant.¡± Lin Jing agreed. Clever manipulation of rumors often kept hidden techniques thriving. Ending the conversation, Lin Jing resolved to remain cautious around government-affiliated cultivators to avoid betrayal. Turning to the Twin Physiques, he finally addressed them. ¡°Introduce yourselves. How did the Yin Corpse Sect capture you, and what makes your physique special?¡± The young man stayed silent, paralyzed by fear, but the girl mustered the courage to reply. ¡°We¡¯re from the Jiang family of Tianshui City, and we possess the Twin Physique. We were captured during a trip outside.¡± ¡°Twin Physique?¡± Lin Jing murmured. The Divine Pine interjected, ¡°That¡¯s a rare physique with many uses. Kid, why not do a good deed and grant them an opportunity? Take them in as human companions. After all, a Holy Son can¡¯t only have animal partners, right?¡± Book 2: Chapter 89: The Sub-Gu Vol 2 Chapter 89: The Sub-Gu S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Human pets! Yes, I want to take human pets!" As soon as Divine Pine said this, Ice Soul Gu was the first to agree. After reaching Foundation Establishment, Ice Soul Gu had gained confidence that it could defeat the Pine Leaf Mouse and Dragonblood Carp. But after witnessing how Pine Leaf Mouse controlled a swarm of Blood Mosquitoes, Ice Soul Gu suddenly realized it was lacking something. The Dragonblood Carp had pills that could greatly boost its combat power. The Pine Leaf Mouse had hoarded plenty of battle supplies and had many trump cards. Only Ice Soul Gu, freshly born, had nothing. It believed this was the key reason it had lost to the Pine Leaf Mouse and Dragonblood Carp before. So, to strengthen itself, Ice Soul Gu¡ªprompted by Divine Pine¡ªdeveloped the idea of taking "human pets." Lin Jing indeed had the ability to take "human pets." This ability was embodied in the Ice Soul Gu itself. As the emperor of all Gu, Ice Soul Gu could not only use Gu poison to directly control other beings, but it could also "nurture" Sub-Gu. A Sub-Gu was essentially a miniature version of Ice Soul Gu, completely controlled by the mother Gu and possessing a weaker version of its abilities. Ice Soul Gu could implant a Sub-Gu into another person, granting them power while also controlling them. In truth, Ice Soul Gu had only just awakened and had not yet fully utilized its abilities, which was why it had been bullied by Pine Leaf Mouse and Dragonblood Carp in turn. "Even a Sub-Gu of the Ice Soul Gu contains power that most cultivators cannot bear. At the very least, they would need to have an Ice Spirit Body or a Fire Spirit Body." "But even with an Ice Spirit Body or a Fire Spirit Body, their abilities would still be too one-dimensional. An Ice Spirit Body can indeed maximize the power of the Ice Soul Sub-Gu, but an extreme cold force isn''t necessarily a good thing. Ice upon ice¡ªif the body can''t handle it, it will only become a burden and could even freeze itself to death." "For example, look at you now. After merging with the power of Ice Soul Gu, your body and appearance have changed drastically. This is a sign that your body is struggling to adapt. If you use it too frequently, your body will eventually collapse." "By comparison, someone with a Fire Spirit Body would make a better vessel for the Ice Soul Gu. They may not be able to fully unleash its power, but at least their body would remain stable." "Therefore, to perfectly wield the Ice Soul Gu, the ideal host would possess both Ice and Fire attributes. That way, they could fully integrate with the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power while also having the means to suppress it." "But possessing both Ice and Fire attributes is incredibly rare. Just like you¡ªyou¡¯ll have to form a contract with the Dragonblood Carp in the future to gain fire-related abilities." "However, Twin Physique cultivators are an exception. Since the two share a mind and power, they could potentially become cultivators who simultaneously wield both Ice and Fire abilities. Most cultivators can only practice a single technique, but Twin Physique cultivators, thanks to their shared power, can cultivate two techniques at once." "You can have one of them train in a powerful Ice-based technique, and the other in a powerful Fire-based technique. Then, you implant the Ice Soul Sub-Gu into them. That way, they will become your sharpest blades¡ªthe rare few who can fully unleash the power of the Ice Soul Sub-Gu!" "Of course, this is just one way to utilize the Twin Physique," Divine Pine chuckled. "As the vessels nurture the Sub-Gu to greater strength, the mother Gu, much like Beast Taming Sect cultivators, will receive power feedback from the Sub-Gu and grow even stronger!" "Not a bad method to cultivate the Ice Soul Gu!" "I see..." Lin Jing hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. Even if Twin Physique cultivators were the ideal vessels for nurturing Ice Soul Sub-Gu, wasn''t this essentially forcing them onto the demonic path of Gu cultivation? That would be wrong. Unless... they agreed willingly. Seeing that Zhu Rui had remained silent for a long time, the Twin Physique siblings were starting to panic. Then, Ice Soul Gu spoke again: "Tianshui City, the Jiang Clan." "What level of cultivation family is that?" "A Golden Core early-stage ancestor exists within the Jiang Clan," the twin sister replied. Lin Jing nodded. "No wonder you two were targeted by the Yin Corpse Sect. A single Golden Core ancestor likely isn¡¯t enough to protect you." "You two have two choices. One, I send you back to your family." "Or two, you follow me, and I will give you power." The twins exchanged alarmed glances. Their minds were connected, so they didn''t even need to speak or look at each other to understand each other''s thoughts. "He... he says he¡¯ll send us back?" "Don''t believe him! We''ve seen too much. There''s no way he¡¯d let us go back safely. He¡¯ll definitely kill us to silence us!" "He¡¯s testing us¡ªto see if we¡¯ll obey. His goal must be the same as the Yin Corpse Sect. He wants our bodies!" ... "Senior, please don¡¯t kill us! We¡¯re willing to serve at your side..." The twins pleaded desperately. "...Who said anything about killing you?" Lin Jing said flatly. "Think carefully. If I send you home, at most, I¡¯ll make you forget a few things." "But following me isn''t necessarily a good thing either. However, if you obey, it won¡¯t take long for you to become the strongest cultivators in your clan." "Senior... May we ask what we would have to do if we followed you?" The twin brother swallowed nervously. Lin Jing chuckled. "Nothing much. You¡¯d just serve as vessels to raise two Gu. Don¡¯t worry¡ªwith your physiques, as long as you cooperate, these Gu won¡¯t harm you. In fact, they will become your greatest partners." The twins'' vision darkened. Gu vessels?! "...We will follow you, Senior. We won¡¯t return home," the twin sister spoke nervously. Compared to falling into the hands of the Yin Corpse Sect, they found the idea of being in the Gu God Sect slightly more acceptable. If the Yin Corpse Sect captured them, they would either be possessed or turned into corpse puppets. But the Gu God Sect... at worst, they would just have to deal with poisonous insects. "Are you certain?" Lin Jing asked. "We are. We wish to follow you, Senior," the twins confirmed after a brief exchange of thoughts. "Good. In that case, let¡¯s first go to your clan. You should at least check in and reassure them before we leave the Air Domain," Lin Jing said casually. "...We can actually go home and check in?" The twins were stunned. "I told you¡ªI¡¯m a good person." The twins nodded frantically. "By the way, what techniques have you been practicing? Do they have elemental attributes?" Lin Jing asked. He looked at the twins¡ªthey were both at the seventh stage of Qi Refinement and around fifteen or sixteen years old. Their cultivation wasn''t too high. "Senior, we practice our family¡¯s ¡®Nine-Turn Pure Essence Technique.¡¯ It is a non-elemental technique that focuses on fast cultivation speed." "Hmm." Lin Jing nodded. "For now, stop cultivating. Prepare to abandon your current technique and start anew. The ¡®Nine-Turn Pure Essence Technique¡¯ is neither good nor bad, but it won¡¯t suit your future path." "I will find new techniques for you to replace it." But as he said this, Lin Jing fell into deep thought. Where could he find powerful Ice and Fire cultivation techniques? It seemed he¡¯d have to go searching. Book 2: Chapter 90: Target 6 Vol 2 Chapter 90: Target 6 Tianshui City, Jiang Clan¡ªone of the city''s three major cultivation families. At present, the Jiang Clan was in chaos. The family¡¯s greatest hope, the twin siblings, had been missing for half a month. "I told you long ago¡ªwe should¡¯ve found a powerful master for Qi''er and Lin''er and sent them to a great sect for training! But no, you insisted on keeping them in the clan! Now look¡ªan accident has happened!" In the Jiang Clan¡¯s main hall, a middle-aged man was berating a crying woman. ¡°How was I supposed to know this would happen? I just wanted them to stay home longer to develop a sense of belonging to the family!¡± ¡°If we sent them to a sect so young, they¡¯d take another master as their closest kin. By then, would they even recognize the Jiang Clan? Would they still remember their parents? They¡¯d only see their sect and their master, not their own father and family.¡± ¡°Besides, you agreed to this at the time. Now it¡¯s suddenly all my fault?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no point arguing now. I just hope they ran off to play and lost track of time. But if they¡¯ve been targeted by the Yin Corpse Sect¡­ The family has been searching for so long. Where could they have gone?¡± The Jiang Clan Patriarch clenched his fists. The Jiang siblings¡¯ Twin Physique had never been publicly revealed¡ªthey had been kept hidden. But the Yin Corpse Sect was known for their secret methods of detecting special physiques. If the twins had encountered Yin Corpse Sect cultivators, then they were in serious trouble. "Patriarch! Patriarch! Young Master and Young Miss have returned!" Just as the patriarch and his wife were overcome with anxiety, a guard¡¯s urgent shout came from outside. The two of them rushed out in an instant. At the same time, Jiang Qi and Jiang Lin stood trembling at the gates of their family estate under Lin Jing¡¯s escort. They had never expected to return home after being captured by the Yin Corpse Sect. "Could he really be a good person¡­?" "Watch what you say. With his strength, he could wipe out the entire Jiang Clan effortlessly. Do not say anything unnecessary." "For the safety of our family, we must keep quiet." "Qi''er! Lin''er!!!" Just as the twins were struggling with their thoughts, their parents arrived in a flash. Their mother and father anxiously examined them. Both were at the late Foundation Establishment stage, which wasn¡¯t exactly weak. Lin Jing withdrew his gaze. "...Mother..." The twins'' eyes welled with tears. At this moment, the Jiang couple finally turned their attention to Lin Jing. But before they could speak, Lin Jing said: "They were captured by the Yin Corpse Sect. By chance, I rescued them. I brought them back today so they could reassure you of their safety. After this, I will be taking them with me to train outside." "What?!" Upon hearing that their children had indeed been taken by the Yin Corpse Sect, the couple was shocked. However, Lin Jing looked like a mere Qi Refinement stage young cultivator¡ªhow could they fully believe his words? Jiang Lin quickly spoke up, "Father, Mother, what Senior said is true! He saved my brother and me. We¡¯ve already agreed to follow him for training, so please don¡¯t worry. Senior is incredibly powerful¡ªnot even Golden Core cultivators are his match!" "Gol¡ª" The Jiang Patriarch was about to say something when Lin Jing suddenly furrowed his brows and looked in a certain direction. At the same time, deep within the Jiang estate, an elder meditating in seclusion suddenly found his hair covered in frost. His eyes snapped open in shock. "Qi Refinement stage? Impossible! I merely used my divine sense to probe him, yet it felt like I had plunged into an abyss of extreme cold¡ªmy consciousness was nearly frozen! This person¡¯s strength is definitely no weaker than mine!" The elder instantly appeared outside. Seeing Lin Jing, he immediately cupped his fists and said, "Greetings, Fellow Daoist. Many thanks for rescuing my Jiang Clan¡¯s twins. May I ask for your esteemed name?" Jiang Lin looked at the elder and pondered for a moment. Since he had no intention of stealing away another family¡¯s disciples and he wasn¡¯t some human trafficker, he figured he might as well leave a name. That way, they would be less worried. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He took out a jade token from the Demon-Slaying Bureau and said, "Demon-Slaying Bureau, Zhu Qing. Besides this¡­ I have another identity." "Jiang Lin?" The Jiang Patriarch suddenly froze, then looked at Jiang Lin more carefully. Her cultivation, her age¡ªcould it be...? With disbelief in his eyes, he asked, "Could it be that you are Rank 87 on the Genius Rankings¡ªJiang Lin of the Beast Taming Sect?!" "Oh? He knows you?" Lin Jing and Jiang Qi both turned toward the patriarch. "I do! I do! She is at the eleventh stage of Qi Refinement and, along with her contracted beast, has broken through the extreme limits of Qi Refinement! Who wouldn¡¯t recognize her in the cultivation world?" The Jiang Clan Master was astounded. Originally, he had doubted that Jiang Lin had truly been saved from the Yin Corpse Sect. But now that he knew Lin Jing¡¯s identity, he immediately understood¡ªJiang Lin had the ability to do so. "In that case, I wish to take Jiang Qi and Jiang Lin with me. Clan Master Jiang, what do you think?" "This is their fortune!" The Jiang Patriarch immediately agreed. "I have long wished to find a great sect for them to join. For them to catch Young Master Lin¡¯s attention is a great blessing!" "Indeed." Now that they knew Lin Jing¡¯s identity, even the Jiang Clan¡¯s elder had no objections. Lin Jing gave him a terrifying feeling. If just one Qi Refinement cultivator could give him such pressure, there be even stronger protectors behind him. Following such a genius could only bring benefits to Jiang Clan¡¯s descendants. The twin siblings were a bit stunned. They hadn¡¯t expected their parents and ancestor to send them away so quickly. Lin Jing smiled faintly. "Since that¡¯s decided, I won¡¯t stay long. I¡¯m in a hurry to leave. Now that the Jiang Clan knows they¡¯re safe, I¡¯ll take them with me." The Jiang Clan members were surprised by Lin Jing¡¯s urgency. The Jiang elder gestured to the patriarch, who immediately understood and handed over a storage bag. "We have yet to properly thank you for saving Jiang Qi and Jiang Lin. Please accept this token of gratitude." "No need." Lin Jing grabbed the storage bag and tossed it to Jiang Lin. "Consider it their training resources." With that, he glanced at the twin siblings. These twin vessels were the best gift he could receive... With two excellent vessels for nurturing his Sub-Gu, Lin Jing was truly ready to return to the academy. He had been away for so long¡ªhis luxurious cave dwelling had been left empty. Who knew how many Spirit Stones had been wasted? Now, he needed to enter seclusion at the academy and consolidate the gains from this journey. He still remembered what Mr. Cao had said¡ªtwo years from now, Tianji Pavilion would invite all the top geniuses to compete in the . The rankings would be reshuffled. To ensure that the Dragonblood Carp received enough to undergo a perfect transformation, Lin Jing had to seize this opportunity and take first place on the Genius Rankings! After leaving the Jiang Clan, Lin Jing knocked out the twins and prepared to return to the Ancient Domain. Before departing, he retrieved the latest Genius Rankings and took another look. Rank 3: Yan Xiangbei, disciple of Fire Domain¡¯s Pill Refining Valley. A refining genius who once broke through the limits of Qi Refinement. He possesses the Innate Artifact Master Physique and is now at Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. Capable of wielding high-grade magic treasures beyond his level and has slain a Golden Core cultivator.Rank 2: Mo Qianyi, disciple of Mystic Domain¡¯s Divine Machine Manor. He possesses the Innate Exquisite Physique and once shattered the limits of Qi Refinement. Now at late Foundation Establishment, he is a mechanized arts prodigy who has used mechanical formations to destroy multiple powerful demon beasts.Rank 1: Chen Zhong, disciple of Spirit Dao Sect in the Dao Domain. He has the Innate Dao Physique and extraordinary comprehension ability¡ªhe even unlocked the of the during his Qi Refinement stage. Now at Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. Lin Jing gazed at the list. If he wanted to claim the top spot, these three would be his biggest obstacles. Book 2: Chapter 91: Advancement Vol 2 Chapter 91: Advancement When the Jiang Family twins woke up from their coma, Lin Jing and the others had already arrived at the Ancient Domain. As soon as they regained consciousness, the twins felt sore all over, as if their bones were about to fall apart. The Thunder Pine¡¯s flying speed was too fast, and the twins¡¯ cultivation was too low to withstand the pressure, resulting in them being overwhelmed. Knocking them out directly had actually spared them from some of the pain¡ªafter all, Senior Divine Pine wasn¡¯t about to concern itself with the comfort of some random passengers. ¡°Senior, where are we?¡± The fact that they were still alive after waking up was already a relief for the twins. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Ancient Domain, Hidden Dragon City,¡± Lin Jing replied, gazing at the vast immortal city ahead. ¡°We¡¯ve actually arrived at the Ancient Domain?¡± Jiang Lin was utterly astonished. Just like how many people in Lin Jing¡¯s past life yearned to visit the capital, cultivators from other regions were naturally curious about the central domain of the Ancient Kingdom. ¡°Hidden Dragon City¡­ could it be the legendary city where the Academy is located?¡± Jiang Qi asked excitedly. Countless cultivators yearned to enter the highest academy of the Ancient Kingdom¡ªit was even more prestigious than joining a top-tier sect. ¡°Looks like you know quite a bit. That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a student of this Academy,¡± Lin Jing said. ¡°For the next few years¡ªmaybe even ten or several decades¡ªyou two will be cultivating here.¡± ¡°If you do well in your cultivation, I might even arrange for you to enter the Academy as well!¡± Gaining admission to Hidden Dragon Academy only required a recommendation from a Nascent Soul cultivator and passing an assessment. With Lin Jing¡¯s current status, securing a recommendation was no trouble at all. ¡°We¡­ we could enter Hidden Dragon Academy too?¡± At that moment, the Jiang twins suddenly started to believe that Lin Jing might not be a bad person after all. After all, how could someone with ties to such a sacred place as Hidden Dragon Academy possibly be a demonic cultivator? Even though Lin Jing practiced blood-path demonic arts, raised Gu worms, and likely intended to use them as hosts for his parasites, perhaps there was some misunderstanding in all of this! The twins exchanged a glance, feeling that their situation might not be as dire as they had initially thought. ¡°Here, take these.¡± In the next instant, Lin Jing¡¯s hands surged with icy energy, forming two tiny spiders, each no larger than a fingernail. Swoosh! Before the Jiang twins could react, the little spiders shot into their mouths and slid down their throats into their bodies. ¡°Ugh!¡± The twins immediately clutched their throats, bending over and retching violently. ¡°These are the Gu worms that will soon reside inside you. They¡¯re currently in a dormant state and won¡¯t cause you any harm for now,¡± Lin Jing explained calmly. ¡°For now, find a place to settle down in Hidden Dragon City. Once I find suitable cultivation techniques for you, I¡¯ll come back.¡± ¡°When that time comes, after cultivating the new techniques, you¡¯ll be able to harness the power of the Gu worms. Your strength will undergo a complete transformation.¡± Lin Jing¡¯s expression remained composed. These two Ice Soul Lesser Gu were carefully nurtured by the Ice Soul Gu over a long period. They had the potential to ascend to the Gu King bloodline. As long as the twins used them well, they had a real chance of reaching the Nascent Soul stage in the future. After speaking, he transformed into a streak of light and disappeared, leaving the Jiang twins drenched in cold sweat. At this point, whether Lin Jing was a good person or not no longer mattered¡ªnow that the Gu worms were inside them, they had no choice but to obey. Hidden Dragon Academy Before Qing Emperor returned, Lin Jing immediately retreated to his own cave dwelling. Returning to his alchemy site and his personal vegetable garden, both the Dragonblood Carp and Pine Leaf Mouse felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. By now, the Dragonblood Carp had fully grasped the advantages of mastering a skill. If it hadn¡¯t learned alchemy, there was no way it could have defeated the Ice Soul Gu, which was an entire minor realm above it. Now that the Ice Soul Gu had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, the Dragonblood Carp was eager to establish its own Foundation and complete its dragon transformation. It also wanted to refine even stronger pills¡ªones it could use against the Ice Soul Gu in the future. ¡°Senior, could I trouble you to help mature the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi, the Nine-Life Exquisite Grass, and the Cloud-Hidden Orchid?¡± Lin Jing asked within his cave. These three supreme-grade spiritual plant seeds were obtained from the Beast Taming Sect. Among the seven spiritual seeds, the Divine Pine had taken four, while Lin Jing kept three. The Divine Pine had already matured its four seeds and refined them into Avatars to deal with the Void Mystical Ancestor of the Yin Corpse Sect. Lin Jing¡¯s three seeds, however, remained in their undeveloped form. While the Pine Leaf Mouse could mature spiritual plants, its current Foundation Establishment stage cultivation meant it would take an incredibly long time to do so. ¡°I carried you on my back, protected you, exhausted my strength maturing four spiritual seeds, and even used them to forge Avatars to fight your enemies. Do you take me for a workhorse?¡± the Divine Pine grumbled. Lin Jing forced a smile. He knew Senior Divine Pine had helped him immensely this time. Originally, those four supreme-grade spiritual seeds were meant to be refined into top-tier Avatars, but instead, they had been sacrificed in battle. And in the end¡­ it was Lin Jing who reaped the rewards from the Demon-Slaying Bureau. ¡°Then please rest, Senior. These three seeds aren¡¯t urgent¡ªI¡¯ll have the Pine Leaf Mouse handle them,¡± Lin Jing decided. He resolved not to rely too much on the Divine Pine from now on. ¡°That¡¯s the right mindset,¡± the Divine Pine remarked. ¡°Maturing spiritual plants is also a form of training. Let it handle it.¡± ¡°When it was still at the Qi Refinement stage, it had already reached minor success in the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, allowing it to surpass ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators in wood-element mastery. Now that it has reached Foundation Establishment, a minor success in the Longevity Art is no longer sufficient. You should find a way to help it achieve major success.¡± ¡°With major success, combined with its bloodline, it will possess the wood-element mastery of a Core Formation spirit creature. Whether in combat or in maturing spiritual plants, it will be invaluable.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Lin Jing nodded. Improving the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art was actually quite simple¡ªit just required absorbing the life essence of plants. However, with its current cultivation, ordinary plants¡ªeven first or second-rank spiritual plants¡ªwere no longer sufficient to help the Pine Leaf Mouse progress. Previously, they had used a combination of the second-rank Malignant Plant, the Bloodsucking Vine, along with Longevity Blood to rapidly cultivate a large number of high-quality Malignant Plants, which allowed the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Longevity Art to reach minor success. Now, if they wanted to push it to major success, relying on the Bloodsucking Vine alone would no longer be enough. They needed a vast quantity of higher-grade spiritual plants and Malignant Plants¡ªquantity first, then quality! Lin Jing sneaked a glance at Senior Divine Pine. Of course, the fastest method would be to have the Pine Leaf Mouse absorb Divine Pine itself¡­ but he wouldn¡¯t dare suggest that. ¡°Two years¡­ I wonder if that¡¯s enough to push the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Longevity Art to major success.¡± ¡°The top contenders on the Genius Rankings are all capable of slaying Core Formation cultivators¡ªI can¡¯t afford to be careless. I must ensure the Longevity Art reaches major success!¡± ¡°It¡¯s also time for the ¡®Dragon Palace Organization¡¯ to give back.¡± Instead of outright purchasing large quantities of high-grade spiritual plants, Lin Jing had a better method¡ªhis own Dragon Palace Organization! The members of the Dragon Palace Organization came from various cultivation sects and families, each with their own supply of spiritual resources. Having them procure the plants would save him a tremendous amount of effort. In return, they needed a large supply of Rising Dragon Pills to nurture their dragon pets. Lin Jing could simply use those pills as a form of trade. With this monopolized barter system, he could acquire what he needed at a much better rate than buying everything himself. Book 2: Chapter 92: Decision Vol 2 Chapter 92: Decision That very day, Lin Jing sent a message to Xu Zhizhi, summoning the Dragon Palace¡¯s strategist. ¡°You¡¯re finally back,¡± Xu Zhizhi remarked. ¡°You missed a class!¡± ¡°No big deal,¡± Lin Jing replied. The gains from this trip were far more valuable than attending a couple of Academy lectures. News from the Great Wasteland didn¡¯t spread easily to the Ancient Domain, so Xu Zhizhi simply assumed Lin Jing had gone back to visit his hometown. He had no idea that Lin Jing had become the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, secured numerous resources, and, more importantly, ventured out with the sole purpose of helping the Ice Soul Gu reach Foundation Establishment. After this trip, Lin Jing¡¯s strength had reached an entirely new level. Before the Ice Soul Gu had established its Foundation, he and the Pine Leaf Mouse were already formidable opponents for anyone below the Core Formation stage. But now, even an ordinary Core Formation cultivator wouldn¡¯t be too difficult to handle. ¡°Nothing major happened while I was away, right?¡± Lin Jing asked. It would be absurd if the Dragon Palace collapsed the moment he left, following in the footsteps of the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s downfall. ¡°No issues at all. Ever since you ranked on the Genius Rankings, more and more people have been joining the Dragon Palace, and no one dares to cause us trouble,¡± Xu Zhizhi said with a grin, fanning himself. ¡°The freshman admissions are coming up soon¡ªI¡¯m planning to make a grand entrance!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Lin Jing nodded and continued, ¡°Xu, I need you to handle something for me. I require a large amount of high-grade wood-element materials¡ªthird rank or higher, with strong life energy. Announce to the Dragon Palace members that they can exchange these materials for Rising Dragon Pills.¡± ¡°In addition, I need a fire-attribute cultivation technique and an ice-attribute cultivation technique¡ªboth must be high-quality, at least capable of supporting cultivation up to the Nascent Soul stage. I¡¯ll also use Rising Dragon Pills for trade.¡± ¡°As for the exchange rates, we¡¯ll determine them based on the quality of the spiritual plants and cultivation techniques,¡± Lin Jing concluded. The Rising Dragon Pills¡ªcreated through years of synthesis and mutation of spirit plants by Lin Jing, the Dragonblood Carp, and the Pine Leaf Mouse¡ªhad become his most valuable trading currency. Xu Zhizhi pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°Getting the spiritual plants won¡¯t be a problem, but high-level cultivation techniques¡­ Cultivation techniques capable of supporting cultivation to the Nascent Soul stage are important inheritances for sects. I doubt many students here have the authority to trade them.¡± Lin Jing nodded in understanding. A Nascent Soul-level cultivation technique was indeed quite valuable. Even the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art that Divine Pine had imparted to the Pine Leaf Mouse only reached the Nascent Soul level when cultivated to perfection. Of course, that wasn¡¯t due to a lack of potential in the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art¡ªit was simply a technique designed specifically for plant-type creatures, not for beasts. The version Divine Pine had given to the Pine Leaf Mouse was an adapted version, allowing it to cultivate but at a cost¡ªthe technique¡¯s upper limit was significantly lowered. ¡°Still, it¡¯s worth a try. Some sects have deep foundations and may have accumulated various techniques beyond their own lineage,¡± Lin Jing said with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m sure some people would rather put their ¡®useless¡¯ techniques to good use. After all, a Nascent Soul-level technique alone doesn¡¯t guarantee a Nascent Soul breakthrough¡ªbut a king-tier bloodline dragon pet has a very high chance of evolving into a powerful Demonic General.¡± Soon after, Xu Zhizhi left to distribute the sect-wide mission on Lin Jing¡¯s behalf. With that settled, Lin Jing set the Dragonblood Carp to work refining Rising Dragon Pills, while the Pine Leaf Mouse focused on gathering special ingredients for the pill refinement process. For the Dragonblood Carp, the next two years wouldn¡¯t involve any combat training¡ªjust pure alchemy. The more pills it refined, the more spirit plants the Pine Leaf Mouse could obtain, which would, in turn, allow it to advance the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art to greater mastery. If the Pine Leaf Mouse could achieve this breakthrough, Lin Jing would have a much greater chance of securing first place on the Genius Rankings. That, in turn, would grant him enough Hidden Dragon Fortune to help the Dragonblood Carp perfect its dragon transformation. If the Dragonblood Carp wanted to catch up to the emperor-tier bloodline of the Ice Soul Gu, then using a vast amount of Hidden Dragon Fortune to trigger its evolution was absolutely crucial. In the end, everything the Dragonblood Carp was working for¡­ was for its own benefit. After Lin Jing explained this, the Dragonblood Carp could only lower its head and grind away at refining pills. As for the Genius Rankings Battle, Lin Jing had no intention of letting the Dragonblood Carp participate. Even though it had reached the extreme stage of Qi Refinement, it still wasn¡¯t comparable to the true geniuses of the rankings as long as it hadn¡¯t fully transformed into a dragon. Thus, the true main forces of the Genius Rankings Battle would be Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. And if things got too dangerous¡­ If even Lin Jing himself struggled to handle an opponent, then there was no way he could afford to expose the Ice Soul Gu! Of course, while revealing the Ice Soul Gu might put Lin Jing in a precarious situation, looking at it from another perspective¡ªthe Ice Soul Gu was one of the legendary Ten Rare Gu. Publicly displaying it would bring significant fame to Lin Jing. Aside from helping the Pine Leaf Mouse evolve, there weren¡¯t many areas where Lin Jing himself actually needed Hidden Dragon Fortune. As someone with the Longevity Body, his cultivation speed was already absurdly fast¡ªhe didn¡¯t need to rely on fortune to improve his comprehension. However, the newly acquired Heavenly Demon Physique technique was an exception. This technique was incredibly difficult to cultivate. Many experts estimated that fully mastering it at the Nascent Soul stage would require a massive amount of fortune energy. That meant securing first place on the Genius Rankings was non-negotiable. Considering all this¡­ Lin Jing found himself somewhat willing to expose the Ice Soul Gu, depending on the circumstances. Of course, the reason he wasn¡¯t too concerned about potential risks was simple¡ªafter the Genius Rankings Battle, he would retreat into seclusion in Hidden Dragon City for decades, making full use of his cave dwelling¡¯s duration. As long as he stayed within the Hidden Dragon Academy, his safety would be almost guaranteed. ¡°Besides advancing the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, my next priority will be breeding more mosquito beasts.¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing took out the Myriad Beast Circle gifted by the Myriad Beast Sect. With two Myriad Beast Circles in his possession now, he could incubate and control even more mosquito beasts. These mosquito beasts weren¡¯t just food for the Dragonblood Carp¡ªthey would also serve as the sacrificial energy sources for his mosquito-powered mecha. In the coming weeks, Lin Jing planned to further refine his mosquito-powered mechanical constructs, strengthening his arsenal of combat techniques. While controlling the mosquito swarm directly was already powerful, their individual strength was too dispersed. A more focused method of harnessing their power would allow him to create a flawless combat system. ¡°However¡­ all of this is just external power.¡± ¡°The most important thing is¡­ my own cultivation.¡± ¡°I¡¯m currently at the peak of Qi Refinement Twelfth Stage.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just one step away from Qi Refinement Thirteenth Stage, a realm comparable to the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s strongest bloodline geniuses.¡± ¡°But this final step is proving incredibly difficult.¡± ¡°At this point, unless I obtain immortal-grade resources, I won¡¯t be able to advance further in the Qi Refinement stage.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t progress through ordinary cultivation anymore.¡± ¡°And relying on pet feedback is no longer an option.¡± ¡°Since I¡¯m still at Qi Refinement, my contracted beasts¡ªthe Pine Leaf Mouse and the Ice Soul Gu¡ªare limited to early Foundation Establishment due to the constraints of the Beast Taming Contract. Unless I break through first, they won¡¯t be able to advance further.¡± ¡°So¡­ should I wait for an opportunity to push for Qi Refinement Thirteenth Stage? Or should I break through to Foundation Establishment immediately?¡± ¡°If I break through, I can finally learn the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s true inheritance techniques¡ªmy strength will skyrocket, and the Pine Leaf Mouse and Ice Soul Gu will also have a high chance of advancing to mid or late Foundation Establishment. Winning first place on the Genius Rankings would be nearly guaranteed.¡± ¡°But if I remain in the Qi Refinement stage, my power will be limited¡­ yet there¡¯s a major advantage.¡± ¡°If I manage to take first place while still in Qi Refinement, my fame will skyrocket, granting me even greater fortune.¡± Lin Jing fell into deep thought. Should he challenge the Genius Rankings as a Qi Refinement cultivator, proving himself against all odds? Or should he establish his Foundation now¡ªand crush his opponents effortlessly? Book 2: Chapter 93: The Demonic Cultivator Squad Vol 2 Chapter 93: The Demonic Cultivator Squad A few days later. Xu Zhizhi found Lin Jing and brought good news. "I found the techniques!" he announced excitedly. "So fast?" Lin Jing stepped out to greet him, a bit surprised. He hadn¡¯t expected it to be this easy. After all, Nascent Soul-level cultivation techniques were often the highlight of auctions in top-tier immortal cities. "Of course! You can count on me!" Xu Zhizhi sat down at the stone table outside Lin Jing¡¯s cave. Lin Jing chuckled and immediately poured him a cup of tea. "This tea¡­ why is it sweet? And cold?" Xu Zhizhi took a sip, momentarily stunned. "Just tell me if it tastes good." "It has a unique flavor. More like fruit water than tea, but it¡¯s delicious!" The scholarly cultivator took another sip, savoring the taste. Lin Jing grinned. "My pet beasts and I brewed it ourselves. We call it ''Iced Red Tea''." "Alright, let¡¯s talk about the techniques." Xu Zhizhi wiped his mouth and began, "I found two techniques, both from the same creator. They are indeed Nascent Soul-level techniques, but they have stricter cultivation requirements compared to standard ones." "Have you heard of ?" Lin Jing shook his head. "Never heard of it. A cultivation faction?" "Exactly. The reason it''s so obscure is because it no longer exists," Xu Zhizhi explained. "Thousands of years ago, two Nascent Soul-stage Demon Emperors battled¡ªone with a fire bloodline, the other with an ice bloodline. Their clash triggered terrifying natural forces, transforming an island into a unique ice-and-fire landscape." "This became known as Ice-Fire Island. Later, a group of cultivators specializing in fire and ice techniques settled there, using its natural energy for cultivation. Over time, they formed a faction called ." "However, as the island¡¯s natural energy gradually faded, the faction lost its cultivation grounds and eventually disappeared." "In our Dragon Palace, there¡¯s someone whose ancestor was a Nascent Soul cultivator from Ice-Fire Island. Because of that, he has preserved cultivation techniques for both ice and fire attributes. However, these techniques were specifically developed based on Ice-Fire Island¡¯s unique environment. After reaching the Golden Core stage, further cultivation becomes highly dependent on an extreme heat-and-cold environment. Without such conditions, these techniques are no different from ordinary Golden Core-level techniques." "Since Ice-Fire Island¡¯s legacy is gone, he¡¯s willing to trade these techniques for a . He also said that although the techniques have limitations, he can include a few matching minor techniques as a bonus." "I see. A technique restricted by cultivation grounds..." Lin Jing pondered for a moment. It wasn¡¯t a huge issue. By the time the twins reached the Golden Core stage, it would already be decades later. No point worrying about it now. As for what to do when they reached Golden Core? With their cultivation and the power of the , they could either steal higher-grade techniques or seize territories rich in extreme ice and fire energy. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Solutions always outnumbered problems. When the time came, they would just have to rely on their own wisdom! "This will do," Lin Jing nodded. In the short term, only extinct factions like Ice-Fire Island would be willing to trade high-level techniques. Disciples from established sects wouldn''t have the authority to do so. He also didn¡¯t want to waste too much time searching. The Jiang twins were at the perfect age for cultivation¡ªwasting years just to find techniques would be a shame. Besides, even if they found better techniques later, they could always undergo another transition. While switching techniques would cost time and effort, as long as their foundation remained solid, it wouldn¡¯t be a big issue. "Is there anything else?" Lin Jing asked. Xu Zhizhi handed him a list of spirit plants. In Hidden Dragon City The Jiang twins had already settled in an inn. Compared to the Air Domain, Hidden Dragon City was a well-known hub for cultivators. From Lin Jing¡¯s arrival to his rise on the , his name was widely discussed. After hearing about Lin Jing¡¯s journey, the twins became even more confused. Because in all the rumors about him, there was no mention of or . "Senior Lin¡­ hides his true nature so well," Jiang Qi muttered. "Don¡¯t think too much about it. No matter what, Senior Lin saved us. Otherwise, we¡¯d already be corpses," Jiang Lin said, looking at her brother. "Helping Senior Lin raise Gu insects¡­ isn¡¯t a big deal. I don¡¯t feel any malice from him." She continued, "Besides, didn¡¯t Grandmother always teach us to repay kindness?" Jiang Qi nodded in agreement. But just as he was about to speak¡ª Crash! The wooden door was kicked open! The twins tensed, sensing a powerful aura. "Demon-Slaying Bureau business!" A richly dressed young man stood arrogantly in the doorway. "Two Qi Refinement Gu Masters dare to set foot in Hidden Dragon City? Even though your Gu insects are well hidden, you were unlucky to run into me¡ªthe bane of all demons!" Gao Sheng held up a . "Surrender immediately!" The twins¡¯ expressions changed. Just then, a red leaf drifted in from the window. Everyone froze. A spatial ripple flickered¡ª Lin Jing¡¯s figure materialized. The sight of Lin Jing made the twins breathe a sigh of relief. But Gao Sheng¡¯s face twisted in shock. "Why are you here?" Lin Jing asked, unimpressed. Gao Sheng held up his compass. "I¡¯m hunting demons! They¡ª" The was an extremely rare magical treasure crafted by the Demon-Slaying Bureau. It could detect Gu insects, corpse puppets, and undead creatures¡ªsomething even most Golden Core-stage demon slayers couldn''t obtain. "They¡¯re with me. The Gu in their bodies were placed there by me. You¡¯ve got the wrong people," Lin Jing said, surprised. He was certain that the Sub-Gu was well-hidden within the twins. Yet, Gao Sheng had still managed to detect them? "Ugh, seriously?" Gao Sheng looked disappointed. He had thought he was about to crack a big case in Hidden Dragon City. "But since we¡¯re all here, let¡¯s make use of them. Have them assist you on your next mission." "...Huh?" Gao Sheng blinked in confusion. Lin Jing tossed two jade slips to the twins. "Senior¡­?" The Jiang twins were still processing everything. " and ," Lin Jing said. "The first is a fire-attribute technique, the second is an ice-attribute technique. These were created by the cultivators of the now-extinct Ice-Fire Island, based on the battle traces left by two Nascent Soul-stage Demon Emperors¡ªthe and the ." "Once you cultivate these techniques and combine them with your Twin Physique, you¡¯ll be able to fully control the Gu within you." "Nascent Soul Demon Emperors?!" The Jiang twins stared in awe at the jade slips. "Ice and fire techniques¡­ Twin Physique¡­ Gu insects¡­ So why you posted a request in Dragon Palace! It was for them! I see now¡ªGu vessels!" Gao Sheng might not have been a detective, but as someone from a prestigious background, he quickly pieced it all together. "Jiang Qi, Jiang Lin¡ªthis is Gao Sheng, a genius from the Demon-Slaying Bureau¡¯s prestigious Gao Clan." "Once you¡¯ve switched to these new techniques, you¡¯ll join the Bureau under Gao Sheng. You¡¯ll be his teammates and subordinates, solving cases together. With his endorsement, you¡¯ll be able to use Gu techniques freely." "Wait, hold on¡ª" Gao Sheng was stunned. Book 2: Chapter 94: The Starry Cosmos Turtle Vol 2 Chapter 94: The Starry Cosmos Turtle The Jiang twins never expected that Lin Jing would have them join the as Gu Masters! And Gao Sheng never expected that instead of teaming up with him, Lin Jing would toss him two Gu cultivator rookies. He wasn¡¯t a babysitter! "Brother Gao, their situation is rather special," Lin Jing transmitted his voice directly to Gao Sheng and briefly explained what had happened in the . S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing this, Gao Sheng¡¯s face darkened, and rage flared in his heart. Although he had been a playboy in his youth, he took great pride in being from a family of demon slayers and considered the his home. Now that he knew the Bureau had such corrupt elements within it, he was furious. Forcing a smile, he looked at the Jiang twins and said, "I never imagined you two went through such an ordeal. On behalf of the , I apologize. The fact that such scum exist within the Bureau is a disgrace to my grandfather¡¯s leadership. When I return, I will make sure to have a word with him!" Jiang Qi & Jiang Lin: ??? Lin Jing nearly choked on his own breath. "Anyway, don¡¯t worry! I promise you, most of us in the Bureau are dedicated to eradicating evil. From now on, follow my lead! Whether it''s corrupt officials within the Bureau or demonic sects outside, we will cleanse them all together!" Gao Sheng put his arms around the twins, as if afraid they¡¯d misunderstand the Bureau. Lin Jing smirked slightly. Though Gao Sheng was unreliable in many ways, his background ensured that the Jiang twins would be well taken care of. Being by his side would provide both protection and legitimacy for their identities as Gu cultivators. And knowing Gao Sheng¡¯s enthusiastic nature, he certainly wouldn¡¯t mistreat them. "We¡¯ll do as you say, Senior," the twins responded, still unsure of the situation but completely trusting Lin Jing¡¯s arrangements. After handing them the cultivation techniques, Lin Jing and Gao Sheng left. Once they were away, Gao Sheng returned to his "serious" demeanor and complained, "Brother Lin, you tricked me! You said you were just visiting the ." "Not to mention running into the ¡­." "And I¡¯ve never even met my grandfather¡¯s sworn brother, but actually met him!" "Oh, right, what rank of Demon-Slayer did he give you?" Lin Jing took out his medallion. Six demonic heads were engraved on it. It was an eerie design¡ªalmost resembling a demonic sect¡¯s relic rather than an official Bureau token. "Sixth Rank." Gao Sheng¡¯s eyes went green with envy. A ! Most branch leaders at the Golden Core Stage were only at the Seventh Rank. With this medallion, Lin Jing could directly command certain lower-ranked squads in the Bureau. Gao Sheng also had similar authority, but only because of his grandfather¡ªhe hadn¡¯t actually earned it himself. "It¡¯s a pity that the Bureau¡¯s ranking system isn¡¯t connected to the . Otherwise, you could use this rank to train in the ," Lin Jing remarked, putting the medallion away. "Even so, it¡¯s already impressive!" "Next time you visit your family, make sure to take me along. From now on, the is my home too!" "Damn, missing out on meeting the still stings!" Gao Sheng sighed. Lin Jing rolled his eyes. "You to meet an old monster from the ?" "If it weren¡¯t for that disciple warning me, and if Divine Pine¡¯s descendants hadn¡¯t prepared for the encounter, we¡¯d all be dead." "Speaking of which, Bai Yuran is pretty impressive. Did she go back to ?" "If she wants to follow you, just let her. A squad with a disciple, you, and me? We¡¯d be !" Gao Sheng practically drooled at the thought. Lin Jing remained silent for a moment before saying, "We¡¯ll see. The is in two years¡ªwe¡¯ll probably meet again then." "In that case, I¡¯ll join you!" Gao Sheng declared. "Do as you like. But the twins are your responsibility now. Once they reach Foundation Establishment, their combat strength¡ªenhanced by the ¡ªwill be formidable. You won¡¯t find better squadmates elsewhere." "Of course, no problem! But taking two into a demon-hunting squad still feels a bit ." "What¡¯s so strange about it? Honestly, the was unjustly suppressed," Lin Jing said, his tone indifferent. "Think about it¡ª outweighing is such a big deal? high-rankers have all practiced , haven¡¯t they?" Over the years, the Bureau had destroyed countless demonic sects and confiscated countless dark cultivation techniques. Some of these, like the , were undoubtedly studied and cultivated by Bureau leaders. As long as the techniques didn¡¯t harm the empire¡¯s fate or break fundamental laws, there was no reason to destroy them outright. Gao Sheng coughed awkwardly. "That¡¯s why power is such a great thing! Why do you think my father named me ?" () "And why do you think my father chased after my mother for 520 years, married into her family, and even changed his surname?" With the twins settled, Lin Jing focused on his closed-door training. He had decided to participate in the upcoming while still at the Qi Refinement Stage. If, after the battle, he still hadn¡¯t found an opportunity to break into the Thirteenth Level of Qi Refinement, he would simply establish his Foundation at the Twelfth Level instead. During this time, although he couldn¡¯t train in the heritage techniques, he focused on perfecting: (his self-created technique) (both Buddhist techniques, relatively easy to master) As for the , he would continue cultivating it, but he wasn¡¯t confident about mastering it within two years. As the seasons passed, thrived. Thanks to its influence, a steady flow of rare spiritual plants was being sent to . At the same time, were constantly being distributed among geniuses. Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art improved rapidly. Meanwhile, members who were raising dragon pets also advanced at an astonishing rate. Some were even willing to sacrifice their and pour resources into their dragon pets¡ªresulting in bloodline enhancements that neared King-tier. At some point, had become a major power within . With Xu Zhizhi¡¯s efforts, many new students eagerly joined the faction, all wanting their own dragon pets. Lin Jing, the faction¡¯s founder, hadn¡¯t even needed to show up in person. The bigger grew, the more geniuses it attracted. And the more resources it acquired, the faster Lin Jing advanced. Menial tasks? He just delegated them to members through "sect missions." Finally. As Lin Jing approached his thirtieth birthday, sent word. He had received an invitation. These invitations weren¡¯t just sent to geniuses already ranked on the . They were also sent to those whom deemed ¡ªtalents who had never sought fame but possessed immense potential. Some of these cultivators had been in seclusion for years or even decades. Many weren¡¯t interested in reputation. But even so, had prepared massive incentives to lure them out. They were determined to make the next a spectacle. "First place on the will receive a blessing from sacred beast¡ªthe Starry Cosmos Turtle?" "The Starry Cosmos Turtle¡­ a legendary beast with awakened Cosmos Dao abilities¡­ one of strongest hidden assets!" Book 2: Chapter 95: Guidance Vol 2 Chapter 95: Guidance ¡°As expected, not rushing into Foundation Establishment was the right choice.¡± Lin Jing held the invitation in his hand. Although he wasn¡¯t sure what effect the blessing of the Starry Cosmos Turtle had, as a rare beast that inherited the divine abilities of immortals and cultivated the Dao of Time, it was definitely not an ordinary opportunity. Judging by its divine abilities, the Starry Cosmos Turtle was undoubtedly even rarer than the Pine Leaf Mouse. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In fact, since it was considered one of Tianji Pavilion¡¯s strongest hidden assets, this Starry Cosmos Turtle had to be one of the most absurdly powerful rare beasts in the entire Tianyuan Continent. Perhaps casting a blessing was an easy task for the turtle, but for the cultivator receiving the blessing, it was an extraordinary fortune. ¡°A blessing related to the Dao of Thunder, huh¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to have much to do with my Extreme Stage of Qi Refinement¡­¡± ¡°But since Tianji Pavilion didn¡¯t explicitly state what the blessing does, it might vary from person to person. I¡¯ll just hold onto some expectations for now.¡± Thinking carefully, that made sense¡ªif the benefits weren¡¯t enormous, the current number one on the Genius Rankings wouldn¡¯t waste their time participating in the Genius Rankings Battle. But now, things were different. That person had to fiercely defend their position, or else they¡¯d get pushed down in the new rankings and miss out on the rare beast¡¯s blessing! ¡°Unfortunately, after two years, despite the Pine Leaf Mouse constantly consuming high-grade herbal essence, the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art still hasn¡¯t reached perfection.¡± Lin Jing felt somewhat regretful about this. A cultivation technique that extends lifespan was, after all, not so easy to cultivate... Only Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse knew just how many herbal resources had been consumed during this time. ¡°It seems that relying solely on the spirit plants provided by the sects and families backing the Dragon Palace geniuses is still not enough¡­¡± ¡°I should take this opportunity to open up markets beyond the Dragon Palace.¡± He put away the invitation and changed into a blue-white robe, tying up his long hair. ¡°This time, I¡¯m heading to the Mystic Domain, where Tianji Pavilion is located. Are you staying behind to guard the place?¡± Lin Jing looked toward the depths of the cave mansion, where the Dragonblood Carp was refining pills. The Dragonblood Carp flipped over the pill furnace and leapt up! It was not staying behind! Lin Jing rubbed his forehead and sighed. ¡°Fine¡­ then I¡¯ll have Senior Pine watch over you again.¡± The Dragonblood Carp¡¯s mouth twitched. Senior Pine, huh¡­ oh well. As long as it wasn¡¯t left behind, it didn¡¯t matter who it followed. Besides, its relationship with Senior Pine wasn¡¯t bad these days. All three of Lin Jing¡¯s contracted beasts maintained good relationships with Senior Pine. The Pine Leaf Mouse, as Senior Pine¡¯s successor, naturally had an inseparable bond. The Ice Soul Gu, constantly seeking new human pets, shared Senior Pine¡¯s philosophy. Unfortunately, finding a Twin Physique cultivator¡ªsomeone perfectly suited to becoming an Ice Soul Lesser Gu vessel¡ªwas extremely difficult. As for the Dragonblood Carp, it was no longer the reckless creature that used to set everything on fire and get beaten up every day. To curry favor with Senior Pine, the Dragonblood Carp had even developed a "Demonic Smoke Pill" by refining Ghostfire with tobacco. While it had no nutritional value, its unique demonic aura suited Senior Pine¡¯s tastes perfectly, making it a proper tribute. ¡°You¡¯re still at the Qi Refinement Stage?¡± At the Dragon Palace Assembly Hall, Wang Xiao, clad in battle armor, stood tall. After the Autumn Hunt, despite Xu Zhizhi¡¯s repeated invitations, he had ultimately chosen to join Dragon Palace, becoming its second strongest member. Now, seeing that Lin Jing was still in the Qi Refinement Stage after five or six years, Wang Xiao fell silent. He had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment! At this rate, he suspected that by the time he reached Core Formation, Lin Jing would still be in the Qi Refinement Stage! ¡°I have a mortal physique¡ªunlike you guys with innate divine physiques.¡± Lin Jing stepped into the hall and asked, ¡°Are you the only one who arrived?¡± ¡°Mortal physique? Heh¡­ I don¡¯t know why you keep hiding your special physique, but you are definitely not a mortal.¡± Wang Xiao snorted. Just then, the other Dragon Palace members entered the hall one after another. Yuan Jing, Ziling''er, Xu Zhizhi, Gao Sheng, Zhou Lang from the Divine Formation Sect, and Song Youqing, a descendant of Ice-Fire Island¡­ They, too, had received invitations from Tianji Pavilion. Although only Lin Jing and Wang Xiao had officially made it onto the Genius Rankings, that didn¡¯t mean the others lacked the strength to enter now. The veteran members of Dragon Palace, such as Xu Zhizhi, had only grown stronger with age, hoping to make a spectacular entrance in this year¡¯s Genius Rankings Battle. After all, they had been chosen by Cavern Heaven¡ªonce their cultivation advanced, it was only a matter of time before they broke into the rankings. For example, Zhou Lang, the formation prodigy who led Dragon Palace to defeat the Demonic Core Stage Monkey King during the Autumn Hunt, and Song Youqing, who had exchanged many Ascending Dragon Pills with Lin Jing for Nascent Soul techniques, had both grown formidable alongside their Dragon Pets. Since Tianji Pavilion could observe the fortune of all the world¡¯s geniuses, being invited meant they were acknowledged as powerful cultivators. ¡°The Academy is fully cooperating with Tianji Pavilion for this Genius Rankings Battle. A spirit-powered flying ship has been prepared for students heading to the Mystic Domain, and it will take about a month to travel from Hidden Dragon City to the competition venue.¡± Lin Jing scanned the gathered group and continued, ¡°I gathered you all here for one reason¡­¡± ¡°I hope that in the Genius Rankings Battle, you all give your contracted beasts as much time in the spotlight as possible. Against weaker opponents, don¡¯t fight personally¡ªlet your beasts handle it.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Wang Xiao asked. Xu Zhizhi glanced at him and smirked. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Lin Jing waved a hand. ¡°It¡¯s simple. You all know what kind of state the Beast Taming Sect is in right now.¡± ¡°Demonic Fortune outweighs Human Fortune!¡± ¡°There are only two ways to change this.¡± ¡°One is for a human cultivator to reach the Nascent Soul Stage.¡± ¡°The other is for the sect to be brimming with talented human cultivators, whose potential outweighs the declining demonic fortune.¡± ¡°This Genius Rankings Battle is a perfect opportunity, and it will attract immense attention.¡± ¡°Now that I have become the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, I naturally want to do something for the sect.¡± ¡°If we can showcase the power of Beast Taming in this battle, even though the sect is currently in seclusion, many cultivation families will still send their talented disciples here. Even rogue cultivators tired of a wandering life might choose to join the sect as guest elders for a chance at a better future.¡± This was exactly what the Demon Kings had urged him to do before he left¡ªspread the sect¡¯s influence so that more people would join. None of the Dragon Palace members objected to Lin Jing¡¯s request. It wasn¡¯t a big deal. ¡°Too weak an opponent isn¡¯t worth my effort anyway,¡± Wang Xiao said indifferently. A year ago, he had already reached the top fifty of the Genius Rankings at late Foundation Establishment. Now, at peak Foundation Establishment, he was aiming for top ten. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave it to you all,¡± Lin Jing chuckled. After all, he had stockpiled plenty of Ascending Dragon Pills¡­ Book 2: Chapter 96: A Descent into Madness Vol 2 Chapter 96: A Descent into Madness The time had come for the academy¡¯s students to depart for the Mystic Domain. A massive spirit-powered flying ship set sail from the academy. Shortly after takeoff, the Dragon Palace members arrived with their Dragon Pets to visit Lin Jing. Yuan Jing¡¯s Giant Saber Mantis, Ziling''er¡¯s Pill Rabbit, Gao Sheng¡¯s Dragon Horse, Wang Xiao¡¯s Battle Tiger, Xu Zhizhi¡¯s Bald Lynx, Zhou Lang¡¯s counterfeit Four Sacred Beasts, and the descendant of Ice-Fire Island¡¯s Flood Dragon¡­ Among them, Wang Xiao¡¯s Battle Tiger, Gao Sheng¡¯s Dragon Horse, and the Flood Dragon had already reached King-tier Bloodlines. The first two had naturally strong bloodlines due to their wealthy backgrounds. As for the Flood Dragon, it was a case of a severed lineage desperately seeking a new path. After trading two cultivation manuals and numerous high-grade spirit herbs with Lin Jing for a ton of Ascending Dragon Pills, it had chosen to cultivate Beast Taming Arts to refine its strength. Of course, the others weren¡¯t weak either. Except for Zhou Lang from the Divine Formation Sect, who had spread his resources too thin by raising too many beasts¡ªresulting in none of them having exceptionally high bloodlines¡ªthe rest had all reached the Quasi-King Bloodline stage. However, breaking through this bottleneck would require more resources than all their previous efforts combined. Now, everyone was here out of curiosity¡ªcurious about the mysterious pill Lin Jing had mentioned for unlocking their beasts¡¯ latent bloodline potential. ¡°Ascending Dragon Pills enhance the bloodline quality of dragon-blooded beasts,¡± Lin Jing explained. ¡°However, improving their bloodline doesn¡¯t necessarily mean they can fully unleash 100% of their inherited power.¡± ¡°This pill was refined alongside the Ascending Dragon Pills, specifically to help high-bloodline beasts excavate their latent bloodline power, significantly boosting their strength. But due to the extreme burden it places on the body, I¡¯ve never given it to you until now.¡± Lin Jing pulled out a black pill bottle. The moment he opened it, everyone felt nothing unusual¡ªexcept Ziling''er and her Pill Rabbit, whose pupils instantly contracted as they caught a terrifying scent. ¡°This is a Demon Pill!!¡± Ziling''er gasped. ¡°Demon Pill?¡± The descendant of Ice-Fire Island frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that? Never heard of it.¡± Ziling''er¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°Demon Pills¡­ are forbidden pills that, upon consumption, have an extremely high chance of killing the user, causing severe illness, or inducing addiction. Even the weakest Demon Pill can overload a high-level cultivator¡¯s body. Normally, only demonic cultivators who constantly walk the edge of life and death dare to use such extreme pills.¡± The crowd turned to Lin Jing. What the hell was this guy trying to do?! Lin Jing smiled. ¡°It¡¯s really not as bad as it sounds. Both the ingredients and the final pill itself have been consumed by my own beasts for a long time. At this point, they¡¯re immune to it¡ªit doesn¡¯t even have much of an effect anymore.¡± Saying this, he casually tossed the Pain Pill, a concoction refined from Black Death Pepper and the blood of violent spirit beasts, to the side. A moment later, the Dragonblood Carp leaped forward, gulping down several black pills in one bite. Under Ziling''er and her Pill Rabbit¡¯s horrified gazes, the Dragonblood Carp shuddered for a brief moment¡ª Then let out a satisfied burp. Ziling''er was dumbfounded. ¡°What kind of joke is this?! Even a Foundation Establishment-stage beast would die from the pain of that pill!!¡± Hearing this, the Dragon Pets of the Dragon Palace instinctively took a step forward. But after seeing that Wang Xiao¡¯s Battle Tiger was fine, they hesitated and stepped back. Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°This pill is called Pain Pill. The moment you take it, you experience an agonizing pain that reaches the soul. However, if you can endure the pain, your bloodline potential will be forcibly excavated and activated. ¡°In theory, this pill was made to complement the Ascending Dragon Pill.¡± Gao Sheng swallowed hard. ¡°¡­You weren¡¯t lying¡­ but that Dragonblood Carp is not a normal case.¡± Zhou Lang, using his Heavenly God Physique, sensed the ominous energy radiating from the Demon Pill, took a deep breath, and turned toward Wang Xiao, who looked completely unfazed. Suddenly, everything clicked. This madman had been eating Demon Pills all along to unlock his bloodline potential!!! ¡°I suddenly feel¡­ unwell. Boss, maybe we should skip the Genius Rankings Battle¡­¡± Gao Sheng¡¯s Dragon Horse took another step back. The others might not know better, but it did¡ªLin Jing was a real demonic cultivator, so those Demon Pills were definitely not fake. Was winning the Genius Rankings Battle really worth risking their lives?! Nope. No way. The Dragon Horse wanted out. ¡°Shut up and take it! If you¡¯re too afraid to eat a mere Demon Pill, how will you ever slay demons in the future?¡± Gao Sheng dragged it back. After all, he wasn¡¯t the one eating it. Meanwhile, under Ziling''er¡¯s panicked expression, the other Dragonblood Beasts also began trembling. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry,¡± Lin Jing reassured them. ¡°I¡¯m not sending you to your deaths.¡± ¡°Endure the greatest suffering, and you shall become the greatest beast.¡± ¡°If the pain gets too unbearable, I¡¯ll immediately apply an ice compress to numb it¡ªdon¡¯t worry.¡± Lin Jing raised a hand, releasing a frightening cold aura. Even Wang Xiao, who had an Innate Ice Physique, shuddered. This¡­ This was definitely not a normal ice attribute physique. Ziling''er hesitated. ¡°Actually¡­ with this level of ice numbing, it could effectively counteract the pain caused by the pill¡­¡± Beside her, the Pill Rabbit stared at its master with wide eyes. As a pill refining expert, didn¡¯t she understand how terrifying Demon Pills were?! It looked at Lin Jing, horrified. It had been a test subject for years, but even it had never eaten a Demon Pill before! ¡°Well? What¡¯s your decision?¡± Lin Jing smiled. ¡°These pills are free¡ªa token of appreciation for your cooperation.¡± The Dragon Palace members exchanged glances. If it wouldn¡¯t kill their pets, then why not take the chance to power up? ¡°¡­Looks like we¡¯re all in.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing grinned and turned to Zhou Lang. ¡°Brother Zhou, could you set up a soundproofing formation outside my room?¡± ¡°Soundproofing? No problem.¡± Zhou Lang nodded¡ªhe had the weakest beast bloodlines in the group, so he couldn¡¯t afford to miss out on this opportunity. ¡°Oh, by the way¡­¡± Lin Jing suddenly added, ¡°Humans can take the Pain Pill too. The effect isn¡¯t as dramatic as with beasts, but¡­ it still works.¡± He pulled out several more bottles. ¡°I recommend taking them together¡ªexperiencing the same pain will strengthen your bond with your Dragon Pets.¡± He chuckled. The Dragon Palace members froze. Their Dragon Pets slowly turned to look at them. Their expressions darkened. One Month Later Mystic Domain, Tianji City After enduring a month of soul-burning agony, the academy¡¯s students finally arrived in Tianji City. Under Lin Jing¡¯s persuasion, they had ultimately chosen to share the pain with their Dragon Pets. By now, the Dragon Palace members had developed complete pain resistance. No matter how badly they got injured in battle, they would feel nothing. Even their souls had gone numb. ¡°You have some seriously twisted tastes.¡± ¡°You barely took any yourself, yet you made them eat so much.¡± As they landed in Tianji City, Senior Pine couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Lin Jing just laughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t need to take them¡ªI had my Dragonblood Carp eat them for me. Thanks to our Beast Taming Secret Art, all the pain gets transferred to it instead.¡± ¡°Besides¡­ daily bloodletting also hurts, you know.¡± Book 2: Chapter 97: The Power of the Future Vol 2 Chapter 97: The Power of the Future ¡°Tianji Pavilion has arranged accommodations for all of you. There¡¯s still time before the Genius Rankings Battle begins, so make sure to get some proper rest.¡± Mr. Cao didn¡¯t press for details. The demonic aura surrounding the group was slowly dissipating, and frankly, it was best not to pry into other people¡¯s affairs. Upon reaching Tianji City, Lin Jing left the exhausted students behind and headed straight for Tianji Pavilion. With the upcoming Genius Rankings Battle, Tianji Pavilion was bustling with visitors. Cultivators from all over crowded the entrance, seeking divine guidance, while dozens of guards maintained strict security over the pavilion. ¡°Please! Just let one of the Pavilion Masters read my fortune! My Dao companion has been missing for three years¡ªI need to know where she is!¡± A disheveled Foundation Establishment cultivator pleaded desperately at the gates. ¡°Move along,¡± a guard barked, shoving him away without hesitation. A passing cultivator clapped the man on the shoulder. ¡°Your wife ran off with another man. Give it up¡ªTianji Pavilion doesn¡¯t deal with petty issues like this.¡± ¡°Your wife ran off! Not mine!¡± The desperate cultivator and the nosy passerby immediately started brawling, only to be arrested by the city guards moments later. Lin Jing shook his head. The vast majority of visitors to Tianji Pavilion came seeking divination, including Nascent Soul and even Soul Transformation cultivators. As Lin Jing approached the pavilion¡¯s entrance, a guard stepped forward to block his path. ¡°I am Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect,¡± he stated. ¡°I am a close friend of Bai Yuran, a 27th-generation disciple of Tianji Pavilion. She invited me here.¡± The guard studied Lin Jing for a moment, then seemed to communicate telepathically with someone inside the pavilion. After a brief pause, he nodded. ¡°You may enter.¡± Lin Jing cupped his fists. ¡°Thank you.¡± Inside, Tianji Pavilion resembled a vast starry sky, with murals of constellations covering its walls. ¡°Holy Son, it¡¯s been a while.¡± A voice, soft yet ethereal. Lin Jing looked up. A white-robed maiden, as if descending from the cosmos itself, appeared before him. Bai Yuran smiled. ¡°You¡¯re here to accept my proposal, aren¡¯t you?¡± Lin Jing met her gaze seriously. ¡°Actually, I came to thank you for that divination.¡± ¡°Without it, I might have¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, cut the act.¡± Bai Yuran rolled her eyes. ¡°You obviously came because you need something from me again.¡± Lin Jing: ¡°¡­¡± Bai Yuran smirked. ¡°Let me guess. You want to know what the Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing actually does. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here.¡± Lin Jing was genuinely surprised. ¡°As expected from a Tianji Pavilion disciple!¡± he said in admiration. ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªI do want to know. But I really did come to thank you as well.¡± ¡°¡­And I brought a gift.¡± Bai Yuran chuckled. ¡°Come with me. This isn¡¯t the place to talk.¡± Tianji Pavilion ¨C Cloudwatching Pavilion A serene balcony high above the clouds. Lin Jing and Bai Yuran sat facing each other. Bai Yuran spoke first. ¡°The Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing isn¡¯t just one blessing¡ªyou can actually choose from several.¡± ¡°As long as it¡¯s related to the Dao of Space-Time, it can bestow almost any type of blessing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s also quite adept at blessings beyond that.¡± ¡°As I expected.¡± Lin Jing nodded. ¡°It matches what I predicted.¡± ¡°You came straight to me the moment you arrived in Tianji City, asking about the final reward for the Genius Rankings Battle¡ªwhich means you must be determined to win first place.¡± ¡°If you do win, you could ask the Starry Cosmos Turtle to shroud you from fate itself.¡± ¡°If it does that, even someone at the Soul Transformation Stage would be unable to track you down unless you deliberately revealed yourself.¡± ¡°For a creature like the Starry Cosmos Turtle, that¡¯s practically effortless.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Lin Jing agreed. Still, his greatest concern remained: his Longevity Body. His life force was far too overwhelming, making him as conspicuous as a blazing sun in the dead of night. Even if he cultivated a technique to mask his presence, he wasn¡¯t sure if it would be strong enough once his cultivation advanced further. At that point, he wouldn¡¯t even need to be tracked¡ªhis very existence would be impossible to hide. Bai Yuran grinned knowingly. ¡°¡­Aside from that.¡± She smirked. ¡°You haven¡¯t broken through to Foundation Establishment yet.¡± ¡°I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re trying to reach multiple levels of Extreme Stage in Qi Refinement, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°The deeper your Qi Refinement foundation, the stronger your Foundation Establishment breakthrough.¡± ¡°And when cultivators like you¡ªwho possess special physiques¡ªbreak through, those physiques will experience major enhancements.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing nodded. This was similar to beasts reaching Foundation Establishment, which was the optimal moment for bloodline evolution. For human cultivators, Foundation Establishment was one of the most crucial breakthroughs in their cultivation journey. Even Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation wouldn¡¯t bring as drastic an improvement to their physique as Foundation Establishment. Cultivators classified physique development into three stages: Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, and Perfection. His Longevity Body, Beast Taming Physique, and Ice Soul Physique¡ªnone of them had even reached Minor Achievement yet. Improving these physiques required vast resources¡ªfor example, strengthening the Ice Soul Physique demanded a large amount of ice-attribute spiritual materials. However, Foundation Establishment provided a one-time boost to all physiques. If he could accumulate enough foundation before breaking through, he could save years'' worth of resources, allowing him to focus entirely on cultivating techniques and spells instead. Bai Yuran leaned forward. ¡°I have a solution.¡± Lin Jing raised an eyebrow. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I already told you¡ªthe Starry Cosmos Turtle can bestow any blessing related to Space-Time Dao.¡± ¡°One of them is the ability to borrow power from the future.¡± ¡°The Power of the Future?!¡± Bai Yuran nodded. ¡°For example¡ªwhen you reach Core Formation, your Golden Core will automatically develop a divine ability based on your true energy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an ability you would normally only acquire in the future.¡± Lin Jing understood immediately. ¡°You¡¯re saying that the Starry Cosmos Turtle can let me access that divine ability early¡ªeven while I¡¯m still in Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Of course, since you don¡¯t have a Golden Core yet, you wouldn¡¯t have the mana needed to use the ability.¡± ¡°But if you can find a way to generate that power, you could unleash a Core Formation divine ability while still in Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°This is what it means to borrow power from the future.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s one catch,¡± Bai Yuran warned. ¡°This only lets you access your predetermined Core Formation divine ability early¡ªit does not give you an extra divine ability later.¡± ¡°So when you actually reach Core Formation, you won¡¯t gain a new ability.¡± Lin Jing processed this carefully. ¡°Got it. You¡¯re saying that if I cultivate the Beast Taming Art, I¡¯ll normally gain one drop of Contract Blood upon reaching Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°But by using the Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing, I could obtain that drop early, while I¡¯m still in Qi Refinement.¡± ¡°This means I could contract another beast right now and use its breakthrough feedback to push myself even further in Extreme Stage Qi Refinement!¡± Book 2: Chapter 98: Dragon Palace, Lin Jing! Vol 2 Chapter 98: Dragon Palace, Lin Jing! Bai Yuran giggled. "That''s right! But I heard from Senior Brother that many hidden geniuses have been invited to this Genius Rankings Battle. Getting first place won¡¯t be easy." Lin Jing replied calmly, "According to this year''s rules, isn''t the final ranking decided by Tianji Pavilion rather than the results of the duels?" This time, there were no rules¡ªexcept for the restriction against killing opponents. Participants could use any means available, showcasing their mastery of all forms of cultivation techniques. However, according to Tianji Pavilion, the duel results were only for reference. The final rankings depended on each contestant¡¯s overall performance, as judged by Tianji Pavilion. For instance, if a genius relied too much on external assistance, even if they won their battles, their ranking might not be high. If two contestants used the same tier of magic treasures, but one had personally refined theirs while the other received theirs from an elder, the rankings would naturally favor the former in a tie. "That may be true, but the world isn¡¯t blind. Tianji Pavilion will arrange things fairly," Bai Yuran said with a smirk. "Since I''ve shared so much insider information, don¡¯t you think you should show some appreciation?" Lin Jing looked out the window. "I agree. But now isn¡¯t the time. When the time comes, I¡¯ll use my own lifespan to request a divination from you." Bai Yuran pouted. "So, just an empty promise, huh?" After leaving Tianji Pavilion, Lin Jing went into seclusion to focus on cultivation. During this period, he received intel that while Tianji Pavilion had invited many geniuses, only a little over a hundred had actually arrived at Tianji City. Nearly half of the invitees had declined to participate. This was because only the first-place winner would receive the , causing many to hesitate. The participants could generally be divided into two groups: Those who had never been on the Genius Rankings but possessed the strength to make the list, hoping to use this opportunity to rise to fame.Those already ranked near the top, aiming for first place. Those in the middle of the rankings, who had no hope of reaching first place but were secure in their current positions, mostly chose not to attend. For Tianji Pavilion, the real goal was to shake up the top ten rankings. The number of participants didn¡¯t matter¡ªwhat mattered was drawing the world''s attention. Time passed quickly, and soon, the day of the Genius Rankings Battle arrived. Tianji Pavilion had prepared a colossal arena. Surrounding it were numerous floating stone platforms serving as spectator seats. A total of 100,000 seats were available, and Tianji Pavilion had sold every last one. From Qi Refinement disciples to Nascent Soul cultivators, most of the Mystic Domain¡¯s cultivators had their eyes on this event. Many elders had even brought their disciples to witness the clash of geniuses firsthand. "Looks like you all have recovered well," Lin Jing remarked with a smile. Standing on one of the floating platforms, he looked at the members of . Xu Zhizhi¡¯s mouth twitched. "Honestly, my original goal for this battle was just to make it onto the Genius Rankings." "But after what we endured last month, if I don¡¯t at least break into the top seventy, I¡¯ll feel like all that suffering was for nothing!" "Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll make it. You were personally chosen by , after all," Zhong Xin said, laughing. "If you face a tough opponent, just use your best techniques. If they¡¯re too strong, let your beast deal with it." "That¡¯s true. Winning that way will boost our ranking significantly. But as long as we show our strength in earlier matches, it won¡¯t affect our climb on the rankings." Even Wang Xiao, standing nearby, nodded. After the grueling month they had endured, he was convinced that very few people outside their group could even defeat his ! The Genius Rankings Battle was overseen by Nascent Soul cultivator , a Tianji Pavilion elder. There were 128 participants in total. Floating in the air, Tian Huihua announced, "When I call your name, step onto the arena. A match begins when one side either admits defeat or loses the ability to fight." "First match: Gao Sheng of the Gao Family, a cultivator family." "Versus Zhong Xin of the Zhong Family, a military cultivator family." "Huh?!" Upon hearing his name, Gao Sheng was stunned. "Me? First match? Am I really that eye-catching?" "Maybe it¡¯s your at work," Lin Jing said, arms crossed, as he looked at the armored woman stepping onto the stage. "Damn it, why couldn''t I be in an odd-numbered match? Then I might''ve gotten a free pass to the next round." The Dragon Palace members stared at him like he was an idiot. "The rankings aren''t entirely based on wins or losses. Performance matters more. Whether you get a free pass or not doesn¡¯t really change anything," someone pointed out. "Alright, fine. But my opponent¡­ ? That¡¯s strong. I doubt my can handle it alone." "No problem. Fight together." Hearing Lin Jing¡¯s words, Gao Sheng leapt onto the arena. The Zhong Family was a renowned military family, whose cultivators had served in the army for generations. Though they had no Nascent Soul cultivators, it was said that when fighting in formation, the Zhong Family army could even take down Nascent Soul opponents. As Gao Sheng and Zhong Xin stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted in discussion. "The Zhong Family¡¯s technique is terrifying for its cavalry tactics and relentless charge. Zhong Xin might not be on the Genius Rankings, but that¡¯s probably because she¡¯s been training in the military. Now that she¡¯s here, she¡¯s definitely aiming to make a name for herself!" "On the other hand, the Gao Family excels at the , which enhances magic treasures with exorcism power, making them natural counters to demonic cultivators!" Meanwhile, on the stage¡ª "Zhong Xin, of the Zhong Family," the armored woman announced. As she spoke, she summoned a phantom warhorse made of true qi, mounted it, and drew her spear. Her powerful aura locked onto Gao Sheng, whose cultivation was far lower than hers. The Gao Family¡¯s enchantment techniques could enhance magic treasures, but against an opponent like Zhong Xin, Gao Sheng himself was not much of a threat. However, he didn''t introduce himself as a Gao Family member. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Dragon Palace, , from !" With that, he took out a small jade bottle, shook it, and suddenly¡ªa white appeared, growing from miniature size to its full, majestic form. This was the , a beast-taming spell that allowed cultivators to shrink and store their beasts conveniently. The bottle wasn¡¯t a spatial treasure, just an ordinary jade container, but it was more than enough to hold the shrunken . The horse''s four hooves were clad in metal horseshoes forged from rare alloys, and it was covered in battle armor, looking awe-inspiring. "? It won¡¯t stand a chance against my exorcism-enhanced ! Let¡¯s see how the Zhong Family¡¯s cavalry measures up!" Gao Sheng quickly enchanted the armor with the , strengthening it. "Charge!" With a roar, the ¡¯s eyes glowed red, its powerful bloodline energy erupting as it galloped forward. Zhong Xin blinked. "What the hell?" Then, her expression changed¡ªshe had just realized that this carried a ! Moreover, it was fully equipped with rare metal armor and further enhanced by Gao Sheng¡¯s enchantment! Zhong Xin wasn''t the only one confused. Even Gao Sheng¡¯s father, watching in secret, had a dark expression. "Damn it! Who taught you to use like this?!" He had sent his son to Hidden Dragon Academy hoping he¡¯d learn something useful, but never expected this! Yet, as bizarre as it seemed, the ¡¯s charge was unstoppable, smashing through Zhong Xin¡¯s defenses and sending her flying! "Next time, just get a real horse," Gao Sheng said, stroking his victorious mount. The entire arena fell silent. And then, murmurs spread¡ª "Dragon Palace? What the hell is that?" Book 2: Chapter 99: Blood Kill Tower Vol 2 Chapter 99: Blood Kill Tower "Lin Jing, huh?" At the Genius Rankings Battle, thanks to the relentless promotions by the (hired by Xu Zhizhi), even the top-ranked geniuses were now familiar with Lin Jing¡¯s name. Xu Zhizhi had spent a fortune on this¡ªthough he didn¡¯t pay for extra publicity, he had given each promoter a highly valuable entry ticket to the battle. "Interesting. I hadn¡¯t noticed him before, but now that I¡¯ve taken a closer look, this really isn¡¯t simple. Should I quickly refine a treasure specifically to counter beast tamers?" Among the audience, an orange-haired man grinned. He was Yan Xiangbei, the third-ranked genius on the , from of the Fire Domain. Although Lin Jing was already ranked on the Genius Rankings, he was only in the low twenties. That wasn¡¯t enough to draw serious attention from the top contenders. But after the rankings were updated again, Lin Jing''s position was now 25th place. Lin Jing, disciple of the Beast Taming Sect from the Great Wasteland Domain, Qi Refinement 11th Stage. Broke the extreme limit of Qi Refinement alongside his pet beast. Possesses a Foundation Establishment pet beast. Easily defeated two Core Disciples from the Myriad Beast Sect of Qingzhou, both at the Peak of Foundation Establishment! Even though had deliberately concealed details about Lin Jing¡¯s and to protect him, his record alone was already quite shocking. "Qi Refinement 11th Stage¡­ making the rankings at Qi Refinement level..." On a floating stone platform, a young man in a black-and-white Daoist robe spoke slowly. Because Lin Jing had not publicly demonstrated his breakthrough to Qi Refinement 12th Stage, the rankings were still slightly outdated. "The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s techniques rely on pet beasts providing cultivation feedback. That might be how he reached Qi Refinement 11th Stage." "Normally, a cultivator at Qi Refinement 10th Stage already has combat power equivalent to early Foundation Establishment. Qi Refinement 11th Stage would be on par with mid-Foundation Establishment." "This Lin Jing has reached Qi Refinement 11th Stage himself, plus he has a Foundation Establishment pet beast. Ranking in the twenties is indeed impressive. But I wonder if he has already reached Foundation Establishment?" "If he has, then with the foundation of Qi Refinement 11th Stage, his power would be terrifying. And if he¡¯s contracted a second pet beast by now, then he really needs to be taken seriously." The one speaking was Chen Zhongdao, the top-ranked genius on the Human List. "That said¡­ my is quite similar to a pet beast in function. I wonder if Lin Jing can force me to reveal its full power?" Among the top ten on the Genius Rankings, every single one of them could fight Golden Core cultivators despite being at Foundation Establishment. Now that they had analyzed Lin Jing¡¯s information, even the best-ranked geniuses acknowledged as a formidable opponent. After all, breaking into the rankings at Qi Refinement alone was impressive enough. If he had already reached Foundation Establishment, he would be an absolute nightmare to deal with. However, what they didn¡¯t know was¡­ Lin Jing was still at Qi Refinement Stage. Moreover, now that he had discovered a method to reach Qi Refinement 13th Stage, he had no plans to advance to Foundation Establishment anytime soon. The next few matches proceeded relatively normally. Most geniuses fought using their sect or family techniques¡ªnobody pulled a stunt like Gao Sheng. Until¡­ "Match Six: Cao Yi from Black Wind Mountain." "Versus: Zi Linger from Dan Ding Sect." Black Wind Mountain was a sect located in the dangerous borderlands. Its disciples specialized in wind techniques and relied on unique environments to cultivate. Because of this, they rarely left their territory. Cao Yi was ranked somewhere in the 90s on the Genius Rankings. He had entered this battle mainly to protect his spot from dropping out of the top 100. He descended onto the arena, wrapped in black wind. Upon hearing that his opponent was an alchemist¡ªand that she wasn¡¯t even ranked¡ªhe immediately assumed this would be an easy win. However¡­ When he saw Zi Linger step onto the stage, holding a Pill Rabbit, he fell into deep thought. "Wait¡­ you¡¯re not part of too, are you?" he asked cautiously. He had heard the name so many times from the audience that his ears were practically bleeding. "Why is everyone obsessed with that stupid student organization? Have they never seen the world before?" Zi Linger responded indifferently, "Now that you mention it¡­ yes, I did join." Cao Yi: "¡­" "Don¡¯t worry," Zi Linger said, smiling. "I¡¯ll go easy on you." The Pill Rabbit in her arms twitched, glancing at Cao Yi¡¯s beast¡ªa Dragonblood Rabbit. "Wait¡­ you have a King-tier bloodline beast too?" Cao Yi muttered. Silently, he took out a handful of pills and shoved them into his beast¡¯s mouth. The Pill Rabbit had been maintaining a gentle, docile appearance using its Mimicry Pill. But the moment it swallowed the pills, it transformed¡ªits muscles bulged, its long ears became dragon horns, and a faint red glow filled its eyes. Standing on its hind legs, it was actually taller than Cao Yi himself. Zi Linger¡¯s Pill Rabbit immediately sensed a dangerous presence. It quickly summoned two white wind formations, unleashing twin wind dragons toward the opponent. Unfortunately for her, Cao Yi¡¯s Dragonblood Rabbit, after consuming a ridiculous amount of power-enhancing pills, had reached a level of brute force that completely defied common sense. "ROAR!!!" With a single leap, it shredded through the wind dragons with its claws. It then lunged at the Pill Rabbit, which quickly raised a wind barrier for defense. But the Dragonblood Rabbit simply punched through the barrier, sending the Pill Rabbit and its owner flying out of the arena. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "ROAR!!!" The victorious Dragonblood Rabbit then beat its chest in triumph¡ªonly to fracture its own ribs. Unfazed, it calmly pulled out a Bone Mending Pill, swallowed it, and continued acting like nothing had happened. The crowd was speechless. "What the hell is this? What kind of monster is that?!" Even the alchemists in the audience were dumbfounded. "Wait a second¡­ isn¡¯t supposed to be famous for fire control techniques and alchemy flames? Since when did they start feeding experimental pills to their beasts and letting the beasts do the fighting?!" This was the second shocking match featuring a member. First, Gao Sheng. Now, Zi Linger. One thing became clear¡ªthe combat style of Dragon Palace members was completely unorthodox! It was as if Lin Jing, the , was corrupting geniuses from other sects, dragging them all into the Beast Taming Path! Yet¡­ no one could deny that both Gao Sheng¡¯s and Zi Linger¡¯s Dragonblood Beasts were terrifyingly strong. A thought began creeping into the minds of many cultivators¡ª Finally, Lin Jing¡¯s match was announced. "Match Forty-Two: Lin Jing, Beast Taming Sect." "Versus: Qi Yuan, Blood Kill Tower." The audience erupted with excitement¡ªfinally, was about to fight! But then someone frowned. "Wait¡­ Blood Kill Tower? Isn¡¯t that an assassin organization from Qingzhou? How are they even allowed in the Genius Rankings Battle?!" Lin Jing glanced at his opponent and chuckled. "So, you¡¯re here to advertise your sect too?" Book 2: Chapter 100: Fighting Fire with Fire Vol 2 Chapter 100: Fighting Fire with Fire "So arrogant." "But if it''s Blood Kill Tower¡­ they might actually have the strength to back it up." "My sect''s secret technique requires the Monster Core of a beast that resides in the Misty Forest. Every time we try to obtain one, we suffer heavy casualties. I wonder how much Blood Kill Tower would charge for the job..." Though few knew Qi Yuan, the reputation of had spread even to the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, proving its fearsome renown. A facing off against the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect? Many spectators were highly invested in this match. Lin Jing, however, simply shook his head at Qi Yuan¡¯s words. "You¡¯re not lucky. Instead, you should consider whether Blood Kill Tower has somehow offended Tianji Pavilion, leading you to face me so early." "The from Qingzhou once came here with the same arrogance¡­ and they were utterly crushed." "Tianji Pavilion¡¯s first-round matchups are randomly selected. Who you face is part of your luck¡ªand luck is a form of strength," Tian Huihua interjected, casting Lin Jing a glance. "The second round will group contestants based on their first-round performance, turning into a multi-combatant melee. This ensures that true talent isn¡¯t buried due to an unlucky first-round matchup." "In other words, this round is partly a test of fortune. If you encounter a strong opponent too soon and get eliminated without showing your true strength, you¡¯ll just have to accept it as bad luck." "In the second round, multiple participants will be placed in the same arena for a battle royale. Only those who outlast others in chaotic battles will advance to the third round!" "Then let¡¯s see whose luck runs out first." Qi Yuan¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Summon your pet beast." He had already sensed that Lin Jing was still at Qi Refinement Stage¡ªhe hadn''t broken through to Foundation Establishment. However, as a Beast Tamer, Lin Jing¡¯s real strength lay in his pet beasts. The rankings had already made it clear that he had at least one Foundation Establishment beast. The audience noticed this too. Why was Lin Jing still in Qi Refinement? Since he had already reached the extreme limit of Qi Refinement, he could have advanced to Foundation Establishment before the tournament, making himself far stronger. Why enter the Genius Rankings Battle while holding back his breakthrough? Yet Lin Jing remained unfazed. "" Qi Yuan¡¯s expression darkened. At that moment, he vanished. The entire arena went silent. Even Golden Core cultivators in the audience couldn''t track him. "" "This Blood Kill Tower genius has mastered spatial arts at Foundation Establishment Stage?! That¡¯s insane!" "Is it because of a special space-related physique, or is his comprehension just that terrifying?" "No wonder Blood Kill Tower¡¯s reputation spread across Qingzhou¡­ Who can defend against space techniques?" The top-ranked geniuses in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom frowned at this development. Spatial abilities were universally troublesome. "Why hasn¡¯t Lin Jing summoned his pet beast yet?" "Against an opponent who can disappear, having an extra set of eyes is crucial!" "Is he really planning to fight a peak Foundation Establishment assassin while still in Qi Refinement?" Yan Xiangbei, the third-ranked genius from , scoffed. "Even if he''s at Qi Refinement 11th Stage, that¡¯s impossible." Among the audience, some students from Hidden Dragon Academy flinched, recalling a certain pine leaf mouse that had once stolen their storage bags. "" Sure enough¡ª Lin Jing didn¡¯t even turn his head. Without speaking a word, he raised a single hand, summoning a storm of red flying leaves around him. A crimson streak cut through the air. The spectators had just been scanning for Qi Yuan¡¯s whereabouts¡ª And suddenly, blood sprayed into the air. Qi Yuan reappeared, his arm slashed open. He stared at Lin Jing in disbelief. "" Cai Sidao murmured, "Let him show his full power." For Lin Jing, entering this battle wasn¡¯t just about victory¡ªit was about prestige. A weak opponent wouldn¡¯t help him make a name for himself. So, if his opponents weren¡¯t strong enough¡ª He¡¯d simply restrain his own strength, forcing them to fight at their full potential. That¡¯s why, as a Beast Tamer, he refused to summon his pet. He was deliberately making things harder for himself¡ªto get people talking. Clad in white robes, Lin Jing stood with his hands behind his back, his aura ethereal and unshaken. He didn¡¯t even spare Qi Yuan a second glance. "" "" A murderous glint flashed in Qi Yuan¡¯s blood-red eyes. His spatial technique had been countered¡ªbut he had far more up his sleeve. Blood-red energy erupted from his body, his floating crimson hair whipping in the wind. The sheer killing intent radiating from him formed a scarlet storm, swirling with the souls of slain beasts and humans alike. "" The storm compressed, condensing into a blood-red suit of armor around his body. He brandished his short sword and charged at Lin Jing, the intensity of his murderous aura multiplying tenfold. Even Golden Core cultivators in the audience visibly paled. "" "Qi Yuan¡¯s cultivation level hasn¡¯t increased, but his killing aura has undergone a qualitative transformation. Even high-level Foundation Establishment cultivators might be paralyzed by fear!" "Such demonic arts¡­" Yet¡ª The moment the killing intent surged toward Lin Jing¡ª A golden radiance blossomed around him. Instead of resisting the attack¡ª He absorbed the killing aura. Lin Jing¡¯s calm voice echoed through the battlefield: As he spoke¡ª A divine Buddhist glow erupted from his body. Qi Yuan staggered, his expression shifting in horror. "Buddhist Arts?!" A Beast Tamer... wielding Buddhist Techniques?! And that wasn¡¯t all. The audience collectively froze as they finally sensed Lin Jing¡¯s cultivation. "Wait¡­ Qi Refinement 12th Stage?!" Qi Yuan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Lin Jing¡¯s spiritual aura had the power of late Foundation Establishment! And his Buddhist Light was utterly devouring Qi Yuan¡¯s killing aura! In truth, Lin Jing had long been studying Buddhism to refine his own power. His Buddha-Demon Pearl and Diamond Fist were natural counters to Qi Yuan¡¯s killing arts. Raising his hand¡ª Lin Jing summoned eighteen golden palm imprints into the sky. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One by one, they rained down. Qi Yuan¡¯s sword slashed through several, but ultimately¡ª He was blasted dozens of meters back, his Blood Shura Armor shattered, and blood spewing from his mouth. Standing tall, Lin Jing pressed his palms together. The crowd was stunned. Even Gao Sheng and Bai Yuran, who knew about Lin Jing¡¯s demonic arts, were utterly speechless. The most shocking thing wasn¡¯t just that Lin Jing used Buddhist Techniques¡ª It was that he had reached Qi Refinement 12th Stage. This was an unprecedented feat, save for the Ancient Imperial Princes, who had the Boundary-Breaking Bird to push them to Qi Refinement 13th Stage. Now, the top-ranked geniuses finally understood. They had underestimated Lin Jing. And some among the audience even began murmuring: Meanwhile¡ª Gao Sheng just stood there, completely dumbfounded. Book 2: Chapter 101: Chaos Battle Vol 2 Chapter 101: Chaos Battle The young genius from Blood Kill Tower in Qingzhou had mastered the Spatial Concealment Technique, and his killing aura could shake even Core Formation cultivators. Such strength was extraordinary, even among the ancient kingdom¡¯s prodigies. At first, many believed Lin Jing would struggle in this fight. But to their shock, this Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, a man with a beast¡¯s visage but a Buddha¡¯s heart, transformed into a Buddhist prodigy, displaying profound mastery of Buddhist techniques. The Buddhist sect mainly operated in the far western deserts beyond the ancient kingdom. It boasted countless powerful figures, rivaling even the entirety of Qingzhou. If Lin Jing were truly a Buddhist prodigy, then suppressing a Blood Kill Tower cultivator would indeed be no challenge. Coupled with his outrageous cultivation at the twelfth stage of Qi Refinement, some even began speculating: "Has Lin Jing abandoned the Beast Taming Sect and switched to cultivating Buddhism because of the sect''s closure?" "The Buddhist sect has always wanted to spread its teachings in the ancient kingdom. High monks often bestow fortunes upon fated individuals. Could Lin Jing have been chosen by an esteemed Void Mystical Stage Buddhist master? Otherwise, how else do you explain his overwhelming Buddhist aura? I¡¯ve seen monks who have formed their Buddhist Core, but none had such a powerful Buddhist presence!" "If a Buddhist master helped him, reaching the twelfth stage of Qi Refinement wouldn¡¯t be impossible. After all, Buddhism excels at unlocking potential. No wonder he founded Dragon Palace and shared his Beast Taming insights so freely¡ªhe''s no longer focusing on that path. Buddhism is now his true weapon!" As the crowd speculated, Lin Jing had already left the arena. Master Tian Huihua from Tianji Pavilion, the host of the Genius Rankings Battle, gave Lin Jing a deep look, sensing that this competition would be quite interesting. "To some extent, these people aren¡¯t entirely wrong," Tian Huihua thought. Thousands of years ago, a Buddhist monk had aided the Great Wasteland in subduing demons. That monk had since reached the Void Mystical Stage. If Lin Jing had received his blessing within the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, then indeed, he had some ties to a Void Mystical Stage monk. However, while Lin Jing had been blessed by a Buddhist master, giving him exceptional talent in Buddhist arts, his true power came from the combination of the Buddha-Demon Pearl and the Ice Soul Gu. By using himself as a vessel to nurture demons and leveraging the Ice Soul Gu, he refined his Buddhist abilities to an extreme. Upon returning, Gao Sheng looked at Lin Jing enviously. "In just two years, you''ve cultivated Diamond Palm to this level¡ªeighteen strikes in an instant, each strong enough to suppress a perfected Foundation Establishment demon. Even my Grand Enchantment Technique isn¡¯t that terrifying." Lin Jing smirked, "Then how about I teach you Diamond Palm, and you teach me the Grand Enchantment Technique?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gao Sheng: "???" "You think I need you to teach me Diamond Palm? I''m not lacking in techniques!" "But if you want to learn the Grand Enchantment Technique¡­ you could always marry into the Gao family." "I''m good, thanks." Lin Jing flatly declined. For the past two years, he had been training in Buddha-Demon Pearl and Diamond Palm, constantly strengthening his body. The intense physical cultivation had significantly enhanced his physique, making his body as tough as that of a Foundation Establishment body cultivator. This was crucial for Lin Jing. While most physiques could endure some injuries in battle, his Longevity Body was a different case. If he bled or lost a limb in combat, it wouldn¡¯t just be a minor setback¡ªit could be a death sentence. His blood would likely attract even more enemies, turning the battle into a disaster. Thus, Lin Jing¡¯s philosophy was clear: build his defense as strong as possible. Body cultivation could not be neglected. Once he perfected Diamond Palm, he planned to start training in Buddhist Golden Body, which offered even greater defense! "Forget Buddhism for a second," Wang Xiao interjected, his expression shifting as he studied Lin Jing. "I want to know about the twelfth stage of Qi Refinement..." He couldn¡¯t comprehend it. He had reached the tenth stage of Qi Refinement before Foundation Establishment, which had already allowed his Heavenly God Physique to enter its early stage. From his perspective, Lin Jing must have a unique physique. Otherwise, reaching the twelfth stage of Qi Refinement before Foundation Establishment was simply unfathomable. He even suspected that Lin Jing might fully mature his physique before reaching the Nascent Soul Stage! Lin Jing chuckled, seeing the confusion on the faces of his Dragon Palace members. "Just assume I was blessed by a powerful Buddhist figure." Now that he thought about it, many spectators indeed believed he had switched to Buddhism. It made sense¡ªhis Diamond Palm was too extraordinary. It was natural for people to misinterpret. "Alright, let''s focus on the matches." The rest of the first round of the Genius Rankings Battle went smoothly. Unfortunately, spectators were disappointed because the top ten ranked geniuses didn¡¯t go all out. Most matches were one-sided dominations. Not long after, the first round concluded. Standing in the sky, Tian Huihua announced: "Of the eighty-seven defeated contestants, all are eliminated. Tianji Pavilion will assess their performances and determine their new rankings on the updated Genius Rankings." "In seven days, the second round will commence. The remaining sixty-four participants will be divided into eight groups, with eight people in each group." "In each group, all eight contestants will enter the stage simultaneously for a chaotic battle. The last person standing will advance to the third round." "Tianji Pavilion will post the groupings across Tianji City tomorrow morning. You have seven days to gather intelligence on your opponents. This is your preparation time¡ªuse it wisely." Tian Huihua smiled. He was eager to see how these geniuses would perform in the upcoming chaotic battles. Some well-known prodigies might even face group assaults. While unfair, that was exactly what Tianji Pavilion wanted to witness. After all, in real combat, absolute fairness didn¡¯t exist. Surviving an unfair battle required true skill. "A chaotic battle in the second round, huh?" The audience buzzed with excitement. An eight-person free-for-all meant survival depended on overall ability. "That guy from Blood Kill Tower is so unlucky. If he hadn¡¯t been eliminated early, his Spatial Concealment Assassination Technique would have made him perfect for this round." "Well, luck is part of strength. He showed what he needed to. Even though he was eliminated, his ranking on the Genius Rankings shouldn¡¯t be too low. His performance was just... embarrassing. What did he last? Seven or eight hits under the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Holy Son¡¯s Diamond Palm? Hahaha!" While the first round had some excitement, the audience clearly anticipated the second round far more. The grouping by Tianji Pavilion promised thrilling chaos. For the participants, however, the pressure was immense. "Let¡¯s go." Lin Jing turned to his Dragon Palace members. "The strongest won¡¯t necessarily advance, and the weakest won¡¯t necessarily be eliminated. When the battle starts, just have your beasts draw fire." "With our month of special training, they don¡¯t feel pain anyway." Dragon Palace members: ... Tianji Pavilion clearly wanted to see if any geniuses could outwit stronger opponents and survive through cunning. Sometimes, strategy was more valuable than sheer cultivation. "" Xu Zhizhi sighed. Lin Jing nodded. "Yep. Come with me later¡ªthe organization has a mission for you." Book 2: Chapter 102: The Weapon Master Physique Vol 2 Chapter 102: The Weapon Master Physique ¡°So many?!¡± Back at their residence, Xu Zhizhi took the storage pouch that Lin Jing tossed to him. Sweeping it with his spiritual sense, he was instantly stunned. As far as he remembered, Lin Jing had been exchanging Rising Dragon Pills for high-grade spiritual plants at Dragon Palace for the past two years. By all accounts, he should have spent a fortune on those trades¡ªso how did he still have so many pills left? ¡°Wait¡­ don¡¯t tell me your alchemy dragon carp hasn¡¯t slept for two years?¡± Lin Jing replied matter-of-factly, ¡°With Awakening Pills, who needs sleep?¡± Xu Zhizhi froze. ¡°You¡¯re saying it never slept? Even Ziling¡¯er¡¯s pill rabbit doesn¡¯t have it that bad!¡± ¡°Just kidding,¡± Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s mostly because practice makes perfect. Our success rate in refining Rising Dragon Pills is ridiculously high now.¡± And besides¡­ they never lacked materials. ¡°¡­Alright,¡± Xu Zhizhi muttered, still half-suspicious that Lin Jing was overworking his pet beast. Then again, he wasn¡¯t exactly a kind Beast Tamer either¡ªhe was constantly shaving fur off his own creatures. ¡°Work with any auction house you want,¡± Lin Jing instructed. ¡°I want all of these Rising Dragon Pills sold within seven days. Then, take the spirit stones we earn and buy as many third-grade and above spiritual plants in Tianji City as possible.¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy enough.¡± Xu Zhizhi didn¡¯t mind helping Lin Jing¡ªmostly because Lin Jing paid him. Every time, he¡¯d give Rising Dragon Pills as compensation, unlike his stingy master, who worked him to the bone for free. ¡°¡­But if I handle this, I won¡¯t have time to prepare for the Genius Rankings Battle,¡± Xu Zhizhi hinted, eyeing Lin Jing expectantly. This time, one measly pill wouldn¡¯t cut it. ¡°Not a big deal,¡± Lin Jing replied. ¡°You weren¡¯t going to qualify anyway.¡± Xu Zhizhi: ??? ¡°Lin, my brother, even if you¡¯re speaking the truth, do you have to be so blunt?!¡± ¡°Just you wait¡ªthirty years on the east bank, thirty years on the west bank! Thirty years from now, you¡¯ll see me in a whole new light!¡± Xu Zhizhi declared indignantly. Lin Jing chuckled. ¡°That phrase was practically made for you. Given your potential, once you become a city lord and gain an official position, combining your Hidden Dragon Arts with political fortune, you¡¯ll be unstoppable. The Earth Rankings will definitely have your name in the future.¡± Xu Zhizhi laughed. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying the classics of sages for years, all to secure a high-ranking government post someday. Hopefully, I can rise swiftly through the ranks!¡± The third stage of the Hidden Dragon Arts directly tied strength to one¡¯s official position¡ªthe higher the rank, the stronger the cultivator. Lin Jing had no doubt that the Earth Rankings would be Xu Zhizhi¡¯s domain one day. After all, climbing the political ladder without a background took time, and even with talent, patience was required to reach the top. Soon, rumors spread throughout Tianji City¡ªDragon Palace members relied entirely on Rising Dragon Pills to train their beasts. Even more shocking, a massive number of Rising Dragon Pills were now appearing in Tianji City¡¯s auctions. Lin Jing, however, paid no attention to any of this. His focus was on the second-round matchups for the Genius Rankings Battle, just announced by Tianji Pavilion. If it were one-on-one, he wouldn¡¯t be worried at all. After all, for him, ¡°one-on-one¡± was actually a gang fight¡ªhe had too many allies. But an eight-person free-for-all? Given how much attention he¡¯d drawn, he was almost certain that he¡¯d become the prime target for everyone in the match. He had to be cautious. ¡°First group¡­¡± ¡°Second group¡­¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re in the eighth group,¡± Long Dan murmured after checking the list. ¡°Apart from you¡­ the ¡®weakest¡¯ in your group is¡­¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She hesitated. ¡°¡­Lin Huixin, ranked eighth on the Genius Rankings.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Lin Jing frowned. ¡°Why am I getting matched up with this guy right away?¡± ¡°Well, at least now you won¡¯t be the one getting ganged up on,¡± Long Dan sighed. ¡°It¡¯ll probably be him instead. But honestly¡­ he¡¯s a tough opponent. I didn¡¯t expect to face him this early.¡± Lin Jing had a feeling Tianji Pavilion had done this on purpose. After all, as a Beast Tamer, he relied heavily on external forces¡ªhis pets, formations, and talismans. So now, they paired him against someone who specialized in external forces. Yan Xiangbei, a disciple of Burning Immortal Valley in the Fire Domain, was a legendary artifact refiner with the Innate Weapon Master Physique. This Innate Weapon Master Physique was a God Physique, ranked 87th on the Physique Rankings, even higher than Wang Xiao¡¯s Heavenly God Physique. The Heavenly God Physique allowed Qi Refinement cultivators to control wind, rain, lightning, and even draw upon starlight¡ªalready an absurd ability. When breaking through to Nascent Soul, those with this physique had a 100% success rate due to their deep connection with the laws of nature. Yet even that was ranked below the Innate Weapon Master Physique. This physique granted its bearer the ability to refine and control magic artifacts far beyond their cultivation level while using minimal energy to activate them. That one ability alone¡­ Was enough to make every single past bearer of this physique surpass Heavenly God Physique users. According to rumors, Yan Xiangbei, despite only being at Foundation Establishment Perfection, had already refined a high-grade magical artifact¡ªsomething no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator should be able to use. Even Core Formation cultivators couldn¡¯t fully activate a high-grade artifact¡ªtheir spiritual energy would be instantly drained, leaving them exhausted or even dead. And worse, they wouldn¡¯t even be able to control the artifact¡¯s power properly. But Yan Xiangbei, thanks to his Innate Weapon Master Physique, could do the impossible. Because of this, even Core Formation cultivators avoided fighting him head-on. Meanwhile, geniuses across Tianji City were preparing for their battles. Including Yan Xiangbei. Inside a cave dwelling, the orange-haired youth silently examined the matchup list in his hand. ¡°The most noteworthy opponent¡­ is Lin Jing from the Beast Taming Sect.¡± ¡°But¡­ not enough of a threat to make me use my high-grade artifact.¡± Although his physique allowed him to use high-grade artifacts at a low energy cost, it wasn¡¯t without limits¡ªhis Foundation Establishment realm was still too low. Even a single activation drained him heavily. That¡¯s why, in normal battles, he only used mid-grade and low-grade artifacts. Thanks to his physique, a low-grade artifact in his hands could perform like a mid-grade one. As for his high-grade artifact¡­ That was reserved for Chen Zhongdao, the number one genius, and Mo Qianyi, the second-ranked genius. Against those two, he¡¯d need to go all out. ¡°Should I refine a weapon specifically to counter beast tamers?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve studied the Myriad Beast Circle from the Myriad Beast Sect before. Since Lin Jing defeated a Myriad Beast Sect disciple, that means the circle alone isn¡¯t enough to suppress his pets. ¡°So I¡¯ll modify it. I¡¯ll remove the ability to tame beasts and strengthen its suppression effects instead.¡± ¡°Additionally, since he might have powerful Buddhist techniques, I need a way to break his Buddhist aura. The simplest method? Desire Manipulation. ¡°Good thing I have a Harmony Sect artifact from Qingzhou. I¡¯ll enhance it further.¡± ¡°¡­But something still feels missing.¡± At that moment, a transmission token buzzed. Yan Xiangbei read the latest intelligence and chuckled. ¡°As expected. According to my academy contacts, Lin Jing¡¯s pet actually has spatial abilities. ¡°No wonder he was able to counter that assassin from Blood Kill Tower. ¡°In that case¡­ I¡¯ll prepare one more artifact to disrupt space.¡± Seven days wasn¡¯t much time, but he was ready. ¡°Let¡¯s begin refining.¡± Yan Xiangbei smirked. With so much preparation, he couldn¡¯t see any way he would lose. Book 2: Chapter 103: Gathering of Geniuses Vol 2 Chapter 103: Gathering of Geniuses ¡°We¡¯re rich, we¡¯re rich¡­¡± A few days later, after the first batch of Rising Dragon Pills was sold, Xu Zhizhi immediately went to find Lin Jing, only to discover that he was in seclusion. ¡°He''s really diligent. Well, it makes sense¡ªhis next match is against Yan Xiangbei. That¡¯s definitely tough!¡± Xu Zhizhi sighed, unsure if Lin Jing would be able to win. He felt that unless Lin Jing broke through to Foundation Establishment before the second round, he probably wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. No wonder Lin Jing had urged him to sell the pills quickly! Once the Dragon Palace contestants suffered a collective defeat, the pills would surely drop in price. At this moment, inside the inn room, Lin Jing was actively preparing for battle. The first thing he and Pine Leaf Mouse needed to do was check the Mosquito-Powered Mech, just to avoid any mechanical failures at a critical moment. His opponent had a high-grade magic artifact¡ªa terrifying force. Lin Jing didn¡¯t want to engage in a direct confrontation. Sure, merging with the Ice Soul Gu would give him a fighting chance, but it would also place an immense burden on his body. He wasn¡¯t willing to take that risk. As for Pine Leaf Mouse, even though it possessed the True Form of a Demon King, it still wouldn¡¯t be a match for a high-grade magic artifact unless the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art was fully mastered. In summary, Lin Jing didn¡¯t want to overburden himself, the Ice Soul Gu, or Pine Leaf Mouse, risking severe injuries that could affect future battles. So¡­ the Mosquito-Powered Mech had to take the stage. Even if it got destroyed in combat, Lin Jing wouldn¡¯t feel bad about it¡ªhe could always build another one. Most of its materials were synthetic creations from Pine Leaf Mouse, similar to the pills he sold. There was no need to worry about expensive repair costs. Seven days passed in a flash. During this time, the spectators were thoroughly entertained. The eight battle platforms sparked endless debates among cultivators, expanding their horizons. Many even purchased rare pills leaked from certain contestants, making the trip well worth it. On the main stage of the Genius Rankings Battle, Tian Huihua announced the lineup for the first battle royale match. ¡°Chen Zhong of the Spirit Dao Sect, Xiao Chen of the Purple Heaven Sword Sect, Changsun Sheng of the Tianluo Gate¡­¡± As the eight names were read aloud, seven of them looked absolutely miserable. Ever since the matchups were revealed a few days ago, they hadn¡¯t had a single good night¡¯s sleep. ¡°You all should be thanking me. Thanks to my Fortune Physique, your luck improved, and you managed to avoid Chen Zhong,¡± Gao Sheng joked as he laughed with the contestants from Hidden Dragon Academy and Dragon Palace. This Chen Zhong was currently ranked first on the Genius Rankings. Encountering him was a nightmare. ¡°I heard that achieving a Spell Spirit Origin requires completely mastering a spell. This Chen Zhong is only at Foundation Establishment, yet he¡¯s accomplished something that even many Nascent Soul and Soul Formation cultivators fail to do¡­¡± Yuan Jing of the Heavenly Sword Gate had originally thought his swordsmanship comprehension was extraordinary. He had even grasped Sword Intent, making him one of the top talents. But now, he realized that Chen Zhong was on another level entirely. ¡°He possesses the Innate Dao Physique, ranked nineteenth on the Physique Rankings. It grants an enormous boost to spell cultivation. Plus, the Spirit Dao Sect supposedly owns a rare Insight Fish¡­¡± Ziling''er sighed. If this man had been born in the Era of Immortal Palaces, he might have had a high chance of ascending. The first battle royale featured two top-tier geniuses: Chen Zhong, ranked first on the Genius RankingsXiao Chen, ranked eighth on the Genius Rankings Although Xiao Chen didn¡¯t possess an Innate Divine Physique, he had cultivated the Innate Sword Physique and later awakened the Acquired Thunder Spirit Physique, meaning he possessed dual physiques¡ªa rarity in itself. As the battle began, the other seven contestants immediately targeted Chen Zhong without even needing to discuss it beforehand. ¡°Gravity Art.¡± Chen Zhong simply closed his eyes slightly. A terrifying gravity field erupted around him, centered on his position, forcefully repelling and suppressing every opponent! It was a spell technique¡ªGravity Art. In an instant, space warped, as if the heavens were collapsing. Every magic artifact and spell was instantly crushed into nothingness. The seven attackers were all slammed to the ground, their bodies glued to the platform, their bones audibly fracturing. Blood leaked from the corners of their mouths. ¡°Spirit Dao Sect, Chen Zhong¡ªvictory.¡± Tian Huihua glanced at Chen Zhong, whose Dao Eyes were now open, before announcing the result. Chen Zhong calmly flew back to his seat. This scene left the remaining contestants breathless. After all, Chen Zhong hadn''t even summoned his Spell Spirit Origin yet! Simply using his own mana to cast a basic Gravity Art had been enough to completely overwhelm Xiao Chen, a dual-physique genius ranked eighth, leaving him utterly unable to stand. ¡°So this is the Innate Dao Physique. Even though I¡¯m from the same Sword Domain as Xiao Chen, I wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against him. But even he couldn''t last a single move against Chen Zhong¡­¡± Yuan Jing was speechless. ¡°Ð¡Ôª×Ó, don¡¯t stress too much. Your Heavenly Sword Gate still has Cold Moon Sword Immortal Feng Ning, who¡¯s ranked first on the Earth Rankings. You don¡¯t have to carry the sect¡¯s honor alone. Besides, you¡¯re only twenty-something, the youngest among us.¡± Gao Sheng patted his shoulder. Indeed, Heavenly Sword Gate was the top sword sect of the Ancient Kingdom. The sect¡¯s strongest genius wasn¡¯t Yuan Jing, but Cold Moon Sword Immortal Feng Ning, who had automatically risen to first place on the Earth Rankings after the previous leader surpassed sixty years of age. The most anticipated contestant of the second battle royale was Mo Qianyi of Shenji Manor. A female mechanist, she dressed plainly, her yellow cloth robe making her look like a commoner. In stark contrast, the other female cultivators were ornately dressed and impeccably groomed. This group also included the genius ranked tenth. However, Mo Qianyi quickly proved why the top three were on an entirely different level. Even without deploying her famous mechanized formation, she effortlessly crushed her opponents using only a single Celestial Shot Chariot. Through her Exquisite Physique, she connected directly to the Soul Core of her mechanical creations. The Celestial Shot Chariot fired forty-nine arrows, each carrying magic artifact-level power, imbued with attributes like gold, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, thunder, yin, yang, and poison. The arrows moved according to her will, shattering every opponent¡¯s defense before automatically returning to the chariot after impact, whether damaged or intact. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a light pat on her Celestial Shot Chariot, Mo Qianyi vanished from the platform and returned to her seat. In the process, an heir of Ice Extinction Island and a King-Blooded Flood Dragon were both eliminated, making them the first casualties from Dragon Palace. ¡°What a pity,¡± Lin Jing sighed. Against true geniuses, even King-Blooded Dragon Pets were insignificant. Fortunately, he had urged Dragon Palace members to showcase their pets early. Now that the Rising Dragon Pills were sold out, there was no way he¡¯d allow refunds. ¡°An Innate Exquisite Physique is ridiculously powerful. This basically lets her control dozens of magic artifacts at once. Weapon Master Physiques focus on quality, while the Exquisite Physique is about quantity. And thanks to her mechanized creations, her energy consumption is minimal¡­¡± Xu Zhizhi turned to Lin Jing. ¡°Are you ready for Yan Xiangbei?¡± Lin Jing nodded as the next match was announced. ¡°Yan Xiangbei of Burning Immortal Valley, Lu Tong of the Divine Movement Sect, Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect¡­¡± Book 2: Chapter 104: Mosquito-Powered Mech Vol 2 Chapter 104: Mosquito-Powered Mech On the battle platform, the eight geniuses arrived one after another. After witnessing the previous two battle royales, they all understood one thing¡ªYan Xiangbei was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent in their group. Anyone ranked among the top three on the Genius Rankings was no pushover. There was a high probability that Yan Xiangbei could single-handedly defeat all seven of them. "What are you looking at? Just come at me all at once." Yan Xiangbei spoke indifferently as he noticed the wary gazes of the other contestants. If Chen Zhong and Mo Qianyi could defeat seven opponents alone, then he could do the same. However, what made Yan Xiangbei feel a bit annoyed was that despite preparing so many magic artifacts specifically to counter Lin Jing, this guy still refused to break through! Among these seven opponents, the only one he had originally taken seriously was Lin Jing¡ªbecause he had expected Lin Jing to reach Foundation Establishment before the match. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Everyone, attack!!¡± The moment the match started, Lu Tong of the Divine Movement Sect shouted. As someone ranked within the top ten, he had no qualms about ganging up on Yan Xiangbei. After giving the command, he vanished into the sky, executing his sect¡¯s famed movement technique. "Damn it! He told us to attack, then ran away himself!" One of the contestants cursed upon seeing Lu Tong disappear. Disciples of the Divine Movement Sect were known for their incredible speed and mastery of escape techniques. "Who said I ran? Don¡¯t be ridiculous." A voice echoed from above. "Our Divine Movement Sect doesn¡¯t rely only on evasion." ¡°Heaven-Treading Step!¡± A massive foot, dark as blackened steel, suddenly descended from the sky, aiming directly at Yan Xiangbei. A terrifying black aura swirled around it, causing cracks to appear on the arena floor beneath Yan Xiangbei. "What kind of spell is this?" Spectators gasped as they watched the giant foot descend. "I know! It¡¯s a battle between an Innate Weapon Master Physique and an Acquired Foot Qi Physique!" A young cultivator blurted out excitedly, only to have an elder beside him quickly cover his mouth. One did not casually mock geniuses ranked among the top ten! "How foolish." Despite the overwhelming pressure of the descending foot, Yan Xiangbei¡¯s battle armor gleamed with brilliant light, shielding him completely. Without a hint of concern, he casually summoned a flying sword¡ªa simple low-grade magic artifact. For any genius on this stage, possessing a low-grade magic artifact was basic. Even though low-grade artifacts were generally reserved for Core Formation cultivators, the top-tier prodigies present could wield them effortlessly. However, Yan Xiangbei was different. In his hands, a mere low-grade flying sword surged with power, instantly rivaling the might of a mid-grade artifact. As the sword streaked through the air, it pierced straight through the foot¡¯s center, causing the massive construct to shatter into a storm of black clouds. "Useless, absolutely useless." Lu Tong felt frustrated. He had failed to restrain Yan Xiangbei, yet the other contestants were just standing there, doing nothing! "Fine, I¡¯ll take care of it myself." Yan Xiangbei suddenly split into four identical copies. While he couldn¡¯t control a large number of artifacts as easily as those with an Exquisite Physique, he had mastered a secret technique to compensate. "Weapon-Master Avatars." Each of the four copies wielded one or two low-grade magic artifacts, but despite their supposed quality, all of them radiated the power of mid-grade artifacts. The sky lit up as a storm of magic artifacts surged forward. One of the flying swords even ignited with a strange blue fire, increasing its speed and destructive power exponentially. "Flame-Sacrificing Technique!" By burning and sacrificing artifacts, one could temporarily boost their power¡ªat the cost of permanently destroying them. With a flash of the flaming sword, a figure hidden among the clouds groaned in pain and plummeted from the sky. Even with his superior speed, Lu Tong couldn¡¯t evade the attack in time. Meanwhile, the other contestants struggled against Yan Xiangbei¡¯s relentless assault. One by one, they fell. ¡°As expected, he¡¯s unbelievably strong.¡± Spectators were thrilled, but soon, they noticed something strange. One person was still standing. Lin Jing. Yan Xiangbei¡¯s mental attack artifact, a delicate jade sculpture of a celestial maiden, had been aimed at Lin Jing. However, even after defeating six others, the jade sculpture still failed to affect him! Instead, as a small squirrel appeared on Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder, a massive wooden box materialized out of thin air, sealing the jade sculpture inside. "What?!" Yan Xiangbei¡¯s connection to his artifact was suddenly severed, and he turned toward Lin Jing in disbelief. ¡°Impossible¡­ This artifact was crafted by the Harmony Sect of Qingzhou. Even Core Formation female cultivators would struggle to resist its effects. How did you¡­?¡± Even the spectators were stunned. The top three prodigies had been expected to dominate effortlessly, yet the one resisting the longest wasn¡¯t another top-tier genius¡ªit was a mere Qi Refinement cultivator! ¡°Look! Lin Jing truly possesses incredible Buddhist discipline! Even a Harmony Sect artifact couldn¡¯t shake him!¡± A Buddhist disciple in the audience marveled. But then¡­ Lin Jing casually revealed the real reason behind his resistance. ¡°It¡¯s simple¡ªheat expands, cold contracts.¡± Lin Jing held up a frost-covered finger, his voice calm. ¡°They say warmth ignites desire, while cold preserves clarity. And the Ice Soul Gu¡­ is extremely cold.¡± "What nonsense are you talking about?!" Yan Xiangbei scoffed. There was no way that simple ice techniques could counter a high-grade mental attack artifact. All four of his avatars turned toward Lin Jing, their hands summoning even more artifacts. A tiger-shaped seal infused with Demon Emperor blood, capable of suppressing beast bloodlines. A bell that could distort space, restricting teleportation techniques. ¡°Looks like you prepared quite a few counters for me.¡± Lin Jing sighed. Honestly, he hated being taken too seriously. "Of course I did." Yan Xiangbei raised four weapons¡ªan axe, spear, blade, and cauldron¡ªthen ignited them with sacrificial fire. To deal with Lin Jing¡¯s strange abilities, he willingly sacrificed four artifacts! The audience was shocked. Even Gao Sheng, known for his wealth, was speechless. "Damn it! This is just burning money at this point!" BOOM!!! In the next instant, a massive, humanoid mechanized creation appeared behind Lin Jing, shaking the ground. Standing dozens of meters tall, its sleek, dark-red exterior blended modern technological aesthetics with ancient mechanical artistry. The audience froze. What the hell was that?! Not a Nascent Soul Avatar. Not a puppet. And then Lin Jing stepped inside the mech, sealing himself inside its cockpit. ¡°This is a special mechanized creation¡ªthe Mosquito-Powered Mech! ¡°You have artifacts to counter beasts and space techniques¡­ but do you have anything to counter a mech?!" Yan Xiangbei''s face darkened. The audience was in chaos. And Mo Qianyi of Shenji Manor, an expert in mechanized constructs, was deep in thought. "Wait¡­ is this thing even an artifact¡­?!" Book 2: Chapter 105: Unscathed Vol 2 Chapter 105: Unscathed A Beast Tamer who knew Buddhist techniques and mechanized arts, yet had never actually been seen taming a beast! This was the thought running through the minds of every cultivator present. However, Lin Jing strongly disagreed with that sentiment. Strictly speaking, he wasn¡¯t actually the pilot of the Mosquito-Powered Mech. He had merely assembled the machine using mechanized techniques, but he couldn¡¯t control it himself. The real pilot was Pine Leaf Mouse. So, in essence, he was still taming a beast¡ªit was just that his beast was piloting the mech! Of course, some refused to acknowledge that this mech was a mechanized construct at all. High-level mechanized constructs always contained a Soul Core, allowing a mechanist to control them with their spirit. For example, Mo Qianyi¡¯s Celestial Shot Chariot contained a Soul Core, which she linked to her Exquisite Heart, allowing her to directly manipulate its transformations. This was somewhat similar to how a cultivator refined and activated a magic artifact, but instead of channeling Qi, a mechanist controlled it with their spirit. But this massive mech had no Soul Core¡ªso to Yan Xiangbei, it couldn¡¯t possibly be a mechanized construct. Lin Jing, however, disagreed. After all, Pine Leaf Mouse was controlling the mech through its spirit, much like how it controlled Red Flying Leaves. Its connection to the mech¡¯s wooden components was entirely spiritual. If controlling a machine with one''s spirit was the defining characteristic of mechanized constructs¡­ Then why wasn¡¯t this mech considered one?! "Take this!" Zzzzzzzzzt!!! Up until now, the Mosquito-Powered Mech had only passively defended and counterattacked. But now, as its power surged to full capacity, a massive blood-colored longsword materialized in its hand. A weapon forged entirely from blood essence! The thirty-meter-long blood blade sliced through the air, slashing toward Yan Xiangbei! Faced with this terrifying attack, Yan Xiangbei reacted instantly, summoning a mid-grade magic artifact¡ªa miniature gate-shaped talisman. Fueled by his Divine Physique, the tiny gate expanded, forming three layers of phantom barriers in front of him. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The blood sword struck, tearing through the first barrier¡­ then the second¡­ and finally shattered the third, sending Yan Xiangbei flying backward. As he crashed onto the platform, he spat out a mouthful of blood. "One attack¡­ it took three layers of my defenses to finally stop it?!" "This level of blood essence power surpasses ordinary Core Formation body cultivators. And the worst part¡­ its blood energy isn¡¯t depleting at all!" Clutching his chest, Yan Xiangbei retrieved his gate-shaped talisman and decided to switch to offense. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a mid-grade flying sword. "Go!" Yan Xiangbei formed a hand seal, and the flying sword shot toward the mech¡¯s chest. But then¡ª The Mosquito-Powered Mech¡¯s mouth suddenly opened. A violent gust of blood energy surged forth, filling the air with a nauseating crimson mist. The flying sword¡¯s momentum slowed immediately, then was blown back, forcing Yan Xiangbei to recall it. "What the hell is this thing?!" Even with his Divine Physique, he still couldn¡¯t enhance his mid-grade artifacts to match the sheer power of the mech! The pressure was immense. The audience had fallen into complete silence, their gazes fixed on the tiny creature piloting the massive mech. "How dare you!!" Yan Xiangbei¡¯s eyes narrowed as his instincts screamed danger. At that moment, to everyone¡¯s shock¡ª The Mosquito-Powered Mech¡­ self-destructed. Because what kind of mech wouldn¡¯t have a self-destruct system?! BOOOOOM!!! sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A monstrous crimson explosion engulfed the entire battle platform. By the time the smoke cleared, Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse were already hovering high above the battlefield, gazing down at the massive, fiery explosion below. A single red leaf had carried them into the sky at the perfect moment. The audience was stunned. Even the high-altitude wind currents were twisting under the sheer force of the explosion. "Well¡­ I¡¯d say that counts as defeating a powerful opponent without taking any damage." High above the battlefield, Lin Jing¡¯s hair flowed in the wind as he calmly observed the aftermath. Pine Leaf Mouse wiped the sweat from its forehead, looking exhausted. Yep, totally unscathed. Except¡­ the mech died a very tragic death. Book 2: Chapter 106: Shenji Manor Vol 2 Chapter 106: Shenji Manor No one had expected that the moment Yan Xiangbei activated his high-grade magical treasure, Lin Jing would decisively choose to self-destruct his mech rather than continue fighting head-on. In the arena, white flames spread in all directions, debris scattered everywhere. Yan Xiangbei stood there, covered in blood, looking utterly miserable. His aura was weak, and his mana was completely drained. Activating a high-grade magical treasure had already required his full effort, yet instead of using it for offense, he was forced into defense. He stared at the now-obliterated mech, which had been blown to nothing¡ªnot even dust remained. A smile crept onto his face, but it was a self-deprecating smile. He had lost¡­ to a Beast Tamer. And that Beast Tamer had defeated him¡­ using a mechanized construct. No¡­ no, that wasn''t right. His opponent''s pet beast¡¯s spatial movement had been the true key to his defeat! But so what? In the end, he still lost. "You win." Standing on the stage, Yan Xiangbei withdrew his Extinction Treasure Lantern and looked at Lin Jing, who was slowly descending. Before losing consciousness, his gaze drifted toward the audience. The cultivators from Burning Immortal Valley who had accompanied him were all in disbelief, unable to accept what had happened. As the strongest prodigy of the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s greatest artifact-refining sect, he had actually lost to a disciple from a third-rate sect that had been sealed off? This was something they couldn¡¯t even have imagined before. "Thanks for the match." Lin Jing looked at his opponent but didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it before an announcement rang out: "The winner of Group Three¡ªLin Jing!" As these words echoed through the arena, the audience was still reeling from the aftermath of the powerful explosion, the blinding light still lingering in their eyes. "He really won?" "Is it over? The third-ranked prodigy lost?" "Was that an upset?!" "Incredible. Lin Jing planned this perfectly! The moment Yan Xiangbei activated his high-grade magical treasure, he was left with no energy to use a space-restricting treasure. At that moment, Lin Jing only needed to abandon his construct, using its final detonation to drain Yan Xiangbei''s mana¡ªsecuring victory!" "This Lin Jing¡­ he¡¯s ruthless. That mech was incredibly powerful. If it were me, I definitely would¡¯ve wanted to fight head-to-head with the high-grade magical treasure. But he¡­ just gave it up like that." "But he won, so it was all worth it. After this fight, he¡¯s practically guaranteed a spot in the top five of the Genius Rankings, maybe even the top three!" The cultivators fell into silence, as if witnessing the rise of a new, supreme prodigy. The most terrifying part? Lin Jing stood there on the arena completely unscathed. Many of the other prodigies were secretly pleased with this outcome. With his high-grade magical treasure, Yan Xiangbei had been a massive threat. But now that he was eliminated, he wouldn''t make it to the third round. And Lin Jing? He had lost his powerful mech in the battle, meaning his combat strength had taken a major hit. The audience believed there was no way Lin Jing could have another mech of that caliber. Even if he could rebuild it, it wouldn¡¯t be something he could accomplish in a short time. Crafting another would require immense mental effort, and the rare materials needed were undoubtedly in short supply. With Yan Xiangbei gone, Lin Jing would soon become famous across the Ancient Kingdom. But for some prodigies, defeating a weakened Lin Jing in the next round was an incredibly tempting opportunity. After becoming the Group Three victor, Lin Jing returned to his seat to rest. Even though he hadn¡¯t done much personally¡ªhis Ice Soul Gu had helped him resist the enchantment treasure, and his Pine Leaf Mouse had piloted the mech to dodge explosions¡ªhe still felt mentally exhausted. "That guy¡­" The Dragon Palace cultivators stared at Qingdi in silence. They wanted to ask¡ªsince when had Dragon Palace been renamed "Mechanized Dragon Palace"? The matches continued. Group Seven Winner: Zhao Jia, ranked seventh on the Genius Rankings, hailing from an ancient cultivation family. He had joined the Academy at a young age and had become a City Lord by seventy-one. As a cultivator with the Innate Spring Source Physique, his mana was endless and he had mastered countless spells to near perfection.Group Five Winner: Another major upset¡ªthe fifth-ranked prodigy lost. The victor was a hidden prodigy invited by Tianji Pavilion, a disciple of a Nascent Soul perfection-stage rogue cultivator, possessing the Innate Five Elements Physique¡ªa physique on par with the combination of all five major elemental physiques, ranking on the Physique Rankings.Group Six Winner: Another upset. The victor was not a native of the Ancient Kingdom but a disciple from Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, who possessed the Innate Poison Physique. He had spent fifteen years training in the Cloud Sea Mountains before returning to the kingdom, immediately making a name for himself.Group Seven Winner: No surprises here. The seventh-ranked prodigy managed to claim victory, though with great difficulty. He was another former Academy student and was currently serving as a City Lord.Group Eight Winner: Wang Xiao, a cultivator from Dragon Palace, possessing the Innate Heavenly God Physique. He had already reached Foundation Establishment Perfection, and with his King-Blood Battle Tiger assisting him, he became one of the only two Dragon Palace members to enter the third round. His battle wasn¡¯t too difficult¡ªhis Battle Tiger took on most of the damage for him, leaving the audience once again appreciating the benefits of pet beasts. Among the eight final winners, four were Academy graduates, further proving the Academy¡¯s immense influence. "The third round will follow a challenge-style format." Tianji Pavilion would randomly select one contestant to serve as the Arena Master, forcing them to accept challenges from other prodigies. Losers would be eliminated, and the final standing Arena Master would be the overall winner of the tournament. "Heaven''s Regret Flower" announced that the third round would take place in seven days. Unlike the chaotic eight-person free-for-all, this round placed greater emphasis on both luck and endurance. Whoever became the first Arena Master would be in serious trouble. They could face seven consecutive battles, and even the strongest prodigy might not last to the end. However, in the end, the Starry Cosmos Turtle''s Blessing would not be given to the winner of the tournament, but to the contestant ranked first on the updated Genius Rankings, determined by Tianji Pavilion based on overall performance. "Seven days¡­ I should be able to convert all my Spirit Stones from the auctioned Rising Dragon Pills into high-grade spiritual plants by then." "If my Pine Leaf Mouse is lucky, its Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art will reach completion in time!" "If it fully matures, the Pine Leaf Mouse will gain the plant manipulation abilities of a Core Formation-stage Wood Spirit, and combined with its Demon King True Form and Spatial Techniques, it might surpass my mosquito-powered mech..." From the current tournament battles, Lin Jing felt that the strongest opponent was likely the Innate Dao Physique prodigy. He wasn¡¯t sure if Pine Leaf Mouse alone would be enough to counter him. As he was heading back to prepare for the third round, a group suddenly intercepted him. At the front stood the second-ranked prodigy, Mo Qianyi, along with a group of Shenji Manor cultivators. Behind her were several Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators, though Lin Jing didn¡¯t sense any hostility. "Miss Mo, is there something you need?" Lin Jing asked. Seeing her dressed in simple robes, calling her ''Fairy Mo'' felt a bit strange, so he opted for a more casual address. He had already guessed why they were here. "Saint Lin," Mo Qianyi said, "Shenji Manor is interested in the design blueprint of your construct. Of course, we wouldn¡¯t take it for free. Name your price¡ªanything within Shenji Manor''s ability, we can provide." She paused, then added with a slight smile: "As a Beast Tamer, perhaps you''d be interested in our techniques to grant intelligence to mechanized beasts, turning them into living constructs? If you¡¯re interested, we can discuss further." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, beneath Divine Pine, a Dragon Carp suddenly sneezed. Book 2: Chapter 107: The Mechanical Turtle Vol 2 Chapter 107: The Mechanical Turtle "Mechanical life?" "You mean¡­ a mechanized beast can develop sentience?" Lin Jing asked. The plain-robed Mo Qianyi smiled. "If magical treasures can, why not mechanized beasts?" "Fair point, but I assume the methods differ," Lin Jing responded. He didn¡¯t reject Shenji Manor''s offer outright. The mosquito-powered mech had strict requirements for use, but high-level cultivators from Shenji Manor might find a way to overcome them. Its true power came from its energy source¡ªthe combination of the Blood Devil Vine, a mutated demonic plant, and the Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast¡¯s blood, which created a terrifying fission reaction that fueled the entire construct. The Cloud Sea Mosquito Beast wouldn¡¯t be difficult for Shenji Manor to obtain, considering their Void Mystical Ancestor guarded their legacy. As for the Blood Devil Vine, if Lin Jing was willing to supply it, Shenji Manor could replicate his unique energy reactor. However, there was one major issue¡ªonce the Blood Devil Vine absorbed blood and transformed into Blood Mosquitoes, only Lin Jing¡¯s Pine Leaf Mouse could control them! Without the Pine Leaf Mouse, the Blood Mosquitoes would attack indiscriminately¡ªeven Lin Jing himself had been targeted before. Getting them to cooperate willingly was no easy task. But looking at it another way¡ªif someone found a solution to this issue, the mosquito-powered mech could become a widely usable war machine. Though Lin Jing hadn¡¯t found such a solution yet¡­ Moreover, since his Pine Leaf Mouse held absolute control over the Blood Devil Vine, he didn¡¯t have to worry about others using it against him. A Deal Worth Making From Lin Jing¡¯s perspective, this trade was worth considering. Shenji Manor could research a method to allow others to control the mech, saving him the trouble.He was genuinely interested in the mechanized beast lifeform that Mo Qianyi had mentioned. After all¡­ besides the mosquito-powered mech, he had another, more traditional mechanized beast in his storage space. "Saint Lin, you¡¯ve heard of Ingenious Soul Cores, right?" Mo Qianyi asked. "Most high-level mechanized constructs require a Soul Core for better control." "Yes." "The Soul Core is the key to granting sentience to mechanized constructs. We have a method in Shenji Manor to evolve Soul Cores into full-fledged consciousness!" Lin Jing raised an eyebrow. "Then why haven¡¯t I heard of sentient mechanized constructs being used by Shenji Manor?" Mo Qianyi chuckled. "You¡¯re from the Beast Taming Sect, so you should understand¡ªconsciousness is a double-edged sword. While it allows mechanized constructs to act autonomously, it also makes them harder to control. Most mechanists prefer directly controlling their constructs rather than trusting their intelligence." "If I¡¯m not mistaken, the Beast Taming Sect has had cases of pet beast rebellion, right? Many mechanists in Shenji Manor fear similar risks, so they prefer constructs without willpower." Lin Jing nodded. "The method to create sentient mechanized beasts was developed by one of our ancestors," Mo Qianyi continued. "But very few mechanists actually use it. Currently, only a handful of guardian constructs left behind by our ancestors possess true consciousness." "If you¡¯re willing to trade the design blueprints of your mech, Shenji Manor will give you a mechanized beast blueprint capable of reaching the Nascent Soul stage¡ªand even help it develop sentience." Mo Qianyi¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Tell me, Saint Lin¡ªwouldn¡¯t you like to know if the Beast Taming Art of your sect could form a contract with a mechanized beast that has true self-awareness?" The Negotiation Lin Jing smirked. "Interesting." He narrowed his eyes slightly. "But you¡¯ll be disappointed. Even if I give you my blueprint, you won¡¯t be able to replicate it. There¡¯s a key material in the construct that only I possess¡ªit¡¯s the core of its power, defense, and sustained combat ability." "Of course," he added casually. "I could provide you with some of that material. But the method to control it is unique to me. I can¡¯t pass it on. You¡¯d have to figure out your own method." Mo Qianyi turned to the Shenji Manor elders beside her, silently communicating with them. In truth, she hadn¡¯t made up her mind yet¡ªher proposal regarding mechanized beast intelligence had not been pre-approved by the elders. As someone who had trained in mechanized arts since childhood, Mo Qianyi was deeply fascinated by Lin Jing¡¯s new type of construct. Her love for mechanized arts made her eager to study it. The elders of Shenji Manor exchanged glances and nodded. If the material was from the Tianyuan Continent, they refused to believe they couldn¡¯t find a way to control it. Shenji Manor was the second most advanced force in material studies across the continent. If they had the material, they were confident they could replicate it or create an alternative! Mo Qianyi turned back to Lin Jing. "Name your conditions," she said. Lin Jing smiled. "Just as you suggested¡ªI want a blueprint for a Nascent Soul-stage mechanized beast. And the secret method to grant it sentience." Mo Qianyi shook her head. "The blueprint? Yes. The secret method? No. We won¡¯t hand it over directly. But once you build the mechanized beast, we can help awaken its consciousness for you. Alternatively, we can give you a special construct that will allow you to gradually upgrade the Soul Core over time." Lin Jing wasn¡¯t surprised. He had expected them to refuse. He had purposely asked for something he knew they wouldn¡¯t agree to, so he could bargain for something else instead. "In that case," Lin Jing said, "I have one more condition." "If Shenji Manor figures out how to control the special material I mentioned, you have to share that method with me." "Agreed." "Then we have a deal." Mo Qianyi didn¡¯t bother haggling any further. "Shenji Manor has over a hundred different Nascent Soul-level mechanized beasts to choose from," she said. "What kind do you want?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing stroked his chin, then extended his hand. Light shimmered. A two-meter-tall mechanized turtle appeared, standing on its hind legs. It wielded a heavy cannon on each shoulder and gripped a Mechanical Bamboo Rifle in its hands. "This is¡­" The Shenji Manor elders scrutinized the construct. "A mechanized turtle?" So Lin Jing really was a mechanist! It was no wonder he had agreed to the trade¡ªhe already owned a mechanized beast! "Do you have any blueprints for turtle-type mechanized beasts? I want to upgrade this one," Lin Jing said. He was a sentimental person. Though this Mechanical Bamboo Turtle had long outlived its combat usefulness, reduced to helping the Pine Leaf Mouse water spiritual plants, it was one of his earliest constructs. It had been his first¡ªhis second, if he counted his early failed experiments. It was, in a way, the elder predecessor of his mosquito-powered mech, carrying the hard work and dedication of his early cultivation years. Mo Qianyi studied it for a moment. "Yes, we have two Nascent Soul-grade turtle-type mechanized beasts." "One is the Wave Turtle, a water-element construct. It specializes in water escape techniques, assists cultivators in underwater combat, and can manipulate tidal waves large enough to flood a city." "The other is the Mountain Turtle, an earth-element construct. It has monstrous defensive capabilities, can self-repair by consuming minerals, and serves as a fortress-type construct, shielding its master from harm." Book 2: Chapter 108: The Completion of a Divine Art Vol 2 Chapter 108: The Completion of a Divine Art "A turtle-type mechanized beast¡­ it''s dual-element, water and wood, right? In that case, the Wave Dragon Turtle would be a better choice. After all, you already have a defensive construct¡ªyour mech," Mo Qianyi suggested. Lin Jing, however, shook his head. "Besides these two, is there anything else? Something more unique?" Neither of the options appealed to him. The Shenji Manor elders twitched their beards in exasperation¡ªthis kid had quite the appetite! Even a Nascent Soul-grade mechanized beast wasn¡¯t good enough for him? What did he want, a Nascent Soul Transformation-level construct? That wasn¡¯t even up for debate. Nascent Soul Transformation-level mechanized beasts were Shenji Manor''s foundation, and no way would they trade one away. Mo Qianyi hesitated before speaking. "There is one¡­ a Core Formation-level turtle-type mechanized beast. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯d be interested. It has spatial attributes." "Your other pet beast cultivates spatial techniques, right? You should understand how powerful that is. A spatial attribute construct is as valuable as a Nascent Soul-grade beast." "But compared to the Nascent Soul-grade options, this Spatial Turtle is even harder to build and upgrade. And¡­ it¡¯s not meant for combat." Spatial abilities¡­ Lin Jing''s interest was piqued. "What can this Spatial Turtle do?" He wasn''t concerned about its lack of combat capabilities¡ªhe had plenty of firepower already. Mo Qianyi explained, "It''s called the Longevity Treasure Turtle, and its ability is treasure-hunting." "This mechanized turtle possesses an innate ability to sense treasures. Additionally, like a storage artifact, it contains a vast internal space¡ªeven larger than any known storage treasure." "It doesn¡¯t need a mechanist to control it. The Longevity Treasure Turtle can roam freely in search of treasures, collecting anything it finds into its internal space, and then returning to its master." "Whether it''s a single Spirit Stone, a discarded magical artifact, or a rare spiritual herb, it will gather anything valuable it detects." "Due to its spatial nature, it possesses a trait similar to that Blood Kill Tower prodigy¡ªthe Void Concealment Physique. Even Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle to detect it." "Furthermore¡­ because of its spatial abilities, it can enter small pocket dimensions, hidden realms, and ancient ruins to retrieve high-level magical treasures." Lin Jing''s eyes flickered. "Truly a treasure-hunting turtle¡­ but why is it called the Treasure Turtle?" Mo Qianyi sighed. "Because it''s best at finding longevity-extending treasures." "The mechanist who created it was an ancestor of Shenji Manor whose lifespan was nearing its end. He deeply understood the importance of longevity, so he built the Longevity Treasure Turtle. It was designed to only return once it had found a longevity-enhancing treasure." She paused before adding, "But such treasures are incredibly difficult to find. Even after creating more of these Longevity Treasure Turtles, one of them spent twenty years searching before finally bringing back a single spiritual ginseng that extended life by a hundred years." Mo Qianyi smiled wryly. "The only good thing about mechanized beasts, however, is that they don¡¯t age. Unlike normal demonic beasts, as long as they are maintained and repaired, they can search for eternity." "That¡¯s true," Lin Jing agreed. A mechanized beast¡¯s lifespan depended entirely on the durability of its materials. While normal materials would deteriorate over time, regular maintenance and part replacements could extend a construct¡¯s lifespan indefinitely. Mo Qianyi looked at him. "So, have you decided?" Lin Jing smiled. A mechanized turtle that could find longevity treasures¡­ what an ironic match for him. Though he didn¡¯t need longevity-enhancing treasures himself, as someone with the Longevity Body, he would inevitably watch his friends grow old while he remained young. Using such treasures as gifts during festivals¡­ wasn¡¯t a bad idea. But more than that¡­ What truly mattered was giving his first mechanized beast sentience¡ªletting the turtle that had been by his side open its eyes and see the world. "I¡¯ll take the Longevity Treasure Turtle blueprint," Lin Jing decided. Though it would be harder to craft and upgrade, the main difficulty lay in acquiring spatial materials. Coincidentally, Pine Leaf Mouse might be able to help with that. After all, the original mechanized turtle had been made using materials provided by Pine Leaf Mouse. If the new version was also built using Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s resources, then it would truly be a complete cycle. Besides¡­ Pine Leaf Mouse seemed to have a natural talent for treasure hunting as well. Would the Longevity Treasure Turtle inherit that ability after gaining sentience? "Then it¡¯s decided," Mo Qianyi said. "We¡¯ll make preparations and complete the trade after the Genius Tournament ends. No issues?" Lin Jing nodded. "For the transaction, shall we use Lotus Pavilion¡¯s Contract Scrolls?" "Agreed." With the deal finalized, Lin Jing and Mo Qianyi separated to prepare for the next round of the Genius Tournament. The Completion of the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art The deal with Shenji Manor hadn¡¯t slowed Lin Jing down. Under his instructions, Xu Zhizhi continuously delivered high-grade spiritual plants over the next few days, rapidly consuming the Spirit Stones he had earned from auctioning the Rising Dragon Pills. Inside his Beast Taming Space, Pine Leaf Mouse, now clad in Daoist robes, radiated an overwhelming aura. It grabbed a high-grade spiritual plant, instantly draining it into a withered husk before tossing it aside. Who could have imagined a wood-element spirit beast cultivating this brutally? This was the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art¡ªa technique that absorbed life force to extend one¡¯s own. For five days, Pine Leaf Mouse absorbed and refined spiritual plants without pause. Finally, its body began to change. Seated cross-legged, its life force surged like a flowing spring, reshaping its form and granting it new life. Ordinary squirrels only lived ten years at most, and even a cultivated squirrel spirit wouldn¡¯t live longer than a human cultivator of the same rank. But now, Pine Leaf Mouse had defied that fate. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When it first achieved minor mastery of the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, its lifespan increased by 500 years.After consuming a Longevity Foundation Pill, it evolved into a Longevity Variant, gaining another 500 years. As a Foundation Establishment-stage Pine Leaf Mouse, it now had a thousand-year lifespan¡ªnearly matching Lin Jing himself. Even as a Longevity Body cultivator, Lin Jing¡¯s Qi Refinement-stage lifespan was barely over a thousand years. However, due to his Ice Soul Gu parasite, his life force drained at an exceptionally slow rate. Lin Jing estimated that he would live far longer than the standard for his physique¡ªpossibly over two thousand years. And now¡­ Pine Leaf Mouse had finally achieved full mastery of the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art¡ªextending its lifespan by another thousand years. It now had two thousand years to live. For a mere squirrel, this lifespan potential had already surpassed countless Demon Kings in the Beast Taming Sect, many of whom had survived for millennia only because they were long-lived species like turtles, elephants, parrots, and dragons. But Pine Leaf Mouse¡­ With just a single cultivation breakthrough, its lifespan had skyrocketed to the same level as ancient demonic beasts. "Congratulations," Lin Jing said sincerely, sensing Pine Leaf Mouse''s breakthrough from his inn. At least now, he didn¡¯t have to worry about it dying of old age too soon. He had always feared that, as someone with the Longevity Body, he would outlive all of his contracted pet beasts. But now¡­ Perhaps he and his pets could find a way to ascend together¡ªbecoming immortals and living as long as the heavens themselves. Book 2: Chapter 109: Finally, Beast Taming Vol 2 Chapter 109: Finally, Beast Taming The wooden lot with Lin Jing¡¯s name fell out, leaving the entire audience momentarily stunned. If this was truly a random draw, then whoever became the first arena master wouldn¡¯t have mattered. But after the Tianji Pavilion cultivator explicitly stated that the first arena master was highly likely to be someone with great fortune and the ultimate champion of the Genius Rankings Battle, this result suddenly seemed rather uncanny. "How could it be him? In just seven days, it¡¯s almost impossible to repair a destroyed mechanized construct. Could he really have a second or even third one? If that¡¯s the case, that would be truly terrifying." "Even so, it doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s destined to be first. I don¡¯t believe any mechanist can outmaneuver the geniuses of Shenji Manor, nor do I believe that any mechanized construct could surpass the legendary Innate Dao Physique or the Spell Spirit Origin! One¡¯s own strength is the foundation of everything." "Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions too soon. Master Tian Huihua also said it¡¯s only ¡®possible¡¯ that he has a chance. These things are unpredictable¡ª even true divinations aren¡¯t always 100% accurate, let alone a mere lot draw." The spectators discussed fervently, while the contestants also appeared puzzled. Especially those who had been eliminated by Lin Jing¡ªthey hadn¡¯t yet left Tianji City. One of the geniuses from the Assassins¡¯ Tower, upon seeing that Lin Jing was now a strong contender for the championship, suddenly felt his earlier frustration of being eliminated dissipate. First, Lin Jing had defeated the third-ranked genius, and now he was likely to win it all. In that case, losing to him didn¡¯t seem so disgraceful after all. At least this way, he might not be punished by the Assassins¡¯ Tower¡ª after all, his opponent had simply been too terrifying. Yan Xiangbei also furrowed his brows, eager to know whether Lin Jing really had more of those so-called mechs hidden up his sleeve. As confusion spread among the crowd, Lin Jing let out a sigh, feeling somewhat troubled. The first arena master, huh¡­ Although he was determined to claim first place¡ª there was no way he would give up the Precious Beast¡¯s Blessing¡ª the thought of enduring a grueling gauntlet of challenges left him feeling exhausted already. After all, he had to stay completely focused¡­ to avoid getting injured. Seven consecutive battles. To accomplish that while remaining unscathed would require an immense amount of effort. "If I display overwhelming strength from the start, maybe some geniuses will give up challenging me. Would that make things easier?" Lin Jing pondered. Then, under the silent gazes of the Dragon Palace disciples, his figure flickered and instantly appeared on the arena platform. Whoosh! As Lin Jing materialized, seven pairs of sharp eyes locked onto him. "Then I¡¯ll take on the role of the first arena master," Lin Jing declared. He looked toward Master Tian Huihua, who smiled back at him. While Tian Huihua didn¡¯t know what trump cards Lin Jing was hiding, he was certain that Lin Jing indeed carried the fortune of a champion. No wonder his little junior sister had taken a liking to him¡ª inviting Lin Jing to participate in the Genius Rankings Battle had clearly been the right decision. "So, he wasn¡¯t bluffing after all. Good thing I spent so much time introducing him to the Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing," another disciple from Tianji Pavilion remarked casually, sitting among the spectators. Seeing Lin Jing chosen as the arena master, he smirked slightly, curious to see what other tricks this Longevity Body cultivator had in store. "Who will challenge him?" Tian Huihua scanned the crowd. Chen Zhong and Mo Qianyi didn¡¯t react immediately, especially Mo Qianyi¡ª having just struck a deal with Lin Jing, challenging him first would seem too ungrateful. "I still don¡¯t believe he can win first place. I¡¯ll wait for him to be eliminated and then challenge the next arena master," Mo Qianyi shook his head. "I¡¯ll challenge him!" The first to respond was the fourth-ranked genius, Zhao Qingquan! He laughed heartily. Others might worry that becoming the second arena master meant facing relentless challenges and excessive energy depletion, but he wasn¡¯t afraid! As an Innate Spring Source Physique cultivator, his mana recovery was astonishingly fast¡ª his true essence flowed endlessly. He never had to worry about exhaustion. Moreover, having mastered a secret healing technique, he could recover from injuries at all times, making him a well-rounded powerhouse. Although he knew he could defeat Lin Jing, the current spotlight on Lin Jing intrigued him. Zhao Qingquan wanted to experience Lin Jing¡¯s strength firsthand. "City Lord of Qingquan City, Zhao Qingquan. Junior, please enlighten me!" Zhao Qingquan, also a student of the academy, though not yet graduated, stepped onto the arena and bowed to Lin Jing. "Please," Lin Jing responded calmly, looking at his senior. Seeing Zhao Qingquan step up, the other geniuses watched intently. Among the four prominent competitors, aside from Chen Zhong, who wasn¡¯t confident about defeating He Zimei, even Mo Qianyi¡ª ranked seventh¡ª had confidence in defeating Zhao Qingquan. Ranking was one thing, but every genius developed at a rapid pace. Missing a single moment of enlightenment or an additional technique could easily change the rankings. What made Zhao Qingquan particularly formidable was that he was a city lord who had achieved multiple feats of merit. This year, his city had even been renamed Qingquan City in his honor. Furthermore, in all his ranked battles, he had never once revealed his eighth-stage Hidden Dragon Secret Technique, which further strengthened his advantage. At this point, no one knew Zhao Qingquan¡¯s true limits. "Indestructible Immortal Gang!" As soon as the battle began, a fierce azure wind surged, forming a protective barrier around Zhao Qingquan. Standing amidst the wind, his hair danced, and he gazed at Lin Jing with an expression of composure. "The Indestructible Immortal Gang is one of my Zhao family¡¯s top-tier defensive techniques. Our ancestor once used this technique to withstand an attack from a Grand Dao cultivator. I wonder how it compares to your mechanized constructs¡¯ defenses?" "Indestructible Immortal Gang?!" Many in the audience were shocked by the spell Zhao Qingquan had just unveiled. This was indeed one of the Zhao family¡¯s ultimate defensive spells, rumored to be strong enough to withstand the attacks of immortals if cultivated to the highest level. However, due to its extreme difficulty and mana consumption, even within the Zhao family, very few had ever successfully learned it. Without the mana reserves of a Core Formation cultivator, one couldn¡¯t even sustain the Indestructible Immortal Gang for a few seconds. "So that¡¯s it¡ªhe¡¯s mastered a new spell!" Yan Xiangbei took a deep breath, sensing the strength of the Immortal Gang. Its defense already surpassed the protective artifacts he himself had. If he were to attack Zhao Qingquan, without using a top-tier magic treasure, he likely wouldn¡¯t be able to break through it. The most terrifying part was that Zhao Qingquan seemed capable of maintaining this defense indefinitely! In such a scenario, the only way to defeat him would be to strike with enough force to break through the Immortal Gang and do so faster than his true essence could replenish. That was an incredibly difficult feat. "This remains to be seen." Facing Zhao Qingquan¡¯s question, Lin Jing simply shook his head. "My mech has already been destroyed, so I won¡¯t be able to compare it with Brother Zhao¡¯s technique," he said. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At those words, Zhao Qingquan was visibly surprised. Without that terrifying mech, how did Lin Jing plan to claim first place? Lin Jing smiled slightly, seeing the doubt in his opponent¡¯s eyes. "Since we¡¯ve reached the final round, I suppose it¡¯s time to reveal my true strength," he said. "Though my cultivation is still low, and I have yet to master the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s three core secret arts, I have devoted myself to nurturing my pet beasts and have achieved considerable success in that regard." "Pine Leaf Mouse." "Go and test Brother Zhao¡¯s Indestructible Immortal Gang. Let¡¯s see if it¡¯s as formidable as the legends say." As Lin Jing spoke, the robe-clad squirrel, previously seen only assisting with spatial movement techniques, slowly appeared on his shoulder. "Wait¡­ he¡¯s finally going to use beast taming in battle? But this squirrel¡­ doesn¡¯t seem nearly as impressive as that mech!" The audience was momentarily dumbfounded. Book 2: Chapter 110: The Squirrel Was His Trump Card All Along! Vol 2 Chapter 110: The Squirrel Was His Trump Card All Along! The Pine Leaf Mouse was simply too small. For most demonic beasts, the stronger their bloodline, the larger their body. Moreover, its cultivation level was too low¡ª only at the Early Foundation Establishment Stage. Everyone''s understanding of this squirrel was limited to its mysterious spatial abilities. Without those, Lin Jing would¡¯ve struggled to defeat Yan Xiangbei. Though its space manipulation had been the key to turning the tides, the real factor that had forced Yan Xiangbei into a desperate situation had been Lin Jing¡¯s bizarre mechanized construct. Now, without that terrifying firepower and defense, Lin Jing¡¯s strength had, in the eyes of the crowd, dropped significantly. Was he planning to break through the Indestructible Immortal Gang with a mere Diamond Fist? Impossible. "That squirrel spirit¡¯s appearance is rather peculiar," some cultivators noted. Unlike ordinary squirrel spirits, this one had ears and a tail that resembled plant structures. "It¡¯s certainly unusual. Then again, if it weren¡¯t special, no ordinary squirrel spirit could possibly learn spatial techniques." There were too many strange demonic beasts in the world, so the cultivators didn''t dwell on the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s plant-like characteristics. Among the geniuses, Mo Qianyi murmured, "Is Lin Jing planning to use that squirrel spirit to break through the Indestructible Immortal Gang?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If it had a space-tearing technique, it might be possible," Yan Xiangbei muttered to himself. "But its spatial abilities are still rudimentary at best. During my fight with Lin Jing, I realized too late that the squirrel¡¯s spatial techniques require a medium to activate. At that level, it can¡¯t possibly execute an offensive spatial attack." Unfortunately, the pressure during battle had been too overwhelming for Yan Xiangbei to notice the red leaf in time. If he had, he might have changed the outcome. Now, everyone was waiting to see how Lin Jing planned to use a mere Foundation Establishment squirrel spirit to break through an Indestructible Immortal Gang supported by the Spring Source Physique. And that wasn''t even all Zhao Qingquan had. On the arena platform, Zhao Qingquan waved a single hand. Outside the protective Immortal Gang, a colossal sword formed purely from true essence emerged in the sky, radiating the ferocious power of the White Tiger. The sword''s presence was overwhelming, and as it descended, many in the audience gasped in recognition. It was one of the Zhao Family¡¯s top-tier offensive techniques¡ª the White Tiger Divine Sword! Under Zhao Qingquan¡¯s control, the massive sword plummeted toward Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse. The pressure it exerted was immense, far more terrifying than even the murderous aura of the Assassins¡¯ Tower genius. Most assumed that Lin Jing would use spatial techniques to evade the attack. But then¡ª something completely unexpected happened. The Pine Leaf Mouse, rather than retreating, leapt from Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder and landed on the arena floor, standing firm against the overwhelming pressure. Then¡ª its body began to expand at an unimaginable speed! As it grew, a mysterious wooden material spread across its body. This material continued to grow and pulse with an exaggerated vitality, as though a divine tree was sprouting from within the Pine Leaf Mouse! BOOM! In an instant, its size increased to over a hundred meters tall, its massive form towering over the arena. The Pine Leaf Mouse had transformed into a colossal squirrel, its entire body seemingly composed of ancient, living wood! The Squirrel Colossus still resembled its pre-evolution form, but now, its body was covered in branches, and those branches bore countless pinecones, making it look like a divine tree merged with a demonic beast. It was no longer a flesh-and-blood creature, but a being of plant life! Its entire lifeform had changed! "What the¡ª?!" The transformation was so rapid that the audience barely had time to react. They could only gape as, in its giant wooden hands, the Pine Leaf Mouse caught the White Tiger Divine Sword¡ª and then, with a crisp snap, broke it in half. Zhao Qingquan''s pupils contracted sharply. That White Tiger Divine Sword was a technique capable of challenging Core Formation cultivators¡ª and the squirrel had just shattered it with ease! And then, an even more terrifying scene unfolded. A third eye opened on the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s forehead¡ª its Pinecone Third Eye! From that eye, pure life force condensed into a beam of radiant white light, which blasted straight toward Zhao Qingquan inside the Indestructible Immortal Gang. BOOM! A deafening explosion shook the arena, sending a massive cloud of smoke and debris into the air. As the smoke cleared, everyone saw that several layers of the Indestructible Immortal Gang had been destroyed. Within what remained of the Immortal Gang, Zhao Qingquan stood, his expression frozen in shock. That attack¡­ had breached his defenses?! And that squirrel¡­ was still only at the Foundation Establishment Stage?! Zhao Qingquan took a deep breath, forcefully stabilizing his defenses. But then¡ª Lin Jing, standing atop the Squirrel Colossus, smiled slightly. "Not bad. As expected of the Innate Spring Source Physique," Lin Jing said. "But¡­ can you withstand this next attack?" Golden Buddhist light surged around Lin Jing¡¯s body. The audience gasped as, from the Squirrel Colossus¡¯s back, a hundred enormous wooden arms sprouted, each radiating a divine golden glow. Some of the hands clenched into fists. Others spread into open palms. Each radiated a sacred power comparable to a Core Formation cultivator! Under the golden light, the Squirrel Colossus looked like a divine Buddhist statue! But Lin Jing was not the only one with a Buddhist affinity¡ª the monks of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda had granted both him and his Pine Leaf Mouse a Buddhist talent. Now, by activating the seventh layer of the Beast Taming Art, Lin Jing was able to transfer his Buddhist power to his Pine Leaf Mouse¡ª allowing it to merge this energy with its overwhelming wood-element control to create a fusion technique. Hundred-Armed Demon Buddha Statue! A combined ultimate move¡ª executed by Lin Jing, the Beast Tamer, and his Pine Leaf Mouse! Zhao Qingquan''s jaw slackened. An ominous feeling welled up inside him. He instantly activated his Hidden Dragon Secret Technique, temporarily boosting his cultivation from Perfected Foundation Establishment to Early Core Formation. But¡ª Too late. A hundred golden Diamond Fist palms rained down upon the Indestructible Immortal Gang. One strike. Two strikes. Three. A hundred. A thousand! Under the relentless barrage, the Indestructible Immortal Gang began to shatter and reform at an alarming pace. The battle had turned into a terrifying contest of offense and defense, causing the watching geniuses to instinctively hold their breath. The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s attack speed was simply too fast. Having mastered the Everlasting Emperor''s Longevity Art, it possessed the power of a Core Formation-level plant spirit. But unlike a Core Formation wood cultivator, a plant spirit did not manipulate external plants¡ª its own body was the plant! Thus, the Hundred-Armed Buddha Statue was as easy for it to control as a natural extension of its limbs. After an uncountable number of blows¡ª The Pine Leaf Mouse finally ceased its assault. The arena lay in ruins. Zhao Qingquan¡¯s Indestructible Immortal Gang had been completely destroyed. He lay at the bottom of a massive crater, surrounded by rubble, his pupils blank and unfocused, his mouth frozen in disbelief. Zhao Qingquan had lost. Even Chen Zhong took a deep breath, his gaze snapping toward Lin Jing atop the Squirrel Colossus. "This¡­ is a Demon King True Form?! At this level, its bloodline rivals a Royal Dragon Cub!" The audience fell silent. Then¡ª The arena erupted with shouts of astonishment! Book 2: Chapter 111: The First Clash Vol 2 Chapter 111: The First Clash The transformation of the Pine Leaf Mouse deeply shocked the other prodigies. After mastering the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, the true form of the Demon King Pine Leaf Mouse was even more ferocious than the Mosquito-Powered Mech from before. Beneath its massive hundred-meter body, a hundred colossal arms sprouted, each fist and palm radiating power far beyond the Foundation Establishment stage. Even with the aid of the Hidden Dragon Arts, Zhao Qingquan had temporarily boosted his cultivation to Early Core Formation, yet he was still ruthlessly crushed by this gigantic colossus. The spectators suspected that this behemoth¡¯s strength was already formidable enough to challenge the Earth Rankings of the Genius List. "This... actually makes me feel like I don¡¯t want to face it..." A Mid Core Formation elder took a deep breath. Unlike Zhao Qingquan, who only had Core Formation-level mana but lacked the corresponding divine abilities, this elder could fully utilize Core Formation Divine Abilities. Yet even he felt an instinctive dread toward this colossus. Many spectators gasped in disbelief. No wonder Tianji Pavilion had declared that Lin Jing had the fortune to win the championship. Now, with the Demon King Pine Leaf Mouse''s true form displayed before them, they speculated that even Chen Zhong, the top prodigy, would struggle against it. "The true form of a demonic beast is a symbol of its innate potential, just like Heavenly Physiques among human cultivators¡ªno, even rarer than that! It¡¯s said that it might rival the boost granted by a Nascent Soul Dharma Form. Right now, it¡¯s like a Foundation Establishment cultivator manifesting a Nascent Soul Dharma Form, whereas Zhao Qingquan is merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator who temporarily gained Core Formation-level strength but hasn¡¯t acquired any Core Formation Divine Abilities yet. How could he possibly be a match?" "But that¡¯s not even the most terrifying part. A Foundation Establishment early-stage beast should, in theory, struggle to control such a powerful true form and would at most be able to launch crude attacks. However, what¡¯s truly shocking is how skilled it is at controlling its true form! Those hundred wooden arms¡ª even a Core Formation wood-element cultivator wouldn¡¯t be able to wield them so effortlessly!" "When unparalleled strength is paired with absolute control, that is when a creature becomes truly terrifying..." The cultivators present were all stunned by the sheer power and precision of the Pine Leaf Mouse. Even some Nascent Soul cultivators found themselves taken aback¡ªit was almost unimaginable that such devastating strength was being unleashed by a mere Foundation Establishment-stage demonic beast. "Whoa, whoa..." Wang Xiao, the winner of Group Eight, took a deep breath. He found it hard to believe that a man-raised pet beast could reach such heights. "This guy..." A disciple from the Myriad Venom Sect, who had recently returned from the Cloud Sea Mountains, furrowed his brows. Looking at the golden colossus, he doubted whether his poison arts could even erode its Buddha-like resilience. The odds seemed slim, and the wooden-like body of the Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t seem susceptible to poison either. As for Lin Jing, the Beast Tamer... The disciple glanced at him again and felt that even if he could break past the colossus, it would be nearly impossible to land a direct attack on Lin Jing himself¡ªespecially since that squirrel also wielded spatial techniques. "I can¡¯t challenge him for now..." The strength of a Five-Element Physique prodigy lay in their mastery over five different elemental arts, allowing them to combine them into even stronger divine abilities. However, after witnessing the synergy between the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s wood-element and Buddhist-element techniques, this prodigy suddenly realized that his own combination spells were... mediocre by comparison. He¡¯d probably be annihilated instantly under the barrage of those thousand fists. Unless he could fully master his Five-Element Physique, allowing his five-element techniques to cycle in harmony, he stood no chance¡ª but that would take a long time. For the moment, all the major prodigies hesitated to challenge Lin Jing¡¯s terrifying demonic pet. They didn¡¯t see a path to victory. If the difference in strength was small, they wouldn¡¯t mind taking a shot. But after seeing how Lin Jing effortlessly crushed Zhao Qingquan, they had to admit¡ªthe gap was simply too vast. Even Mo Qianyi, ranked second among the prodigies, hesitated slightly. Now it made sense why Lin Jing had so casually traded away his mech designs¡ªbecause to him, the mechs weren¡¯t even that important. This squirrel was the real monster, stronger than thousands of troops combined! Mo Qianyi had the urge to test her strength against it, but her gaze first shifted toward Chen Zhong, the top prodigy. At this moment, the first-ranked prodigy had Dao patterns flowing in his eyes, filled with unexpected excitement and battle intent. "The world truly has countless geniuses. Before today, I never imagined that a Beast Tamer could reach such a level. Fellow Daoist Lin, allow me to challenge you next!" Chen Zhong''s body seemed to defy gravity as he floated into the arena, rising to the same hundred-meter height as Lin Jing, maintaining his gaze at an equal level¡ªwithout touching the ground. The top prodigy, Chen Zhong, had stepped into the arena! The audience''s hearts pounded. This was it! This was what they had been waiting for! "A battle between the foremost prodigies..." "It¡¯s finally happening!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leaf Mouse, standing on the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s shoulder, smiled. "I hope no one else challenges me before I get to crush Lin Jing." He knew Lin Jing¡¯s limits¡ªthe question was whether he needed to reveal even more trump cards to handle this. "Go!" Lin Jing flicked his wrist. In an instant, a horizontal gravity wave transformed into a shockwave, surging toward the towering Pine Leaf Mouse. Though the Demon King True Form had greatly amplified its strength, it had also slightly reduced its agility. Faced with Lin Jing¡¯s attack, the Pine Leaf Mouse could only respond with Diamond Palm Fists. But when its Buddhist fists clashed with Lin Jing¡¯s gravity wave, the sheer force shredded the gravity field into a blur. "Incredible! That squirrel is insane¡ªit completely ignored Lin Jing¡¯s gravity technique!" "Wait... could it be... the legendary Innate Dao Physique is finally being tested?" Suddenly, realizing that gravity magic was ineffective, Lin Jing¡¯s palm began to glow with a star-shaped, ethereal entity. The entity was entirely golden, traced with white patterns, and the moment Lin Jing summoned it, a thunderous boom erupted. It was as if the sky was collapsing¡ªthe Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s punches froze in mid-air. Its massive body suddenly stopped moving, as though locked in place. "D-d-d-dazed!" At that moment, even its hundred colossal arms began to crack under the overwhelming gravity, breaking off from its body one by one. "That¡¯s... a Spell Spirit Origin?" Everyone turned to look at the golden spiritual entity in Chen Zhong¡¯s hand. Chen Zhong had finally unleashed his Spell Spirit Origin, and its sheer power left the audience in shock. And this was merely a basic gravity spell¡¯s Spell Spirit Origin¡ªyet it had completely immobilized the terrifying Demon King True Form that had shaken the entire arena moments ago. With its arms shattered and its body paralyzed, the Pine Leaf Mouse no longer held its invincible aura. "So, this is all it amounts to?" Chen Zhong shook his head. "It seems... my Spell Spirit Origin is still superior. But I must admit, making me use it¡ªthat alone is worthy of pride." "Mm?" Just as he spoke, Chen Zhong suddenly froze¡ªas if sensing something unexpected. Book 2: Chapter 112: No Hope in Sight Vol 2 Chapter 112: No Hope in Sight "I was wrong¡­ The First Prodigy truly lives up to his name. I actually entertained the thought that Lin Jing might defeat him¡­ but now that I think about it, how could that even be possible? One is the prodigy of the Spirit Dao Sect, the greatest sect of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, while the other is merely the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect, a third-rate sect..." "Raising a pet beast to this level is already a miraculous stroke of fortune for the Beast Taming Sect, but in the end, the gap in foundation between the two sects is simply too vast!" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the Spell Spirit Origin unleashed, Chen Zhong had completely immobilized the Pine Leaf Mouse, leaving it struggling in place. Under the immense gravity, its arms crumbled one by one, until only its main body remained, barely holding on due to its incredible physique. For a human cultivator, such gravity would be outright lethal. Chen Zhong turned his gaze toward Lin Jing, and the spectators followed. Yet Lin Jing remained seated atop the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s shoulder, seemingly unaffected! Around him, shimmering flakes¡ªlike falling snow¡ªdrifted in the air, creating a mesmerizing aura that made him appear mysterious and untouchable. "Hmm?" Chen Zhong¡¯s eyes narrowed in confusion. The gravity field had even crushed the Pine Leaf Mouse, yet Lin Jing himself was completely unaffected? "It¡¯s happening again... That strange ice energy! What exactly is it?" Wang Xiao from Dragon Palace muttered. "Wait a second¡­ That power can ignore Chen Zhong¡¯s gravity technique?!" Yan Xiangbei was stunned. Previously, Lin Jing had used this very ice power to bypass a Harmony Sect treasure, but he hadn¡¯t given it much thought. Now, however, it seemed far more peculiar. "No matter how much one refines this technique, Fellow Daoist Chen, you''re not actually manipulating true gravity¡ªyou¡¯re merely simulating it with true energy. Since it''s only true energy and not the force of Heaven and Earth itself, as long as I find the right method, I can negate it." Lin Jing sat calmly upon the Pine Leaf Mouse, speaking as if explaining something mundane. His body continuously emitted frost energy, freezing the true energy forming the gravity field around him. "Pine Leaf Mouse!" At Lin Jing¡¯s command, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡ªdespite its initial struggle¡ªgradually began moving again. Though slow, it stretched out its arms and reached toward Chen Zhong. The arena fell into a dead silence. But then, with a mere snort, Chen Zhong compressed the gravity field, causing the giant arms to collapse again, fractures spreading like cracks in ice. Yet what shocked Chen Zhong next was that, in the blink of an eye, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s true form regenerated completely¡ªits immense life force allowing it to heal at astonishing speed. Again, it raised its arms toward Chen Zhong. "Your Demon King True Form must be exhausting¡­ how much longer can you last?" Chen Zhong positioned his planetary Spell Spirit Origin high in the sky, crushing the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s arms once more. With just one ability, he had completely suppressed the Pine Leaf Mouse. But despite this, his gaze remained fixed on Lin Jing, frowning deeply. "Indeed¡­ I underestimated the Spell Spirit Origin." "I thought my Pine Leaf Mouse could withstand at least some of it, but now I see¡­ its cultivation is still too low. If it had reached Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, it might have had a chance." Lin Jing shook his head. Under this terrifying gravity, the Pine Leaf Mouse was burning through its energy at an alarming rate. Soon, it would lose the ability to maintain its Demon King True Form, making resistance against the Spell Spirit Origin¡¯s gravity even harder. "So, you must have other trump cards, right?" Chen Zhong stared at the snowflakes drifting around Lin Jing, speaking calmly. A mere ice technique couldn¡¯t possibly counter his gravity spell so easily. "Well, well¡­" Meanwhile, in the Dragon Palace faction, someone muttered hesitantly, "Could it be¡­ is he actually going to use that?" Wang Xiao and the others turned their attention toward Ice Soul, instantly understanding what was being implied. "I was hoping not to use it. But it seems¡­ he¡¯s still too weak after all." Ice Soul sighed. The conversation between them confused the audience¡ªwhat were they talking about? "Whatever it is, it doesn¡¯t matter. At this level, there are almost no techniques that can defeat a Spell Spirit Origin!" The elders and disciples of the Spirit Dao Sect were brimming with confidence. Lin Jing was impressive, but Spell Spirit Origins weren¡¯t something that could be easily overcome. And yet, at that moment, they suddenly felt a bone-chilling cold creeping over them. "...I have no choice, then." Lin Jing stood up from the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s shoulder. In that instant, the temperature of the entire arena plummeted. Though it wasn¡¯t enough to harm the audience, it felt like winter itself had descended upon them. Lin Jing slowly descended from the Pine Leaf Mouse, and in that moment, he activated the power of the Ice Soul Gu. His true energy merged with the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, and in an instant¡ª His black hair turned white. His dark eyes became an icy blue. Snow-white strands danced in the frozen wind, and what truly stunned the spectators was that, at that moment¡ª The entire gravity field was instantly frozen solid. Above the arena, a massive, towering phantom began to take shape¡ª A colossal ice spider, stretching high into the clouds, with countless frosted legs piercing the edges of the stage. Its entire spectral form, forged from pure cold, had completely frozen the gravity field¡ªand for the first time, Chen Zhong¡¯s soul trembled in fear. "I suppose, as long as I freeze the entire gravity field, the match is decided, isn''t it?" Lin Jing¡¯s snow-white hair fluttered in the frigid air as he spoke calmly. And just as he finished speaking¡ª The freezing had already taken effect. The Pine Leaf Mouse instantly regain full mobility. "You¡ª!" Chen Zhong¡¯s eyes widened in shock, staring at Lin Jing as if he were an impossible existence. "Gu Insect Fusion¡­ You¡¯re housing a Gu in your body?! That power level¡­ This is one of the Ten Rare Gu¡ªthe Ice Soul Gu!" Chen Zhong couldn¡¯t comprehend it. How could Lin Jing possess something like this? As Chen Zhong¡¯s shout echoed, the entire arena fell into chaos. "Ten Rare Gu?!" "The Ice Soul Gu?! But every Rare Gu carries the bloodline of the Gu King! Once they mature, they rival Nascent Soul cultivators!" The most terrifying thing about Gu techniques was that a Gu Master could fuse with their Gu, unleashing power beyond comprehension. A Nascent Soul-level Gu, when fused, could even wield Void Mystical power! It was said that, at the height of the Gu God Sect, all Ten Rare Gu were in their possession. Each one granted its user Void Mystical combat prowess. And yet, now, one of them was in the hands of a mere Qi Refinement cultivator?! And he could perfectly control it?! If that were true... Then¡ª After a thousand frozen punches, Chen Zhong was finally knocked backward, barely saved by his Spell Spirit Origin, which formed a protective repulsion field around him. Despite avoiding fatal injury, his expression was hollow. "I''ve lost." Even if he didn¡¯t know how Lin Jing got the Ice Soul Gu, he could no longer see a way to win. Book 2: Chapter 113: The Third Contract Vol 2 Chapter 113: The Third Contract Just as Lin Jing had anticipated, displaying overwhelming strength would make the other prodigies abandon even the thought of resisting. Under his gaze, even Mo Qianyi hesitated, uncertain of how she could possibly defeat him. Fighting a mechanized cultivator was notoriously difficult because one had to break through their many layers of mechanized defenses to strike them directly. However, for Lin Jing, who possessed the Ice Soul Gu, this was hardly an issue. High-level mechanized cultivators formed a direct connection between their mind and their mechanical creations, linking them through a soul core. Yet, the toxic energy of the Ice Soul Gu could travel through this very connection, delivering its poison to the cultivator. In other words, their greatest strength became their fatal weakness! "Looks like the Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing is out of reach," Mo Qianyi sighed. In truth, when she first saw Chen Zhong¡¯s Spell Spirit Origin, she had already started doubting her ability to defeat him. Yet, in the blink of an eye, someone even stronger than Chen Zhong had emerged! Now facing Lin Jing, she had no illusions about the gap between them. If the second-ranked prodigy had already recognized the insurmountable difference in strength, how could the others not see it? The remaining prodigies quickly came to terms with reality¡ªchallenging Lin Jing now would only humiliate themselves. Winning would be impressive, but if they lost, they¡¯d be ridiculed for lacking self-awareness. Not everyone had the courage to challenge someone far stronger than themselves. Such individuals were rare. ¡°No one else?¡± Tian Huihua chuckled, watching the silent prodigies. With the top prodigy replaced, and someone contracting one of the Ten Rare Gu, this Genius Rankings Battle had proven well worth hosting. "If there are no more challengers, then the final champion of this Genius Rankings Battle is¡ªLin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect! Three days from now, the Tianji Pavilion will release an updated Genius Rankings, based on the performances in this battle!" ¡°Wait, no way¡­ Are you telling me the final champion is actually¡­?¡± ¡°Is there even any doubt? Didn¡¯t you see his strength?¡± A nearby cultivator took a deep breath and looked at Lin Jing, who floated above the icy battlefield, his presence almost ethereal. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°That guy¡­ contracted one of the Ten Rare Gu!¡± "If you¡¯ve studied history, then you¡¯d know just how much trouble the Ten Rare Gu caused the Ancient Celestial Kingdom in the past. Countless powerful cultivators perished trying to eliminate the ten Gu Masters who controlled them." "The Gu God Sect¡­ is not weaker than the Spirit Dao Sect, the number one sect of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. In fact, it might even be stronger. The Ten Rare Gu were originally their lost relics. Now that one of them has resurfaced¡­ this guy is in danger. The Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect will have a rough road ahead." "The Gu God Sect will never allow something like this to remain outside their control. The moment a Rare Gu is born, they will stop at nothing to retrieve it." As the audience whispered among themselves, they could already envision the storm Lin Jing was about to face. The Ten Rare Gu were even rarer than Spell Spirit Origins, but they were also an incredibly dangerous burden. Lin Jing remained expressionless, hovering above the battlefield, sensing the cautious gazes of the prodigies and the murmurs of the audience. Of course, he understood their concerns. But the moment he obtained the Ice Soul Gu, its exposure had been inevitable. Since it couldn¡¯t be hidden forever, he might as well use it to cement his dominance. At that very moment, Lin Jing felt the power of the Hidden Dragon Seal surging, its fortune energy growing at a terrifying rate¡ªand this was before the official rankings were even updated! His blue eyes flickered toward Tian Huihua, as if to say: "You revealed this much about me just to boost your Tianji Pavilion¡¯s newspaper sales¡­ so I assume I¡¯ll be taking first place in the rankings, right?" Though it was eight versus one, he was a Beast Tamer. It was perfectly fair to use all of his contracted beasts! "What a terrifying prodigy¡­ Longevity Body, Ice Soul Gu¡ªcan he even survive long enough to reach the Nascent Soul Stage?" Tian Huihua met Lin Jing¡¯s piercing gaze, feeling a strange sense of curiosity. Meanwhile, within the Academy¡¯s faction, Mr. Cao, who had been watching the entire battle, sighed deeply. ¡°No wonder Tian Huihua went to such great lengths to ensure Ice Soul participated in the Genius Rankings Battle¡­¡± As someone proficient in fortune-reading, Mr. Cao had always known Lin Jing was exceptional. However, even his insight fell short compared to the Tianji Pavilion¡¯s foresight. He never would have expected that the talent he discovered in the Great Wasteland would climb to first place on the Genius Rankings. Countless Academy prodigies had achieved this before, and even Mr. Cao himself had once been ranked first in his youth. But back then, the competition was nowhere near as fierce as it was now. "The Ice Soul Gu¡­ so that¡¯s his fortuitous encounter." For someone not born into a great sect, such achievements were impossible without a stroke of fortune. Mr. Cao privately sent a transmission to the other Academy elders: "In the coming days, protect Lin Jing. I will try to persuade him to return to Hidden Dragon City via teleportation array. Now that the Ice Soul Gu has been exposed, his return journey will be anything but peaceful." The other elders silently nodded. At the very least, the Spirit Dao Sect disciple didn¡¯t take first place this time. The Academy elders had always disliked the Spirit Dao Sect¡¯s unwillingness to join their ranks and cultivate using Hidden Dragon fortune energy. Seeing one of their own surpass the Spirit Dao Sect prodigy was deeply satisfying. With the Genius Rankings Battle concluded, Lin Jing returned to his inn and immediately sought out Senior Pine to request a Dragon Carp to warm his body. "You really know how to put on a show," Senior Pine chuckled. "You went beyond your limits with the Ice Soul Gu, just to scare those prodigies, didn¡¯t you?" Normally, Lin Jing only partially merged with the Ice Soul Gu, fusing its cold energy with his true energy. Even then, it was painful. But this time, Senior Pine had seen him completely merge¡ªbody, mind, and soul¡ªwith the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power. As a result, even his soul had suffered frost damage, not just his physical body. ¡°I had no choice,¡± Lin Jing sighed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see how powerful that Spell Spirit Origin was? Even after inheriting your bloodline and mastering your divine techniques, my Pine Leaf Mouse still couldn¡¯t completely counter it.¡± ¡°If I didn¡¯t fully merge with the Ice Soul Gu, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to crush that guy.¡± At Lin Jing¡¯s words, the Pine Leaf Mouse, who was snacking on sunflower seeds, spat out a shell in protest. "Don¡¯t blame me! You¡¯re the one with a low cultivation level! If you had reached Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, we wouldn¡¯t have struggled so much¡ªyou could¡¯ve fought a hundred rounds on your own!" Senior Pine laughed heartily at the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s response. "Well, at least now you have no choice but to rely on the Ice Soul Gu. Now that it¡¯s been exposed, the Gu God Sect¡¯s cultivators will surely emerge soon¡­ Heh heh heh." Lin Jing rolled his eyes. It didn¡¯t matter¡ªhe had already decided to seclude himself in the Academy for at least sixty years. He wouldn¡¯t leave unless the Academy collapsed¡ªwhich, realistically, wasn¡¯t happening anytime soon. Book 2: Chapter 114: Renowned Across the Ancient Kingdom Vol 2 Chapter 114: Renowned Across the Ancient Kingdom "Congratulations." The visitor was indeed Mo Qianyi. Upon seeing Lin Jing, she immediately offered her congratulations, though her expression remained neutral. "I should thank you for not continuing to challenge me; otherwise, I might not have been the last one standing," Lin Jing said, inviting her inside. "There¡¯s no need to say that. Even if all six remaining contestants had challenged you in succession and one of them eventually wore you down, it wouldn¡¯t change the fact that your overall combat strength was the highest among all participants." "Besides, based on what you showed, I don''t believe you hadn''t anticipated that scenario. Would you really have been worn down and defeated?" Lin Jing simply smiled without answering. Who knew? But he did have one last trump card¡ªone he saw no need to use. Even if he had exhausted himself and collapsed, it wouldn''t have mattered. After all, what he wanted was to be ranked first on the Genius Rankings, not necessarily to be the final victor of the Genius Battle. "Judging by your expression, did I hit the mark?" Mo Qianyi smirked. A Beast Tamer proficient in Mechanized Arts, capable of dual-cultivating Buddhist and Demonic techniques¡ªwho knew how many more hidden cards he had? "Heh, let¡¯s just finish our deal." Lin Jing shifted the topic. "I¡¯ve already prepared the mech design blueprints and its core materials." "And my item, have you prepared it?" Mo Qianyi took out a contract scroll and said, "This is a contract from Lotus Pavilion. Let¡¯s sign it first to guarantee the transaction." ¡ª Shortly after, Tianji Pavilion released the latest Genius Rankings. This particular ranking was especially anticipated due to the Genius Battle. Not all cultivators could personally visit Tianji City to watch the event. Most cultivators in their respective regions simply awaited the rankings to be announced. ¡ª Wasteland Domain, Hundred Flower Valley, Beast Taming Peak "Say, your Holy Son should have participated in the Genius Battle that Tianji Pavilion broadcasted, right? I wonder if Holy Son Lin made it into the top twenty?" A petite, adorable Hundred Flower Valley female disciple chattered away as she strolled alongside a Beast Taming Sect disciple, her mouth never stopping. Ever since Lin Jing had displayed his formidable strength during his Holy Son Inauguration Ceremony, the relationship between the two sects had grown much closer. Hundred Flower Valley disciples no longer saw Beast Taming Sect as beggars and even treated them with genuine friendliness. This left Beast Taming Sect disciples ecstatic, shouting praises for their Holy Son. "He should be fine, right? Junior Brother Lin is extraordinarily talented. I think he might even make the top ten." Senior Brother Ziran of Beast Taming Sect chuckled, scratching his head. "Really? Senior Brother Ziran, I heard you once entered a Cavern Heaven with Holy Son Lin. Is that true?" The adorable girl leaned in, her large eyes filled with curiosity. Under her gaze, Senior Brother Ziran gulped. Just then, a streak of rainbow light flashed across the sky above Beast Taming Peak. "Eh? Senior Sister Teng??" Inside the rainbow light was a Hundred Flower Valley disciple wearing robes embroidered with a yellow butterfly pattern. Upon hearing her junior sister call out, she stopped briefly. "Senior Sister, aren¡¯t you supposed to be guarding the mountain gate? Why are you here at Beast Taming Peak?" The petite girl asked curiously. Taking a deep breath, the Yellow Butterfly Disciple held a stack of newspapers and said, "The latest World Report is out. I came to deliver a copy to the elders of Beast Taming Sect." "The Genius Battle has ended? Senior Sister, what¡¯s Holy Son Lin¡¯s rank?" Both the petite disciple and Senior Brother Ziran eagerly awaited the answer. "Lin Holy Son¡­ I¡­" The Yellow Butterfly Disciple still looked utterly dumbfounded, unable to express herself properly. Instead, she simply tossed them a newspaper. "They can read it themselves... I¡¯m leaving." "I hope their hearts can withstand the shock¡­" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Senior Brother Ziran and the male disciple from Hundred Flower Valley grabbed the paper and read it, their pupils shrank. "F-First place???" Moments later¡ª Hundred Flower Valley was in an uproar. No matter what people were doing, they were all startled by the deafening commotion. At Beast Taming Peak, there was an eruption of wild howls and bestial roars, so much so that slower disciples thought all of Beast Taming Sect¡¯s contracted beasts had gone into heat simultaneously. "OOOOHHH!!!" The Demonic Beast Ancestors of Beast Taming Sect revealed their true forms, roaring in delight. "I told you he could do it!" "This Holy Son was the right choice!" "Genius Rankings, First Place! Even though it''s only the Human List, anyone who¡¯s reached first place on this ranking¡ªunless they die prematurely or exhaust their lifespan¡ªhas always reached the Nascent Soul Stage!" "With the fortune he brings alone, Beast Taming Sect should be able to rise again. The potential of a first-place Genius Ranking talent should be more than enough to surpass us old folks, right?" ¡ª Genius Rankings - First Place: Lin Jing Cultivation: Qi Refinement Stage 12 Age: 29 Affiliation: Beast Taming Sect Profile: First place in the Genius Battle. Contracts two beasts¡ªone is a Squirrel Spirit possessing the True Form of a Demon King and powerful Buddhist Arts, the other is one of the Ten Rare Gu of the Gu God Sect¡ªthe Ice Soul Gu. Defeated the previous Genius Rankings leader, Innate Dao Physique Chen Zhong, proving himself unrivaled beneath Core Formation! ¡ª "Too bad it¡¯s just fortune. The Longevity Body makes it hard to convert that potential into actual strength¡­" One of the Demonic Beast Ancestors sighed in sorrow. Every previous first-place Genius Ranking holder had stably reached Nascent Soul, but with a Longevity Body, things were much less certain. Especially now that he also carried the negative effects of one of the Ten Rare Gu. "Send him a letter. Tell him to stay put in the academy and not roam around. The sect can manage fine without him for now." Grand Elder Wang Batian shared the same thoughts as Lin Jing himself¡ªhe should stay in the academy and develop for a hundred years first. ¡ª Meanwhile¡ª Deep inside Hundred Flower Valley, the Valley Master read the newspaper under Elder Fang¡¯s watchful gaze. Hearing the Beast Taming Peak¡¯s wild commotion, Elder Fang sighed in regret. "I told you, I told you, Valley Master, you missed out on a heaven-sent opportunity." "But at least we established goodwill by giving him a bottle of Hundred Flower Honey and a secret technique." "First place¡­ huh?" The Valley Master¡¯s gaze flickered. In all these years of close ties between Hundred Flower Valley and Beast Taming Sect, when had the latter ever produced such a monstrous genius? "But¡­ Ice Soul Gu? Is Beast Taming Sect serious about this?" She frowned. Being knowledgeable in insect cultivation, she was keenly aware of just how dangerous the Ten Rare Gu were. ¡ª Tianji City With Lin Jing¡¯s first-place ranking, Tianji Pavilion sent him an invitation. "Come with me. Master asked me to bring you to receive Senior Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s blessing. You must be satisfied now, right?" "I thought you were still at Qi Refinement Eleven, trying to break through to Qi Refinement Twelve, but you¡¯re actually challenging Qi Refinement Thirteen now?" Bai Yuran clicked her tongue. "It¡¯s thanks to the Ice Soul Gu, right? With this, you should unlock your third contract slot. Have you already found a pet beast strong enough to help you break through?" Lin Jing smiled at Bai Yuran. "Of course I have. In fact, I entered the Genius Battle just for its evolution. Let¡¯s hope everything goes smoothly." This was the day he had waited for¡ªthe day his Dragon Carp would leap over the Dragon Gate. Book 2: Chapter 115: The Starry Cosmos Blessing Vol 2 Chapter 115: The Starry Cosmos Blessing Under Bai Yuran¡¯s guidance, Lin Jing arrived at Tianji Pavilion for the second time. Inside the grand hall, Tian Huihua was already waiting. He had the air of a mystic fraudster, smiling as though lost in thought. "Senior Brother." Bai Yuran greeted him with a slight bow before asking, "I¡¯ve brought him. Where is Master?" "Senior Tian." Lin Jing also bowed respectfully. Tian Huihua smirked, "Master calculated that he and the Longevity Body are incompatible. It¡¯s best if they don¡¯t meet, so I¡¯ll be the one taking him to see Senior Starry Cosmos Turtle." "Huh?" Bai Yuran was momentarily stunned. "The Longevity Body clashes with Master?" "Doesn¡¯t seem like it. More likely, Master just doesn¡¯t want to see Senior Starry Cosmos Turtle. After all, his heart isn¡¯t too strong." Bai Yuran nodded in understanding. Lin Jing, on the other hand, was completely confused. "Has Bai Junior Sister already explained the blessing process to you?" Tian Huihua asked, turning to Lin Jing. "She explained it long ago. He wants to borrow the Power of the Future." Bai Yuran added, "With Senior Starry Cosmos Turtle¡¯s abilities, that should be no problem, right?" "We¡¯ll find out once we ask." "But before we go, Beast Taming Sect kid, no matter what you hear next, don¡¯t take it to heart." Tian Huihua waved his sleeve, and a surge of power enveloped them¡ªSpatial Shift. Before Lin Jing could even process what was happening, they had already arrived at the top floor of Tianji Pavilion. ¡ª The room was vast and empty, with only a single stone table in the center. Atop the table sat a small black turtle, gazing up at the starry sky. Its shell was embedded with countless colorful gems, resembling stars in a miniature night sky. "Senior." Upon seeing the turtle, Tian Huihua immediately covered his ears and said, "I¡¯ve brought him. He¡¯s the first-place winner of the Genius Battle." "Longevity Body... what a shame you didn¡¯t inherit any talent. Otherwise, you¡¯d be far more suited to lead Tianji Pavilion than those old men." Starry Cosmos Turtle slowly turned its head toward Lin Jing, making him pause in silence. Lin Jing coughed lightly and said, "Greetings, Senior. I wish to borrow a Foundation Establishment contract power while still in Qi Refinement Stage, essentially forming a drop of Contract Blood ahead of time. Is this possible?" "Easy." Starry Cosmos Turtle replied nonchalantly, "A trivial matter. When it comes to Time and Space Dao, not even that Ancient Emperor brat can compare to me." Lin Jing fell silent again before stepping forward and extending his hand. The small turtle floated into the air and gently landed on Lin Jing¡¯s palm. In the next instant, a mysterious transformation occurred within Lin Jing¡¯s body. To his amazement, a third drop of golden Contract Blood condensed instantly inside him, yet his cultivation remained at Qi Refinement Stage. It was as if the Contract Blood had appeared out of thin air¡ªa truly mystical process. "It¡¯s done. Remember, this blood is something you were destined to condense in the future. You¡¯ve simply borrowed it early. Once you reach Foundation Establishment, you won¡¯t be able to acquire this drop again." "Understood, Senior!" With the blessing complete, Starry Cosmos Turtle turned back to the sky and muttered, "Now, let me continue my nap. I was dreaming that the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s fortune is about to be depleted. I need to finish the dream to see what happens next." Tian Huihua unplugged his ears and waved his hand. "All done? Then we¡¯ll take our leave, Senior. Rest well." ¡ª Shortly after, Lin Jing reunited with Bai Yuran and the others. "Senior Brother! Dragon Carp¡ªdid it succeed?" "It worked," Tian Huihua confirmed. He then turned toward Dragon Carp and smirked. "Bai Yuran¡¯s younger self had quite a sharp tongue. I assume you heard everything she was saying?" "Just some trivial gossip." Dragon Carp replied casually. "Good, that¡¯s a relief," Tian Huihua sighed in relief. "Well, as long as it worked." Bai Yuran didn¡¯t dwell on the mystery and instead turned to Lin Jing excitedly. "So, Holy Son, what¡¯s your next move?" "As far as I know, you joined the Demon-Slaying Bureau, right? How about¡ª" "Hold on." Lin Jing suddenly interrupted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "From what I¡¯ve heard, Tianji Pavilion disciples undergo 50 years of astrology training and 30 years of fate-reading, for a total of 80 years of cultivation before they¡¯re allowed to travel. Bai Yuran, you¡¯ve only trained for 20 years, correct?" "That means¡­ you still have 60 years of closed-door cultivation ahead. And I¡¯m also planning to retreat in the academy for a full cycle of 60 years. So let¡¯s talk about cooperation¡­ in six decades!" Lin Jing smiled. Bai Yuran froze on the spot. "Are you kidding me?!" She nearly coughed up blood. The only reason she had sought out Lin Jing was to avoid 80 years of closed-door training by using his Longevity Body for faster cultivation. And now, he was planning to shut himself away for 60 years too?! Lin Jing hurriedly explained, "The further one progresses in cultivation, the harder it becomes. Bai Yuran, you can steadily advance with your current training. Wouldn¡¯t it be wiser to seek my help only when you hit a bottleneck?" "Besides, I¡¯m still in Qi Refinement, and I plan to remain secluded in the academy. What dangers could possibly find me?" "He¡¯s right," Tian Huihua agreed. "But¡­ but¡­" Bai Yuran pointed at herself. "Sixty years later, I¡¯ll be an old woman! I¡¯m not a Longevity Body like you!" "Nonsense," Tian Huihua chuckled. "In 60 years, you¡¯ll probably have reached Nascent Soul Stage. With a lifespan of over a thousand years, you¡¯ll still be a child by cultivation standards." Bai Yuran rolled her eyes. Since Lin Jing wasn¡¯t interested in cooperating early, she had no choice. "Fine. Once I finish my closed-door training, I¡¯ll come find you in the academy. You¡¯d better still be around by then!" "Hehe, I promise." Lin Jing nodded. "In that case, farewell for now. The academy elders have been secretly watching over you the whole time. They won¡¯t feel at ease until you safely return." Tian Huihua smiled. Lin Jing nodded once more. He was just as eager to return to the academy¡¯s safety. But before that¡­ ¡ª Leaving Tianji Pavilion, Lin Jing quickly returned to his inn and pulled Dragon Carp aside. He condensed the Contract Blood and presented it to the beast. Upon seeing it, Dragon Carp¡¯s breath quickened. "So fragrant!" "Calm down," Lin Jing reassured. "I already told you¡ªyou are my third contract beast. No one else can take your place." "But aren¡¯t you still missing materials for a Mechanized Turtle?" At that moment, Divine Pine suddenly materialized and muttered, "A Mechanized Turtle won¡¯t keep you warm in the winter, though." "That¡¯s irrelevant." Lin Jing pressed the Contract Blood onto Dragon Carp¡¯s forehead. In the next moment, a wave of warmth surged through his body. Although his cultivation remained unchanged, the side effects of using the Ice Soul Gu¡ªcold limbs¡ªinstantly disappeared. "Not bad." Just as Lin Jing was marveling at the effectiveness of contracting a fire-attribute beast, Dragon Carp suddenly froze, its eyes flashing as if recalling something. Its thoughts drifted back to the waterfall in Beast Taming Sect, where it had once meditated beneath the pool. An infinite starlight illuminated the water¡¯s surface, cascading down onto its body. BOOM! A sudden change erupted within Dragon Carp¡¯s body. Not only had its bond with Lin Jing deepened¡­ Something else was happening. "Wait¡­ what¡¯s going on?" Even Divine Pine widened its eyes in shock. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Book 2: Chapter 116: An Unexpected Gain Vol 2 Chapter 116: An Unexpected Gain "Rare Beast?" "A mutation?!" Lin Jing, still in the midst of his contract with Dragon Carp, suddenly opened his eyes, a look of astonishment flashing across his face. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He could clearly sense the changes happening to Dragon Carp. It was the exact same phenomenon that had occurred when he contracted Pine Leaf Mouse, causing it to mutate into a Rare Beast. "Wait¡­" Lin Jing''s expression froze. Was Dragon Carp also mutating into a Rare Beast just because of the contract?! Dragon Carp''s mouth trembled slightly, its expression tense as if it were awakening some kind of special power. Seeing this, Lin Jing took a deep breath. Before this contract, he hadn¡¯t given much thought to Rare Beast mutations. Though Elder Mo had mentioned that contracting a beast while possessing a special physique could increase the probability of mutation, Lin Jing had always assumed that Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mutation was just a lucky accident. After all, when he contracted Ice Soul Gu, nothing happened¡ªno mutation, no change. That had led Lin Jing to completely set aside the idea of Rare Beast mutations this time. His only focus had been to contract Dragon Carp and help it undergo its Dragon Transformation. But now, this unexpected change had given Lin Jing a huge surprise¡ªone that made him reconsider his own circumstances. "Could it be that¡­ I have some kind of physique that naturally triggers beast mutations?" "The reason Ice Soul Gu didn¡¯t mutate into a Rare Beast might be because Gu worms have a unique life form that prevents them from awakening Rare Beast abilities¡­ Or maybe it was just had bad luck." Ice Soul Gu: ??? "But if creatures like Pine Leaf Mouse and Dragon Carp, which have normal life cycles, contract with me and have a high probability of mutating into Rare Beasts¡­" "Then why am I even calling myself Longevity Body? I should be calling myself Rare Beast Body instead!" Lin Jing¡¯s breathing quickened. With Pine Leaf Mouse, he already understood the power of Rare Beasts. Now, he only wanted to know¡ªwhat kind of Rare Beast ability would Dragon Carp awaken? Would it be a support ability? A combat ability? Or something entirely new? ¡ª A Moment Later¡­ The contract was completed, and Dragon Carp''s eyes gleamed in a daze. A massive wave of inherited knowledge surged into its bloodline. Ancient memories surfaced in Dragon Carp¡¯s mind as if awakening a latent ancestral ability. It instantly understood everything. ¡°BO!!!¡± Dragon Carp''s dazed gaze turned sharp and fierce. Rare Beast Ability: [Flame Emperor] Effect: Allows the fusion of multiple types of fire, drastically enhancing their power. ¡ª "An offensive ability, huh¡­?" Lin Jing murmured. ¡ª Inside the sealed chamber, Dragon Carp activated its top-tier beast fire¡ªDragon Scales Fire. Dragon Scales Fire took the form of overlapping scales, its flames coiling like a soaring dragon, radiating immense heat. Apart from that, Dragon Carp also possessed Ghostfire, a demonic flame specialized in burning souls. Ghostfire was black, chaotic in form, resembling twisting spirits. Its eerie nature made it highly unsettling. These two flames had completely different properties: Ghostfire couldn¡¯t be used for alchemy to refine pills like the Rising Dragon Pill.Dragon Scales Fire couldn¡¯t be used to refine demonic pills like the Pain Pill or Demonic Smoke Pill.They couldn¡¯t coexist and certainly couldn¡¯t fuse¡ªuntil now. With the Flame Emperor ability, Dragon Carp¡¯s two unique flames began to merge. Within moments, a black dragon-like flame roared into existence. The Black Dragon Flame coiled around Dragon Carp, dark mist rising from its body as its power surged dramatically. "Interesting." Divine Pine, who had been observing from the side, murmured in fascination. "In terms of quality, this flame is already comparable to that Extinction Wildfire." "The one inside Yan Xiangbei¡¯s high-grade magic treasure?" Lin Jing asked. During his battle against Yan Xiangbei from Burning Immortal Valley, the opponent had used a top-tier foreign fire fueled by his high-grade magic treasure, possessing terrifying destructive force. "Yeah, that one was strong. If a Nascent Soul cultivator refined it, it could be used as a deadly trump card¡ªit¡¯s definitely top-tier." "But in terms of potential, this Black Dragon Flame isn¡¯t inferior. Once Dragon Carp completes its Dragon Transformation and reaches Foundation Establishment, its power might even surpass the Extinction Wildfire used in the tournament." "And this isn''t even the full potential of its ability, is it?" Divine Pine asked. Lin Jing nodded. Exactly. Right now, Dragon Carp could only control two different flames. But what if it could control three, four, or even more than ten different types of fire? The flames it fused could become even more terrifying. It might even reach the level of Celestial Fire, a flame strong enough to resist Tribulation Lightning! Unlike Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Rare Beast ability, which focused on material synthesis, Dragon Carp¡¯s ability was pure destruction. No¡ªnot just destruction. A powerful flame could be an invaluable tool for alchemy and artifact refinement! A grin slowly formed on Lin Jing¡¯s lips. The next step¡ªgather more unique flames for Dragon Carp to refine! ¡ª ¡°Bo¡­¡± At the same time, Dragon Carp¡ªnow surrounded by Black Dragon Flames¡ªturned its sharp gaze toward Pine Leaf Mouse and Ice Soul Gu. It wanted a fight. A spar, a duel, a battle of abilities. Seeing this, Divine Pine fell silent for a moment. Then, it finally spoke. "You¡­ You brat¡­ what are you even?" "This Longevity Body of yours¡­ is it truly just that?" "Two Rare Beasts as contracted pets¡­ Your luck is absolutely ridiculous." Divine Pine suddenly thought of a possibility and turned toward Lin Jing with a serious expression. "Are you¡­ a reincarnated immortal?" Lin Jing laughed. "Impossible." "At most, I¡¯m the reincarnation of an unlucky guy. Whatever I lacked in my past life, I¡¯m making up for in this one." "Scammer," Divine Pine muttered, still unable to understand. ¡ª Back at Tianji City - Interdomain Teleportation Array Holding his meditation staff, a gourd hanging from his waist, and dressed in white robes, Lin Jing couldn¡¯t stop smiling. Mr. Cao, standing beside him, shook his head. "You look way too pleased." "Then again, reaching first place on the Genius Rankings¡ªyeah, I suppose it¡¯s something to be happy about." "Of course," Lin Jing laughed. "Here, the Hidden Dragon Fortune is constantly accumulating. In just one day, I¡¯ve gained as much fortune as I used to in an entire year!" Unfortunately, once he turned 30, he¡¯d be removed from the rankings. And as for the Earth List, which allowed geniuses under 60 to compete¡­ With opponents like Cold Moon Sword Immortal Feng Ning, who could already slay Nascent Soul cultivators at Core Formation Perfection, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t eager to join that battlefield just yet. He¡¯d retreat for ten years first¡ªuntil all of his beasts reached Perfected Foundation Establishment. But his happiest gain from this trip? Aside from Divine Pine, he couldn¡¯t tell anyone just yet. "Time to head back to the academy," Mr. Cao nodded. Lin Jing agreed. And so, he chose the Interdomain Teleportation Array. It was expensive, but also extremely safe. Moreover, the process itself was a great opportunity to comprehend spatial laws. Or so they had been told. ¡ª But the moment Lin Jing and Pine Leaf Mouse arrived back at Hidden Dragon City¡­ "That was way too fast. I didn''t feel anything at all." They had been scammed by the Ancient Kingdom¡¯s marketing tactics. Book 3: Chapter 1: Qingzhou Vol 3 Chapter 1: Qingzhou A turbulent stream suddenly froze over as a surge of frost erupted into the air. Shatter! From within the frozen surface, a fist punched through the ice. ¡°Where the hell did I get teleported to?¡± The ice split apart, and a young man with short black hair climbed out. With a single sweep of his divine sense, he immediately grasped everything within a few kilometers. This young man was none other than Lin Jing, who had been teleported to an unknown location by the Celestial Palace Teleportation Compass! As soon as the teleportation ended, Lin Jing took stock of his surroundings. Since this was a random teleportation, if what Senior Pine said was true, and he ended up in the den of some high-level demonic beasts, then his life would be as good as over. On the Tianyuan Continent, the domain of demonic beasts was hardly any smaller than that of humans¡­ The Misty Forest, the Cloud Sea Mountains, and the Western Desert Snow Plains¡ªeach was ruled by a Beast Emperor at the equivalent of the Dao-Seeking Stage, overseeing a vast empire of monsters. Fortunately, a quick scan of his divine sense confirmed that he wasn¡¯t so unlucky. He had merely landed in an uncharted forest. There were no significant threats within a few kilometers¡ªnot even a single Foundation Establishment-level beast. ¡°A forest¡­¡± Just knowing that he was in a forest wasn¡¯t enough for Lin Jing to determine his exact location. As he pondered his situation, three contracted beasts¡ªPine Leaf Mouse, Fire Qilin Dragon, and Ice Soul Gu¡ªemerged one after another, reacting to the sudden teleportation. ¡°Hey! Hey!!¡± ¡°Roar!!!¡± "Good thing you three are linked to me through our contract, treating us as one entity¡­¡± With his contracted beasts by his side, Lin Jing felt slightly reassured. Senior Pine had also been teleported to an unknown location and could no longer protect him. If he had been separated from his beasts as well, his remaining combat power would have left him feeling utterly defenseless. ¡°This damn compass.¡± Lin Jing checked his Myriad Beast Circle once more and confirmed that his mosquito beast swarm had indeed been stripped away. He cursed under his breath. Without them, his Mosquito-Powered Mech was temporarily useless. Thankfully, mosquito beasts weren¡¯t exactly rare. As long as he could return to Hidden Dragon Academy, he could easily commission an instructor to help him capture a few from the Cloud Sea Mountains. Once he had a breeding pair, they¡¯d multiply quickly. ?????N??¦¥? Still, given the current unknown circumstances, even if he had the mech, he wouldn¡¯t dare use it¡ªit would make him an instant target for the Demonic Sect. ¡°What now?¡± Lin Jing recalled Senior Pine¡¯s warning¡ªthis teleportation was likely orchestrated by the Yin Corpse Sect and the Gu God Sect. Although the Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s demonic cultivators claimed they were retaliating against the academy¡¯s interference in their grand scheme, no one on Lin Jing¡¯s side believed that was the whole truth. Chances were, they were after his Longevity Body. ¡°You think the Gu God Sect has a way to track you down?¡± Lin Jing asked Ice Soul Gu. ¡°No idea¡­ Maybe I should fake my death and go into hibernation?¡± Ice Soul Gu whimpered, clearly terrified. For all its usual arrogance, it wasn¡¯t willing to risk being captured by the Gu God Sect. Better to cry inside the body of a Longevity Body cultivator than to laugh in the hands of a Gu Sect parasite master. Just like birds choose the best tree to nest in, Gu creatures do the same. Ice Soul Gu firmly believed that Lin Jing¡¯s potential would surpass the entire Gu God Sect. The sect only had one Gu God at the Dao-Seeking Stage, after all. If Lin Jing grew strong enough, not only could he devour the Nine Rare Gu, but he might even surpass the Gu God himself one day. ¡°Then go ahead and fake your death. Keep your aura hidden at all costs.¡± "Our next major goal¡­ is to get back to the Ancient Celestial Kingdom as soon as possible.¡± Lin Jing opened his palm, revealing a golden leaf that Senior Pine had given him before the teleportation. Senior Pine had claimed that this leaf could help mask his presence from fate-divining techniques, making it harder for powerful cultivators to track him down. But just how effective it was¡­ Lin Jing wasn¡¯t entirely sure. ¡°Well, it¡¯s gotta be useful to some extent. Senior Pine managed to break through to the Nascent Soul Stage unnoticed and hide in the Beast Taming Sect for so many years without being discovered¡ªhe definitely has some tricks up his sleeve.¡± ¡°With this leaf, combined with my Shedding Art and Thousand Transformations Technique, I just need to lay low and avoid exposure. At least in the short term, the two Demonic Sects shouldn¡¯t be able to track me¡­ If they do, well, that¡¯s just my bad luck.¡± Lin Jing took a deep breath and recalled Pine Leaf Mouse and Fire Qilin Dragon into his Myriad Beast Circle. For now, he needed to minimize the use of his Beast Taming Abilities to avoid drawing attention. His body slowly floated upward. While extending his divine sense to scout ahead, he transformed into a streak of rainbow light and flew toward the outer edges of the forest. During this time, his appearance and body shape gradually changed¡­ Returning to the Ancient Celestial Kingdom was the priority, but first, he needed to figure out where he was. If he was already within one of the kingdom¡¯s regions, that would make things much easier. After flying for a while, though he hadn¡¯t yet left the forest, Lin Jing finally spotted a living person. A mid-stage Qi Refinement teenager, no older than fifteen or sixteen, was wandering alone through the forest, seemingly searching for something. Lin Jing sighed in relief. In situations like this, the worst thing would be not encountering anyone at all. As long as there were people around, it meant civilization wasn¡¯t too far away¡ªat least he hadn¡¯t ended up in some forsaken death trap like the Misty Forest. A sudden gust of wind roared through the air. Descending from the clouds, Lin Jing landed directly in front of the startled youth. The moment he saw Lin Jing¡¯s disguised ordinary-looking form, the Qi Refinement teenager felt an overwhelming pressure. Foundation Establishment! Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees, bowing his head. "Junior greets Senior! I didn¡¯t know you were cultivating here¡ªI have disturbed your meditation. I deserve to die for my offense!" "I swear this is all I have¡ªplease, have mercy!" He hastily took out a few Spirit Stones as an offering. Lin Jing scoffed internally. He had spent a decade training quietly in the academy without stepping foot outside, yet he still got dragged into this mess. A silken thread shot out and pierced the youth¡¯s body. Instantly, the boy¡¯s eyes glazed over as Ice Soul Gu took control of his mind. ¡°Where is this place?¡± Lin Jing asked. In a monotone voice, the youth replied, ¡°Senior, this is Senluo Path, one of the Sixteen Paths of Qingzhou, just outside Linlang City, within the Evergreen Forest.¡± Qingzhou! Lin Jing looked up at the sky. So he had ended up in Qingzhou¡­ Not exactly a demonic beast stronghold, but returning to the Ancient Celestial Kingdom from here wouldn¡¯t be easy either. Since the Misty Forest¡¯s fog disrupted divine sense and spatial travel, no teleportation arrays existed between Qingzhou and the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. To return, one had to physically traverse the Misty Forest. And that was demonic beast territory¡ªfull of terrifying creatures who called themselves emperors and ancestors. Only Lotus Pavilion had a relatively safe trade route through the forest, supposedly thanks to some kind of deal with a powerful beast. But under current circumstances, with the Yin Corpse Sect and Gu God Sect on high alert, even disguising himself and traveling with Lotus Pavilion¡¯s trade caravan wouldn¡¯t be entirely safe. And to make things worse, Qingzhou was actually the Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s main base of operations. In this situation, returning safely to the kingdom seemed nearly impossible. ¡°¡­Didn¡¯t Sect Master Xu Xiaoyao and Senior Brother Ouyang Hao come to Qingzhou with Lotus Pavilion to make a name for themselves?¡± ¡°¡­But given the current situation, meeting up with them might not be the best idea. Staying hidden and waiting for Senior Pine to find me seems like the safer option.¡± Lin Jing sighed. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If only he had already cultivated the Heavenly Demon Physique. With at least four thousand years of lifespan to burn, he wouldn¡¯t have to be so damn cautious all the time. If he had reached Core Formation, with a lifespan nearing ten thousand years, combined with the Heavenly Demon Physique, he¡¯d feel far more secure. But alas, he hadn¡¯t. Gazing at the controlled youth, Lin Jing asked, ¡°Who are you, and what are you doing alone in this forest?¡± Book 3: Chapter 2: Thousand Illusions Mountain Vol 3 Chapter 2: Thousand Illusions Mountain Under Lin Jing¡¯s control, the Qi Refinement teenager spilled everything. His name was Lin Yun, a member of the Lin Clan from Linlang City. Though he lacked any special physique, he had an exceptional mastery over True Energy, allowing him to execute techniques with extraordinary finesse. For the past few months, Lin Yun had been experiencing a strange recurring dream¡ªone that hinted at a great opportunity hidden within the Evergreen Forest. At first, he dismissed it as a mere dream. But after having it more than ten times, he started to suspect that a high-level cultivator was using dreams to bestow him with a fated chance. So, he came to the forest to seek it out. ¡°What an idiot¡­¡± Lin Jing shook his head, retracting the spider silk before instructing Ice Soul Gu to erase the boy¡¯s recent memories. Then, he turned and left. ¡°What opportunity? As if it¡¯s real¡­¡± ¡°The so-called opportunity he¡¯s talking about is most likely a scam.¡± ¡°They lure a so-called ''genius'' like him out of his clan, deceive him into venturing deep into the wilderness, and then¡ª¡ªkidnap him. ¡­No one understands being abducted better than do.¡± Having personally experienced the Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s attempt to kidnap and sell him, Lin Jing had zero faith in these so-called fated opportunities¡ªthey were just elaborate traps. Yet, as he continued flying forward, he suddenly halted in midair. His gaze locked onto a cave entrance, concealed beneath a dense canopy of trees. At first glance, the mountain appeared utterly unremarkable, but Lin Jing, whose mastery of Illusion Arts was second to none, could easily perceive the illusion formation concealing the cave. He hesitated for a moment before flicking out a strand of spider silk, dragging a manual out from within the cave. The grandiose name of the technique momentarily stunned Lin Jing. Wait¡­ an opportunity here? But as soon as he flipped open the manual and read its contents, he fell silent. Yeah. No thanks. ¡°To cultivate this technique, one must first sever their roots. Only by severing your roots can you slay immortals! I, the Rootless Immortal, spent two hundred years perfecting this divine technique during my Core Formation stage. Alas, my lifespan is running out, and I can no longer see this divine art reach its full potential¡­ I hereby leave it in this place, awaiting a fated successor. If you have found this, it means your talent is as extraordinary as mine. Remember my name¡ªRootless Immortal! May you master this Immortal-Slaying Art and, with great determination, defy the heavens and sever the Dao!¡± ???????B¨§? Lin Jing flipped through a few more pages before confirming¡ªthis was a completely useless technique. Without hesitation, he tossed it back into the cave. If that Qi Refinement kid had found this so-called opportunity, he likely wouldn¡¯t have cultivated it anyway. Shortly after, Lin Jing arrived in Linlang City. Qingzhou was divided into sixteen regions, similar to the Nine Domains of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Each region was home to numerous cultivation sects and cities. However, unlike the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, Qingzhou was far more chaotic. Demonic cultivators ran rampant, which was precisely why the Yin Corpse Sect had established its main base here. Beyond that, sects like the Harmony Sect, which specialized in flesh trade, and assassination organizations flourished here far more than in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. Of course, while there was no imperial government, cultivators who slaughtered mortals indiscriminately or used them for cultivation experiments were still hunted down and exterminated by rival sects. Especially if the mortals in question resided within a sect¡¯s territory. After all, cultivators don¡¯t just appear out of thin air. Cultivation sects needed a large mortal population to produce talented disciples. Whether they wanted these disciples to inherit the sect¡¯s Dao or simply use them as cheap labor, they needed people. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus, when demonic cultivators massacred mortals for their own cultivation, orthodox sects saw it as a direct attack on their foundation. Lin Jing gathered more information upon arriving in Linlang City. He learned that Thousand Illusions Mountain was located in Senluo Path, one of Qingzhou¡¯s Sixteen Paths. The weakest faction in Senluo Path was called Senluo Hall, which had no Void Mystical Stage cultivators overseeing it. However, Senluo Path was also home to three first-rate factions, each with Nascent Soul-level powerhouses: Myriad Beast SectFlower SectThousand Illusions Mountain ¡°¡­Right, I almost forgot¡ªSenluo Path is where the Myriad Beast Sect of Qingzhou is located.¡± ¡°What a coincidence.¡± Lin Jing wasn¡¯t sure whether the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s Deputy Sect Master and his two disciples had returned from the Ancient Celestial Kingdom yet. Those three knew him to some extent. But as long as he avoided using techniques that could expose his identity, he should be fine. Originally, Lin Jing had planned to head for Tongtian Path, the strongest path in Qingzhou, ruled by the most powerful human faction¡ªTongtian Tower. Tongtian Tower was a pill-refining faction. Qingzhou had always been renowned for its herbs and alchemy, far surpassing the Ancient Celestial Kingdom in pill refinement techniques. And the most prestigious alchemy faction in Qingzhou was none other than Tongtian Tower. Rumors claimed that Tongtian Tower housed a sentient Celestial Pill. Just a trace of its aura could grant a cultivator a massive surge in battle power. The Tower Master was said to be so powerful that even among Dao-Seeking cultivators, he ranked among the strongest¡ªentirely thanks to this Celestial Pill Spirit. One of the reasons why the Ancient Celestial Kingdom had never annexed Qingzhou was because of this very Celestial Pill Spirit. Even if the Ancient Emperor could harness the power of national destiny, the Celestial Pill Spirit wasn¡¯t to be trifled with. At the very least, Tongtian Tower wouldn¡¯t be subjugated as easily as the Ancient Emperor had subdued other sects in the past. Lin Jing had originally intended to go to Tongtian Path because of its thriving alchemy scene. Where there was alchemy, there were bound to be many exotic flames¡ªpowerful flames used for refining pills. If he could find a flame that burned lifespan, he could use it to cultivate the Heavenly Demon Physique. But now, he had changed his mind. Even if he found such a flame, obtaining it with his current strength and wealth would be nearly impossible. Moreover, Tongtian Path was crawling with high-level cultivators. With his current Illusion Dao abilities, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hide his Longevity Body for long. His enemies weren¡¯t only the Yin Corpse Sect. There was another Longevity Body cultivator in this world¡ªone who was currently imprisoned within a powerful demonic beast clan in Qingzhou. Instead of rushing to Tongtian Path, Lin Jing decided it would be safer to first improve his Illusion Arts in Senluo Path. Thousand Illusions Mountain was a sect specializing in illusions, led by a Nascent Soul Ancestor who was in permanent closed-door cultivation. Day-to-day sect affairs were managed by the Sect Master, who was half-step Nascent Soul, bordering on Semi-Divine Realm. The sect possessed not only the Thousand Illusions Codex, but also two powerful secret techniques: Inverse Void ArtBeast Intent Manifestation These two techniques made Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s combat style unique among illusion sects. Their disciples manifested illusions of powerful beasts, using their aura and ferocity to inflict mental and spiritual damage on enemies. Lin Jing smirked. ¡°Illusion beasts still count as beasts, right?¡± ¡°And if they¡¯re beasts¡­ I can tame them.¡± ¡°¡­That works.¡± Book 3: Chapter 3: Entering the Sect Vol 3 Chapter 3: Entering the Sect A few days later, Lin Jing arrived at the Thousand Illusions Mountain Sect in Senluo Path. On the way here, he had already done thorough research on the sect. Unlike in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, where sects only accepted disciples once every few years, most sects in Qingzhou recruited new members at all times. Thousand Illusions Mountain was no exception. They had an entire mountain peak dedicated to entry examinations, where potential disciples were tested. The test was divided into two categories: The Mortal Examination ¨C for those without cultivationThe Cultivator Examination ¨C for rogue cultivators seeking to join Lin Jing didn¡¯t bother concealing his mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. Having too low a cultivation would make it harder for him to gain access to Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s techniques. However, regardless of whether one was a mortal or a rogue cultivator, the most important part of the examination was the Illusory Heart Formation. This was a powerful illusion formation set up by a high-ranking sect elder. Anyone who entered would have their true intentions exposed¡ªif they sought to join Thousand Illusions Mountain for impure reasons, they would lose their sanity and reveal their true self. ¡°An illusion formation, huh¡­¡± Lin Jing wasn¡¯t particularly worried. It wasn¡¯t because of his own mastery of the Illusion Dao, but because of the Ice Soul Gu within him. With Ice Soul Gu¡¯s ability to freeze his mind, illusions had little to no effect on him. ¡°You wish to join Thousand Illusions Mountain?¡± At the foot of Ascending Immortal Peak, a fat elder in a purple Daoist robe stroked his beard as he scrutinized Lin Jing. ¡°You¡¯ve already reached mid-stage Foundation Establishment at such a young age¡­ quite the talent. Why do you wish to join Thousand Illusions Mountain?¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Jing replied respectfully, ¡°Senior, I am an orphan. Since childhood, I followed my master in cultivation. However, not long ago, my master passed away. Before he died, he told me that I had a talent for the Illusion Dao and advised me to join Thousand Illusions Mountain to become a powerful cultivator.¡± ???????§£§¦S? ¡°A rogue cultivator, huh? What was your master¡¯s name? And yours?¡± the Core Formation elder asked. ¡°My master went by the name ¡®Daoist Huang Song¡¯. As for me¡­ my name is Huang Yu.¡± ¡°Never heard of him.¡± The elder scoffed and waved his hand dismissively. ¡°There are far too many nameless rogue cultivators.¡± ¡°But with your level of talent, as long as you pass the Illusory Heart Formation, joining Thousand Illusions Mountain will be no problem.¡± ¡°However¡­¡± The elder let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°A genius like you? We have plenty. And since you¡¯re joining midway, without someone to guide you, even with your talent in Illusion Dao, becoming a core disciple won¡¯t be easy.¡± Hearing this, Lin Jing clenched his jaw¡ªbut inside, he knew exactly what this meant. With a bleeding heart, he took out a pouch of mid-grade Spirit Stones and handed it over. ¡°Senior, this is just a small token of my respect. I hope you can¡­ guide me a little.¡± The elder weighed the Spirit Stones in his hand and chuckled. ¡°You rogue cultivators always do this kind of thing.¡± ¡°Once you officially join Thousand Illusions Mountain, you must never continue such habits! But¡­¡± ¡°Since you are so eager to pursue the Dao, I¡¯ll make an exception this time.¡± With a satisfied grin, the elder pocketed the Spirit Stones and continued, ¡°You can skip the other tests. Just walk through the Illusory Heart Formation. If you pass, I¡¯ll immediately arrange for you to become an Inner Mountain Disciple.¡± ¡°And¡­ I¡¯ll also grant you one free entry into the Divine Beast Hall.¡± The elder grinned as he gestured toward a stone pathway leading down the mountain. ¡°Go on. It¡¯s only a hundred meters.¡± Using the alias ¡®Xin Feng¡¯, Lin Jing nodded in acknowledgment. Lin Jing¡ªJing Lin¡ªreversed, it becomes ¡®Yu Huang¡¯¡­ symbolizing my ambition. Lin Jing passed through effortlessly. From his divine sense, this Illusory Heart Formation only had an effect on cultivators below the Nascent Soul Stage. His own mastery of Illusion Dao was already high enough to render it useless. Of course, Lin Jing¡¯s Illusion Dao talent wasn¡¯t normal. He had comprehended it beneath the Golden Bodhi Tree¡ªa level far beyond what ordinary cultivators could achieve. If Nascent Soul-level rogue cultivators wished to join Thousand Illusions Mountain, they likely wouldn¡¯t even need to walk through the formation. The Sect Master himself would personally negotiate with them. ¡°Well done.¡± The fat elder in purple robes appeared before Lin Jing in a flash, grinning. ¡°Huang Yu, was it? Wait here¡ªI¡¯ll summon a disciple to bring you inside.¡± As he spoke, he took out a jade token and infused it with spiritual energy. Before long, a streak of rainbow light shot out from Thousand Illusions Mountain toward them. During this time, Lin Jing received a technique manual from the elder. Cultivating this technique allows one¡¯s spiritual energy to naturally carry the properties of Illusion Dao.Depending on mastery, it can deceive the divine sense of cultivators one or two realms higher.Illusions cast with this energy can cause massive spiritual damage.Using Illusion Dao techniques in conjunction with this technique results in greatly enhanced effectiveness. The elder smirked and advised, ¡°I don¡¯t know what cultivation technique you¡¯re practicing now, but you should consider switching while you¡¯re still at a lower realm.¡± ¡°To master Illusion Dao, having a proper Illusion Dao technique is essential.¡± ¡°If you cast illusions using ordinary energy, you¡¯ll only achieve sixty percent of their full potential. But with Thousand Illusions True Energy, their effectiveness will double!¡± ¡°I understand, Senior!¡± Lin Jing responded sincerely. But deep down, he had no intention of switching techniques. He had no plans to pursue Illusion Dao for the long run¡ªhe was simply using it as a temporary cover in Qingzhou. For someone like him, who found cultivation incredibly difficult, the Beast Taming Art suited him far better. Besides, while the Thousand Illusions Codex was decent, it couldn¡¯t compare to his self-created technique¡ªThousand Transformations Technique. His Thousand Transformations Technique could already deceive Nascent Soul cultivators while still in the Qi Refinement Stage. Of course, its current flaw was that it only created deception. Unlike Thousand Illusions True Energy, which could cause direct spiritual damage, his illusions had no real offensive power. That was precisely why Lin Jing had infiltrated Thousand Illusions Mountain¡ªto fill in this gap and further refine his Illusion Dao techniques. ¡°Second Uncle, you called for me?¡± The fat disciple who arrived was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. His round body and shifty eyes made him seem far from trustworthy. The elder glared at him. ¡°How many times have I told you?! Call me Elder You while in the sect!¡± ¡°Ah! Ahem¡ªElder You! What are your orders?¡± ¡°This is Huang Yu. He just passed the examination and joined Thousand Illusions Mountain as a rogue cultivator genius.¡± ¡°He¡¯s qualified to enter the Divine Beast Hall. Take my command token and hand it over to Elder Qin, the guardian of the hall.¡± ¡°Yes, Second Uncle!¡± The fat disciple grinned. Then, he turned to Lin Jing, flashing a wide smile. ¡°Junior Brother Huang! Since you entered the sect through my Second Uncle, I¡¯ll be looking after you from now on.¡± ¡°Come, let me take you to the Divine Beast Hall!¡± Book 2: Chapter 118: A Decade of Foundation Establishment Vol 2 Chapter 118: A Decade of Foundation Establishment When Lin Jing reached the thirteenth stage of Qi Refinement, he barely had time to feel joy before his entire body felt as if it was about to explode¡ªhis body swelling as if it couldn''t contain his energy. ¡°Proceed with Foundation Establishment.¡± Sensing Lin Jing¡¯s condition, Senior Pine immediately spoke up. ¡°It seems your body simply cannot withstand the power of Qi Refinement Stage Thirteen. Quickly, compress your True Qi and begin Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°You are not one of those special physiques capable of carrying massive amounts of True Qi. Although the Ice Soul Gu has strengthened your body to some extent, bearing the power of Qi Refinement Stage Twelve was already your limit.¡± ¡°By pushing your limits with Thunder Dao techniques, you forced your breakthrough to the thirteenth stage, but you won¡¯t be able to remain at this level for long. Still, your goal has been achieved¡ªbegin your Foundation Establishment now!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Without hesitation, Lin Jing sat down, not even sparing a moment to congratulate the Dragonblood Carp on its evolution. He had to begin his own breakthrough immediately. Reaching Foundation Establishment from the thirteenth stage of Qi Refinement required no pills, no rare treasures¡ªhis unparalleled foundation alone was the greatest aid he could ask for. External resources were just support, but Qi Refinement Stage Thirteen was his foundation! Of course, at this point, there was no way to accumulate more¡ªit had already reached its peak. Seated cross-legged, Lin Jing resembled the center of a black hole, his surroundings whirling into a storm of thirteen layers of Qi Refinement energy. Immense spiritual energy from heaven and earth surged into his body, causing his expression to contort in pain. ¡°You three.¡± Senior Pine, ever the worrier, turned to the Pine Leaf Mouse, the newly evolved Fire Qilin Dragon, and the Ice Soul Gu. ¡°Protect him. Use the power of your contracts to transfer your True Essence to him and help him compress his True Qi. Once he completes Foundation Establishment, you will also be able to break through.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve all absorbed far more resources than your current cultivation stages allow. Once the contract¡¯s suppression lifts, your breakthroughs will be even more dramatic!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse had absorbed an immense amount of high-grade wood-elemental life essence... The Ice Soul Gu had absorbed an entire region of extreme cold energy... The Fire Qilin Dragon had devoured vast amounts of Hidden Dragon Fortune and the blood of a Dragon Emperor... Their current early Foundation Establishment stage was far from their true potential. As Lin Jing began his breakthrough, their cultivation realms would undergo a second explosive surge. ¡°ROAR!!!¡± The Fire Qilin Dragon, now wielding Dragon Emperor blood, effortlessly controlled its body size, shrinking to the thickness of an arm before settling beside Lin Jing. The Ice Soul Gu, after throwing a glance at the Fire Qilin Dragon, silently emerged to guard Lin Jing, refraining from disturbing his breakthrough. The Pine Leaf Mouse, too, sat down beside Lin Jing. The three beasts encircled him, entering their own closed-door meditation, refining the vast reserves of power they had accumulated. ¡°This kid is too greedy.¡± Observing Lin Jing¡¯s condition, Senior Pine muttered to himself. ¡°Qi Refinement Stage Thirteen¡­ He¡¯s clearly struggling. If he had advanced to Foundation Establishment from Stage Twelve, it would¡¯ve been effortless. But now, coupled with the burden of his Longevity Body, it will take him years of seclusion to stabilize his Foundation Establishment.¡± ???????¦Â§§S ¡°However, if he succeeds, the benefits will be unimaginable. I wonder how much his three physiques will improve¡­¡± ¡°In any case, this old man has worked hard for too long. Time for a good nap¡­¡± Hidden Dragon City, Hidden Dragon Academy. It had been ten years since the Holy Son of the Beast Taming Sect and academy student Wei Fang claimed victory in the Genius Rankings Battle, securing first place on the list. Since that battle, Lin Jing had vanished into seclusion. It was as if he had evaporated from the world. Many speculated that he was hiding in the academy to evade the Gu God Sect¡¯s demonic cultivators. They were half-right. Even within the academy, Lin Jing had not shown his face once. For ten whole years, not a single student or teacher had seen him. The barrier outside his cave abode, coupled with Senior Pine¡¯s vigilant protection, prevented all visitors from approaching. ¡°He¡¯s in seclusion, attempting Foundation Establishment.¡± That was the only response Senior Pine gave to anyone who came looking. Lin Jing¡¯s old friends were baffled. ¡°People have gone into seclusion for ten years to break through to Core Formation, even Nascent Soul¡­ but Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment? What kind of Foundation Establishment is he doing?¡± At the Academy¡¯s Dragon Palace stronghold. The now Core Formation realm Xu Zhizhi had long since graduated and become the lord of a city in the Ancient Domain. Still, he occasionally returned to the academy to check on the Dragon Palace¡¯s development and maintain connections. Lin Jing¡¯s hurried departure into seclusion had left behind very few Rising Dragon Pills, and he hadn¡¯t had time to pass on the pill¡¯s refining method. As a result, despite Lin Jing¡¯s legendary first-place ranking in the Genius Rankings, the Dragon Palace had stopped mass-recruiting. No longer an organization that nurtured young cultivators by helping them raise powerful dragon pets, the Dragon Palace had instead become an elite faction¡ªa gathering place for prodigies who wished to forge connections with Lin Jing. The dragon pets had become little more than a status symbol. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you two.¡± Xu Zhizhi glanced at the siblings before him. ¡°Mid Foundation Establishment¡­ Both of you have reached this stage, yet Lin Jing still hasn¡¯t completed his breakthrough? Seriously?¡± ¡°Perhaps Senior Lin is cultivating some kind of profound divine technique. How could we compare?¡± The Jiang Family Twin Physique siblings smiled bitterly. They were the very same twins Lin Jing had rescued from the Air Domain ten years ago, the ones who had nurtured the Ice Soul Lesser Gu. After following Gao Sheng for a decade, they had reached mid Foundation Establishment and had even entered Hidden Dragon Academy, taking charge of the Dragon Palace in Lin Jing¡¯s absence. Ever since they learned the truth about Lin Jing¡¯s contract with the Ice Soul Gu, their devotion to him had only deepened. But¡­ He had been in seclusion for far too long. ¡°Hopefully, that¡¯s the case. Ten years¡­ The first-place ranking on the Genius Rankings has changed three or four times¡­¡± Xu Zhizhi sighed, looking toward Lin Jing¡¯s sealed cave abode. For Nascent Soul cultivators and beyond, ten years was nothing. But for the Genius Rankings, which focused on cultivators under thirty at Foundation Establishment¡­ Lin Jing was already a legend of the past. Many new first-place holders had sought out this legendary figure to challenge him¡ªonly to find that they couldn¡¯t even see him. Lin Jing had no idea he had been cultivating for ten years. In his meditative state, time had lost all meaning. He had successfully reached Foundation Establishment some time ago. Now, he was stabilizing his realm, allowing his surging True Essence to settle. Compressing his True Qi had been far more difficult than expected. However, with each successive compression, he could feel himself improving beyond imagination. His Longevity Body was no longer merely beginning to take shape¡ªit was now approaching perfection. His lifespan had skyrocketed to five thousand years, rivalling even Void Mystical cultivators. This was the terrifying effect of Foundation Establishment at Qi Refinement Stage Thirteen on special physiques. His Ice Soul Physique and Beast Taming Physique had also fully matured, granting him frost power rivaling Core Formation cultivators and the ability to suppress Monster Core-stage beasts without his contract beasts'' help. However¡­ As expected, Foundation Establishment did not grant him another Contract Blood. It seemed he would have to reach Core Formation before contracting another pet beast. Lin Jing opened his eyes. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Mid Foundation Establishment¡­ As expected.¡± Beside him, his three pet beasts remained in deep cultivation. Pine Leaf Mouse - Late Foundation Establishment. Ice Soul Gu - Late Foundation Establishment. Fire Qilin Dragon - Late Foundation Establishment. ¡°Ten years?¡± ¡°Well¡­ Might as well stabilize my realm a bit longer.¡± Book 2: Chapter 119: Emerging from Seclusion Vol 2 Chapter 119: Emerging from Seclusion Though Lin Jing had vanished from the world for ten years, his legend never faded. A decade ago, he had exhausted all his Hidden Dragon Fortune to aid the Dragonblood Carp¡¯s evolution. But over the years, that fortune had accumulated once more, now brimming with power. This time, however, it had nothing to do with the Fire Qilin Dragon. Having already awakened its Rare Beast Divine Ability and achieved Emperor-tier bloodline, the Hidden Dragon Fortune could no longer provide significant benefits to it. Instead, Lin Jing planned to use it for his own cultivation. His first priority¡ªBeast Weaponization Technique. This secret art allowed contract beasts to transform into various weapons and equipment. The more compatible the pet and the weapon form, the greater the power they could unleash. It was a technique that Foundation Establishment disciples of the Beast Taming Sect rarely bought artifacts for¡ªnot because they couldn¡¯t afford them (though many were indeed broke from raising their beasts), but because this secret art turned their pet beasts into their strongest weapons. Lin Jing had wanted to learn this for a long time. Right now, he didn¡¯t particularly lack offensive weapons. What he lacked was a strong defensive artifact. As a Longevity Body cultivator, his own defenses had to be near-invincible¡ªbut he also needed a top-tier defensive artifact to further enhance his survivability. Thus, he planned to master this technique and turn one of his contract beasts into armor to absorb damage in battle. And for that¡­ Who better than a dragon? Even without fully mastering the technique, Lin Jing was certain that the Fire Qilin Dragon, with its Dragon Emperor bloodline, would have defensive power surpassing most mid-grade artifacts if transformed into armor. Moreover, this wouldn¡¯t be just armor¡ªit would be battle armor. Clad in the Flame Qilin Armor, and combined with his Flame Control Art, Lin Jing could wield the beast¡¯s fused flames both offensively and defensively. And if he fused it with the Ice Soul Gu¡¯s power, he wouldn¡¯t even have to worry about the backlash from frost energy anymore. The mere thought of donning the Flame Qilin Armor filled Lin Jing with anticipation. Wasting no time, he opened the Beast Weaponization manual and began cultivating. Within a few days, using his fortune-converted comprehension, Lin Jing fully grasped the technique. Compared to Heavenly Demon Physique, this technique was far easier to cultivate¡ªafter all, the three core secret arts of the Beast Taming Sect were interwoven with the Beast Taming Art, making them much more accessible. ????£Á??¦Â§¦? Seeing that his three pet beasts were still consolidating their breakthroughs, Lin Jing continued his seclusion, diving into the Heavenly Demon Physique. However, after half a month, despite burning ten years¡¯ worth of accumulated fortune, he hadn¡¯t made a single breakthrough. ¡°No wonder only two people in the Demon-Slaying Bureau have ever mastered this in thousands of years.¡± ¡°This is probably the hardest technique I¡¯ve ever tried cultivating¡­¡± Lin Jing sighed. ¡°If only I could borrow the Golden Bodhi Tree again. Compared to that, the fortune¡¯s comprehension boost is still too weak.¡± Opening his eyes, Lin Jing sensed little progress¡ªbut during this time, his three pet beasts had finally stabilized their cultivation. With their overwhelming foundations, the power surge from their continuous breakthroughs had been enormous. It had taken them a long time just to fully control it. ¡°If they weren¡¯t protecting me for the past decade, they probably would¡¯ve reached Core Formation by now¡­¡± Lin Jing mused. By now, the geniuses from the last Genius Rankings Battle had likely all reached Core Formation. He wondered if, in his current state, he could still compete with them. The Ice Soul Gu was the first to awaken¡ªits innate talent made it exceptionally quick at mastering its newfound strength. The Pine Leaf Mouse opened its eyes next. With its Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, its control over its power was exceptional. The Fire Qilin Dragon, despite its years of refining pills and honing its control, was the last to stabilize. Having evolved the latest, it needed more time to adapt to its drastically enhanced strength. ¡°How¡¯s everyone feeling?¡± The Ice Soul Gu asked. Immediately, all eight of its sub-Gu stirred restlessly within. ¡°Fight! Fight! Fight!¡± The Fire Qilin Dragon soared into the air, its fiery gaze locking onto the Ice Soul Gu and Pine Leaf Mouse. Clearly, it was very satisfied with its newfound power. The Pine Leaf Mouse, however, wasn¡¯t interested. After a quick glance at the spiritual plants it had cultivated¡­ its expression turned despondent. ¡°So many of them have withered¡­ Ten years without care¡­¡± Heartbroken, it hurriedly burrowed back into its gourd, hoping to revive some of them. The Ice Soul Gu didn¡¯t acknowledge the overexcited ¡°stupid fish¡± either. Instead, it focused on sensing its sub-Gu. ¡°I can feel it¡ªtwo of my sub-Gu have reached mid-Foundation Establishment. If only they were late-stage as well¡­ If I could reclaim them now, I¡¯d reach the perfect Foundation Establishment!¡± The Ice Soul Gu muttered to itself, eager to advance first among them. The progression from late-stage Foundation Establishment to perfection wasn¡¯t a dramatic leap¡ªit was a gradual refinement of True Essence. Once a cultivator reached their limit, they could begin compressing their True Essence and attempt Core Formation. Success meant forming a Golden Core, gaining Core Formation divine abilities, and stepping into the ranks of the true powerhouses. Failure, however¡­ At best, it resulted in severe injuries. At worst¡ªdeath. For this reason, many weaker or less confident cultivators chose to condense a False Core instead. Though inferior to true Core Formation, False Core cultivators were still far stronger than those at Foundation Establishment, creating a clear gap in status. However, for the Ice Soul Gu, reaching perfect Foundation Establishment meant it could attempt Core Formation anytime¡ªand its chances of success were absolute. Since it was unlikely to defeat a Rare Beast with an immortal¡¯s inheritance at its current level, it prioritized advancing its realm as quickly as possible. ¡°Is that so?¡± Hearing this, Lin Jing murmured, ¡°The Jiang Twins have already raised the Ice Soul Lesser Gu to mid-Foundation Establishment¡­ That¡¯s the same realm as me now.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go check on them.¡± With that, Lin Jing retracted the Ice Soul Gu into his body. The Fire Qilin Dragon froze. Wait, what? You¡¯re not going to fight me? ¡°ROOOAR!!!¡± It blinked, momentarily stunned, before realization dawned¡ªLin Jing simply didn¡¯t dare fight it anymore. ¡°Fine. You¡¯re the strongest now. If you want to fight, I¡¯ll find you a proper opponent outside.¡± Lin Jing pulled out his Meditation Staff, withdrew the Fire Qilin Dragon, then shrank the staff into a pendant, stringing it on a thread of spider silk around his neck. ¡°Senior Xu, are you leaving?¡± At the Dragon Palace Assembly Hall, the Jiang Twins¡ªnow the leaders of Dragon Palace¡ªbid farewell to Xu Zhizhi. ¡°My city¡¯s still a mess. I need to return.¡± Xu Zhizhi sighed. ¡°But as always¡ªthe moment Lin Jing emerges from seclusion, let me know.¡± The Jiang Twins nodded, but just as they were about to respond, their expressions changed abruptly. They had felt a reaction from their sub-Gu. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Xu Zhizhi, long time no see. Looks like you finally reached Core Formation¡ªGolden Core early-stage. Impressive.¡± A familiar voice echoed from outside the Assembly Hall. Xu Zhizhi took a deep breath before exclaiming¡ª ¡°Damn it, you¡¯re finally out!¡± ¡°Do you have ANY idea how much of a mess I¡¯ve had to clean up because you didn¡¯t leave behind enough Rising Dragon Pills before you vanished?!¡± ¡°¡­Wait. Ten years of seclusion¡­ And you¡¯re STILL only at mid-Foundation Establishment?!¡± Book 2: Chapter 120: The Former Legend Vol 2 Chapter 120: The Former Legend "Sorry about that, it was a sudden situation." Lin Jing chuckled and said, "As for my cultivation level... it''s hard to explain." He then turned to look at the Jiang siblings. Jiang Qi had grown from a boy into a handsome young man, dressed in a striking red feathered robe, exuding an extraordinary aura. Jiang Lin had also matured, her blue dress complementing her icy temperament, making her look like a celestial maiden in the snow. Seeing Lin Jing, the two were overwhelmed with excitement and immediately bowed in unison. "Senior." "But mid Foundation Establishment is too low. You''re at the same level as them!" Xu Zhizhi was at a loss for words. Shouldn''t he at least be at perfected Foundation Establishment by now?! "My talent isn''t great, can''t be helped." Lin Jing smiled. Because he had gained extra lifespan through his breakthroughs, he didn''t feel particularly troubled. Once his Heavenly Demon Physique was fully cultivated... everything would change. "The number one on the Genius Rankings is calling himself untalented..." Xu Zhizhi was speechless. "Relatively speaking... Xu, I''ve been in seclusion for ten years. Did anything major happen?" Lin Jing asked. "Well, actually, yes. First of all, this Dragon Palace¡ªif you want to keep it running..." "I know about that." Now that he was out of seclusion and planned to stay in the academy as an "eternal student," he certainly wouldn''t let Dragon Palace dissolve. "Another thing you might be interested in is the Beast Taming Sect." Xu Zhizhi¡¯s gaze flickered as he continued, "Five years ago, the Ancient Celestial Kingdom and the Snow Plains went to war again." "The Great Wasteland, being close to the Snow Plains, may eventually turn into a battlefield!" "A war..." Lin Jing muttered. "Another one, huh? I wonder how big it will get this time." Conflicts between the Ancient Celestial Kingdom and the Snow Plains were nothing new. The kingdom wasn''t just after the fertile lands of the Snow Plains¡ªit wanted to conquer the entire region. This was closely tied to the Second Ancient Emperor. The First Ancient Emperor had destroyed the Immortal Alliance, founded the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, and laid its foundation, earning boundless glory. The Second Ancient Emperor, chosen as the successor when the First Emperor neared his end, had always sought to surpass his predecessor in achievements and power. Rumors said he wanted to unite the entire Tianyuan Continent under his rule, believing that expanding the kingdom¡¯s borders would enhance his True Dragon Secret Art, allowing him to surpass the First Ancient Emperor. And the Snow Plains had become his first target after ascending the throne. However, even conquering the Snow Plains alone was an immense challenge. The Snow Plains tribes revered four totem guardian beasts, each comparable to Dao-Seeking Stage cultivators. Moreover, they thrived in the harsh and frigid environment, making the Snow Plains Cultivators exceptionally powerful. ????§£?? The Ancient Celestial Kingdom justified the war by claiming that the Snow Plains Cultivators were being deceived and controlled by these beasts and that the kingdom was acting to "liberate" them from their rule. Because of this, the Ancient Celestial Kingdom and the Snow Plains had remained in conflict. "The Beast Taming Sect is under sect closure, so it shouldn''t be forced by the Sect Regulatory Office to send disciples to the battlefield. Unless the Snow Plains breach the Great Wasteland¡¯s defenses, we probably don¡¯t need to worry about it." At this level of war, Lin Jing felt it was beyond him to concern himself¡ªhe would just leave it to fate. "There aren''t many other major events. Oh, right, the Genius Rankings¡ª since you dropped off the list, a few new number ones have come and gone. The current first place is also a student at the academy. He¡¯s challenged you at Dragon Palace multiple times, but you were in seclusion. The Jiang twins probably know more." Xu Zhizhi shrugged and looked at them. "The Genius Rankings, huh?" Lin Jing turned to the Jiang twins. "Are you two on the rankings yet?" "And... aside from Demon-Slaying Bureau missions, you two mostly rely on the Ice Soul Gu, right? But to truly reach the rankings, you¡¯d need to use it at full power, and you don¡¯t seem confident in doing that." Jiang Qi commented. "Who¡¯s the current Genius Rankings'' number one?" Lin Jing asked. "A newer student at the academy, Zhao Qingyue from the Cultivation Zhao Clan," Jiang Qi replied. "She¡¯s related to Zhao Qingquan, the Spring Source Physique cultivator you defeated in the Genius Rankings Battle. If we¡¯re talking lineage, she¡¯s technically his younger cousin. But her talent far surpasses Zhao Qingquan¡¯s¡ªshe has the Supreme Yin Physique, a Divine Physique that grants her the phenomenon of Bright Moon Divine Radiance." "She¡¯s probably looking to avenge her cousin. Since you¡¯re both in the academy, she¡¯s challenged you repeatedly." "Senior, this Zhao Qingyue is strong. Her current cultivation is perfected Foundation Establishment, and her Divine Physique Phenomenon, Bright Moon Divine Radiance, is even stronger than a Core Formation Divine Ability!" Jiang Lin added. "Because of this phenomenon, she might be even stronger than Chen Zhong, who had the Innate Dao Physique, when he was at Foundation Establishment!" "The Cultivation Zhao Clan... No wonder they¡¯re the second strongest cultivation family in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, right after the royal family. They really do have a lot of freakishly talented members." Lin Jing mused. Then, he chuckled. "If she wants a challenge, let¡¯s give her one. One of you go call her over. Tell her Lin Jing will be waiting for her outside Dragon Palace. I¡¯d like to test out some new techniques myself..." Xu Zhizhi immediately perked up and laughed. "Oh, this is gonna be fun. The current Genius Rankings'' first place versus the former first place from ten years ago? Feels a little like bullying, but since she¡¯s confident, I¡¯ll go let her know." "Go on, then~" Lin Jing waved him off, then turned to the Jiang siblings. "While we wait, I¡¯ll give you two some pointers on using your Gu techniques." Zhao Qingyue¡ªknown as the Bright Moon Celestial Maiden. Many in the cultivation world believed she would be the next Cold Moon Sword Immortal. She had always been diligent, cultivating tirelessly from a young age. Upon her debut, she swiftly took first place on the Genius Rankings, becoming famous across the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. However, she carried an obsession. "You¡¯re strong, but I still feel like you¡¯re not quite at the level of Lin Jing, who defeated my cousin back then." And the reason? Her cousin Zhao Qingquan had a terrible habit of running his mouth and making himself incredibly annoying. "Lin Jing came out of seclusion?" Zhao Qingyue, dressed in flowing white robes, exuded an ethereal and pure radiance as she stepped forward. Her graceful posture resembled willow catkins drifting in the moonlight, swaying gently in the wind. Her face was as flawless and luminous as a full moon. Even Xu Zhizhi nearly found himself lost in her presence. "Bright Moon Celestial Maiden, you should be thanking me. The moment the Palace Master emerged from seclusion, I told him about you first." Xu Zhizhi smirked. "Are you really sure you want to challenge him? He¡¯s ridiculously strong." "Take me to him." Zhao Qingyue had been waiting for years. Who would have thought Lin Jing would remain in seclusion for so long? Even if Lin Jing had already broken through to Core Formation, she still wanted a battle. But when she arrived outside Dragon Palace and saw Lin Jing¡ªat mid Foundation Establishment¡ªshe froze, deep in thought. She hadn¡¯t expected that after ten years, his cultivation would still be so low. Seeing his level, Zhao Qingyue deduced that his contract beasts must also still be at Foundation Establishment, given how Beast Taming Sect techniques worked. Since his own level was so low, his beasts couldn''t have reached Core Formation either. "Why is his cultivation so slow? Fine if he¡¯s slow, but even his beasts? Did he just sleep for ten years?" Zhao Qingyue was baffled. Lin Jing¡¯s beasts were equally innocent. Helping him break through had taken them over nine years¡ªhonestly, not much different from sleeping for a decade. "This is the Bright Moon Celestial Maiden, huh? Truly a proud daughter of heaven." Lin Jing stopped his conversation with the Jiang twins and looked at his challenger. "Your cultivation..." "No need to worry about that. Since you¡¯re eager to fight, let¡¯s begin." Lin Jing said. "You¡¯re the younger one, so you can make the first move." "...You''re only ten years older than me. Stop acting ancient." Zhao Qingyue was speechless¡ªespecially since his cultivation was lower than hers. "This celestial maiden respects the elderly and cherishes the young. You go first¡ªlet me see those so-called Ten Rare Gu that once defeated an Innate Dao Physique cultivator." Zhao Qingyue¡¯s expression remained calm, but she had long been eager to test out the "demonic cultivation techniques" she had heard so much about. "Alright..." Lin Jing couldn''t exactly refuse the kind gesture of such a ''respectful'' junior. Besides, he wasn¡¯t entirely proficient in his new techniques yet¡ªgoing first worked just fine. He planned to experiment with Beast Weaponization first. If she wanted to see the Ten Rare Gu, she''d have to get past his weaponized beast first. "Be careful, Celestial Maiden... this technique might be quite powerful." Lin Jing¡¯s voice was calm. The next moment, a ripple of fire-tinged spatial energy appeared before his chest. Inside his Beast Taming Artifact, the Fire Qilin Dragon suddenly felt an unfamiliar, overwhelming beast-taming force surge through its body. This strange sensation made it feel as though it was being reshaped and reforged! Wait... he wasn¡¯t summoning it to fight? He was... turning it into a weapon?! "Armor is too complicated... let''s start with a simpler weapon first." Lin Jing reached into his Beast Taming Space with his right hand. The next instant, accompanied by an earth-shaking burst of fire, a long spear materialized¡ªa spear with a flame-shaped spearhead, its shaft adorned with intricate carvings of a fire dragon¡¯s head. As this transformation completed, countless fire threads flickered around Lin Jing''s body, coalescing into a phantom fire dragon that wrapped itself around the spear. The temperature in the area soared dramatically. "Not ice, but fire???" Zhao Qingyue was momentarily stunned, as were the Jiang twins. Only Xu Zhizhi immediately understood¡ªit was Lin Jing¡¯s contract beast, the Flame Dragon Carp! BOOM! Though it wasn¡¯t frost power, Zhao Qingyue didn¡¯t dare underestimate this fire. The Fire Qilin Dragon, a beast with Demon Emperor bloodline at late Foundation Establishment, had been transformed into a weapon. When combined with Lin Jing, a monstrous Qi Refinement Thirteenth Stage Foundation Establishment Beast Tamer, the resulting power sent an instant warning through Zhao Qingyue¡¯s mind. She had originally thought¡­ But the next moment, her pupils shrank as her thoughts completely shifted¡ª He simply swung it in a wide arc, and mid-swing, a black flame erupted from within the spear! Everyone present turned pale. "Ghostfire?!" Everyone knew Lin Jing practiced demonic cultivation techniques, but since the Demon-Slaying Bureau vouched for him, it wasn¡¯t a huge issue. However, no one knew that he had also mastered the Ghost Annihilation Art of the Netherworld Hall. Even more terrifying¡ª The Ghostfire fused seamlessly with the fire dragon flames on the spear¡¯s exterior, merging into an overwhelming black inferno. It took the shape of a black fire dragon, clinging to the spear, instantly doubling its power! Zhao Qingyue¡¯s body tensed instinctively in warning. Rare Beast Ability¡ªFlame Emperor! Lin Jing hurled the spear directly at Zhao Qingyue. Her expression changed drastically as she instantly unleashed her strongest Divine Physique Phenomenon¡ªa radiant full moon appeared behind her, casting down boundless divine light. However, the moonlight, which was said to be as powerful as a Core Formation Divine Ability, was instantly devoured by the black flames! BOOM! Lin Jing¡¯s attack shattered her Divine Physique Phenomenon, obliterated her protective True Essence, and sent her hurtling backward. A searing impact struck her abdomen, leaving a charred crater on her robes. "Ugh!" She coughed up several mouthfuls of blood before managing to stabilize herself midair. Clutching her abdomen, she stared at Lin Jing, who was also floating and had already retrieved the spear back into his hands. A wave of utter disbelief surged through her. It wasn¡¯t just her¡ªXu Zhizhi and the Jiang twins were completely dumbfounded as well. They knew Lin Jing was strong¡­ but they hadn¡¯t expected this. Even Lin Jing himself was a little surprised. "The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Secret Art¡ªBeast Weaponization¡­ That contract beast¡­" Zhao Qingyue¡¯s mind was in turmoil. She had expected victory. She had expected defeat. But she had never expected¡ª Was this man a monster? Was that beast... a newly contracted one?! "...A little carp that hadn¡¯t even been contracted before. But it has since leaped over the Dragon Gate and become my third contract beast." Lin Jing gazed at the younger prodigy with a calm expression, his grip firm around the spear. "Celestial Maiden, would you like to continue?" He was quite satisfied with the power of Beast Weaponization. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If weapons were this effective... Book 2: Chapter 121: Unable to Learn Vol 2 Chapter 121: Unable to Learn Zhao Qingyue left. She now understood the gap between her and Lin Jing. Perhaps ten years ago, it was uncertain whether the past Lin Jing and the current number one on the Genius Rankings were stronger or weaker. But now, Lin Jing had reached Foundation Establishment, contracted two Rare Beasts and a Rare Gu, and in a battle against opponents of the same level¡ªhe was nearly unmatched. "I¡¯ve never seen Celestial Maiden Bright Moon look so miserable before..." Jiang Lin murmured as she watched Zhao Qingyue¡¯s retreating figure in a daze. "Senior is just too strong..." Jiang Qi swallowed hard, his respect for Lin Jing deepening even further. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beside them, Xu Zhizhi was feeling quite pleased. He was now certain¡ªLin Jing was the most promising powerhouse he had ever befriended. When he eventually became Heavenly Minister, Lin Jing would be his greatest backing! In fact, he was even starting to suspect that even the legendary Ten Celestial Physiques might not be able to match Lin Jing in a same-level fight. The Innate Dao Physique and the Supreme Yin Physique were both ranked among the top twenty physiques in history, yet Lin Jing had defeated both. Perhaps only the top ten Celestial Physiques, known as "destined to ascend," might be capable of challenging Lin Jing. But such supreme talents were extremely rare. The last time one appeared was five thousand years ago. Xu Zhizhi sighed. Even within Lin Jing¡¯s lifetime, it was uncertain whether he would ever encounter a Celestial Physique prodigy. Then again, perhaps that was for the best. Whenever a Celestial Physique emerged, it wasn¡¯t just the prodigies of that era who were overshadowed¡ªeven ancient monsters from past generations couldn¡¯t escape their shadow. Not meeting one wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. "Have the students from my cohort all graduated?" Lin Jing asked. "No, Gao Sheng still hasn¡¯t graduated," Xu Zhizhi replied. "That guy says that once he graduates, his family will force him into arrangements, so he¡¯s been deliberately staying on as an academy student, just wandering around." "Alright, forget about him then." Lin Jing shrugged. "So, what¡¯s your next move?" Xu Zhizhi was curious. "Are you applying for graduation? With your strength, you could easily become a city lord in the Ancient Domain. You wouldn¡¯t be sent to some remote area¡ªthe path of promotion would be wide open for you!" "I don¡¯t plan on it for now." Although an official position would allow his Hidden Dragon Secret Art to advance further, Lin Jing felt that the current stage of the technique was sufficient. The third level of the Hidden Dragon Secret Art, which enhanced cultivation speed, wasn¡¯t something he urgently needed. More than anything, completing his Heavenly Demon Physique was the priority. The Immortal Child had once said that a Nascent Soul-stage cultivator with a Heavenly Demon Physique could burn a thousand years of lifespan to gain ten years of Void Mystical-level power. This kind of return was absolutely insane. And for Lin Jing, who already had a five-thousand-year lifespan at Foundation Establishment, sacrificing a thousand years was nothing. If he could master the Heavenly Demon Physique, even if his base cultivation was slightly lower and his breakthroughs were slower than normal cultivators, his life-burning power-ups would completely outclass the Hidden Dragon Secret Art. ??????§à?????s? But right now, his biggest problem was¡ª He couldn¡¯t learn it. "I''m going back into seclusion," Lin Jing declared. He planned to retreat for a few more years until he had completely grasped the Heavenly Demon Physique. "Again?!?" Xu Zhizhi almost spat blood. "Before I do, I¡¯ll make sure there are enough Rising Dragon Pills available." Lin Jing grinned. "Fine, whatever." Xu Zhizhi sighed. Lin Jing could do whatever he wanted¡ªgeniuses had their own way of cultivating. The Fire Qilin Dragon had just reached its seventh task before undergoing Foundation Establishment Dragon Transformation¡ªcontinuing alchemy training. At its current strength, Lin Jing suspected that the Rising Dragon Pills it refined would be of even greater quality. And for the Pine Leaf Mouse, which had already reached late Foundation Establishment and had perfected the Longevity Technique, gathering alchemy materials had become much easier. As for Lin Jing himself¡ª He devoted everything to his Heavenly Demon Physique cultivation. Lin Jing had burned through most of his ten years'' worth of Hidden Dragon Fortune. But unfortunately, when it came to the Heavenly Demon Physique¡ª He still barely understood it. "Pathetic." At this point, even Senior Divine Pine had woken up. Having observed Lin Jing¡¯s training from the start, the tree spirit now found it incredibly boring. It was more eager than Lin Jing himself to see what kind of power the Longevity Body would unleash when paired with the Heavenly Demon Physique. Surely, it wouldn¡¯t be inferior to a Celestial Physique, right? "Kid, if you¡¯re getting nowhere, switch things up," Divine Pine finally spoke, seeing that Lin Jing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, on the verge of going insane from frustration. "This shouldn''t be so difficult¡­" "The process is simple¡ªyou just reshape the heart with True Essence, cultivate a Life-Flame that burns lifespan, and use the heart as a cauldron, refining your lifeforce into a cultivation-enhancing pill..." "I¡¯ve successfully reshaped my heart according to the technique, but why can¡¯t I cultivate the Life-Flame?" Lin Jing focused inward, staring at his now pitch-black heart¡ªthe core of the Heavenly Demon Physique. Did he modify something incorrectly? "Talent is talent," Divine Pine scoffed. "That Thousand Transformations Technique of yours¡ªon paper, it¡¯s simple. All it does is restructure spiritual energy. But think about it¡ªaside from using the Golden Bodhi Tree to master it, has anyone else ever succeeded?" Lin Jing sighed. He decided to take the tree¡¯s advice and train other techniques for now to clear his mind. He sat cross-legged, his life aura weakening until he appeared completely lifeless, as though he had succumbed to death in meditation. "I¡¯ll practice Shedding Technique and Thousand Transformations for now." For him, these two techniques were equally important at the moment. With five thousand years of lifespan, his life energy had become overwhelmingly radiant¡ªa beacon to anyone with spiritual perception. Fortunately, he had learned the Shedding Technique from Hundred Flower Valley, allowing him to suppress his lifeforce aura. But even that wasn¡¯t enough. His mastery of the Shedding Technique wasn¡¯t deep enough to fully suppress a five-thousand-year lifespan. However, if he combined it with the illusionary effects of Thousand Transformations, the two techniques together would allow him to fake his own death with near-perfect deception. "Senior Divine Pine, in my current state, at what level could someone still detect me?" "At Qi Refinement, your Thousand Transformations could deceive even Nascent Souls. Now that your True Qi has compressed into True Essence, your Illusionary Path arts are even stronger. You could probably fool a Nascent Soul cultivator now." "Unless a Nascent Soul expert who specializes in spiritual detection makes a full-force probe, almost no one below the Void Mystical Stage could sense you." "Hmm¡­ If you had used your Hidden Dragon Fortune to master these two techniques instead of struggling with the Heavenly Demon Physique, you might have even been able to fool Nascent Souls completely..." "Then I¡¯ll keep training Shedding Technique and Thousand Transformations for now. As for the Heavenly Demon Physique¡­" Lin Jing hesitated. "It¡¯s supposed to be trainable without external aid, but¡­" "Senior, what if I find a flame that also burns lifespan, let my Fire Qilin Dragon refine it, and then study it from there? With its Flame Emperor Beast Physique, it can easily refine and manipulate exotic flames, and I can observe its properties in detail." "Wait¡ªforget that for now. Something¡¯s happened." Just as Lin Jing was waiting for Divine Pine¡¯s response, the void suddenly trembled¡ª And Divine Pine¡¯s shocked voice echoed in his mind. Book 2: Chapter 122: Heaven and Earth Reversed (End of Book Two) Vol 2 Chapter 122: Heaven and Earth Reversed (End of Volume Two) Divine Pine let out a startled cry, but before Lin Jing could fully grasp what was happening, an unprecedented surge of Void Mystical energy erupted within the academy. A suffocating pressure filled the air as chaotic spatial energy spread across the sky, turning the once-clear heavens above Hidden Dragon Academy into a vast, murky gray void. In an instant, dozens of towering Nascent Soul manifestations, Heaven and Earth True Souls, and even Void Mystical phenomena appeared. The sheer chaos of it all sent every student within the academy rushing outside, eyes filled with alarm as they looked up in disbelief. "Who dares invade the academy?!" Powerful academy elders scanned their surroundings. At the center of the academy, the three Void Mystical Deans floated above their respective Void Mystical treasures, their immense spatial powers rippling outward as they tried to break through the spatial distortion trapping the academy. All three deans were Void Mystical cultivators, and Lin Jing even recognized the goateed Vice Dean among them from a previous encounter. At this moment, however, all three wore grim expressions¡ªtheir shock was not because of an invader¡­ It was because even with their combined strength, they could not break through the spatial lock engulfing the academy. Something like this should have been impossible¡ªunless¡­ A Dao-Seeking cultivator had intervened. But Dao-Seeking cultivators were extremely rare, and even if one did make a move, why would they target a single academy? Though Hidden Dragon Academy was important, it was not an Ancient Celestial Kingdom core stronghold. "It¡¯s not a Dao-Seeking cultivator¡­ it¡¯s the Celestial Palace Compass." Suddenly, the white-haired female dean detected the source of the spatial anomaly. In the void, a projection began to take form. A shadowy figure stood atop a white celestial compass, his features obscured by thick, swirling death energy. But the three deans immediately recognized the signature of his power¡ª "Yin Corpse Sect." A cultivator from the Yin Corpse Sect had arrived, wielding a supreme spatial artifact. "That¡¯s right," the shadowy figure said, his voice dripping with malice. "I trust you¡¯ve been well." "I should thank the three of you for repeatedly interfering with my Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s plans. Today, I have come to return the favor!" "This Celestial Palace Compass¡­ surely you recognize it?" "Nine Infant Demon Lord, you seek death!" The Grand Dean roared in fury, shattering the projection with a single strike. But it was too late¡ª The Celestial Palace Compass had already activated. A terrifying, formless spatial force swept across the academy, and before anyone could resist¡ª Students began vanishing into thin air. Even the Nascent Soul-ranked professors were powerless¡ªone after another, they were forcibly teleported away. "We¡¯re screwed! This is a relic from the Celestial Palace ruins! It was supposed to be in the hands of the Gu God Sect! How the hell did the Yin Corpse Sect get it?!" ????¦Â¨º???? S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Divine Pine desperately tried to resist the teleportation force, it flooded Lin Jing¡¯s mind with crucial information. "Senior Divine Pine¡­!" "It looks like the Gu God Sect and the Yin Corpse Sect have joined forces," Divine Pine growled. "This Celestial Palace Compass is an ancient teleportation artifact¡ªit has no offensive power, but its teleportation is completely random and uncontrollable. "Even Void Mystical cultivators, who specialize in spatial arts, can¡¯t break its teleportation force in time¡ªand once you¡¯re caught, no one can intercept the teleportation before it completes." "Everything covered by the compass¡¯s power is randomly scattered to different locations. At first glance, this might seem like a harmless gimmick, but in the right circumstances, it¡¯s an unstoppable method of removing targets. "And right now, you are the primary target!" "Hidden Dragon City has Void Mystical protectors and is near Ancient Celestial City. Even if the three great demonic sects attacked with full force, they couldn¡¯t capture you without risking destruction. "But the Gu God Sect wants your Ice Soul Gu, and the Yin Corpse Sect wants your Longevity Body¡ªand you¡¯ve been hiding inside the academy all this time." "If they can¡¯t capture you in the city, then they¡¯ll just forcefully teleport you away instead!" "Sure, the destination is random¡ªbut once you¡¯re out of the academy¡¯s protection, the odds of them tracking you down are infinitely higher. "Not to mention¡ªthis chaos also scatters the academy¡¯s students all over the continent, disrupting the academy¡¯s influence across multiple sects as an added act of revenge!" "Listen up, kid! You have some resistance to the teleportation force, but not for long. Take this!" Divine Pine hurled a leaf into Lin Jing¡¯s storage bag. "This will help you conceal your fate to some degree. It won¡¯t make you impossible to track, but it¡¯ll take much longer for anyone to pinpoint your location. "Now pray to fate that you don¡¯t end up in some demonic sect or a beast¡¯s nest!!!" Before Lin Jing could even respond¡ª He vanished. The Celestial Palace Compass¡¯s power had completed its work. Under Divine Pine¡¯s watchful gaze, the artifact¡¯s spatial energy tore through the academy. Even Lin Jing¡¯s contract beasts weren¡¯t spared. Because only beasts directly bound to Lin Jing¡¯s contract were considered one entity with him, his secondary beasts, stored within his Myriad Beast Circle, were forcefully ripped away¡ª Each one randomly scattered to an unknown destination. Lin Jing felt like he was bleeding internally as he was forcibly teleported away. Before disappearing, he glared at the last location of the Yin Corpse Sect¡¯s cultivators. "Damn Yin Corpse Sect." "They disturb my seclusion¡­ they steal my beasts¡­ this grudge will not be forgotten." Divine Pine also cursed aloud¡ª "Damn it! A Longevity Body? Of all things?!" Moments later¡ª Even Divine Pine failed to resist the teleportation force. It, too, vanished from the academy, its destination unknown. That day¡ª A shocking event rocked the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. The Yin Corpse Sect, wielding an ancient celestial artifact, had launched a devastating attack on Hidden Dragon Academy. Hundreds of elite prodigies, professors, and scholars¡ª Forcibly teleported to unknown lands. Some were lucky, still landing within the Nine Domains of the Ancient Celestial Kingdom. But over eighty percent were completely lost¡ªtheir whereabouts unknown. The Ancient Celestial Kingdom, though vast, was only one part of the Tianyuan Continent. Beyond it lay the Misty Forest, the Cloud Sea Mountains, Qingzhou, Martial Emperor City, the Snow Plains, the Western Desert, and even the Boundless Sea beyond the continent¡­ After a random teleportation, the chances of remaining within the kingdom were low. Enraged, the Ancient Emperor wanted to retaliate¡ª But with the ongoing war against the Snow Plains, he couldn¡¯t spare the forces to hunt down the missing prodigies or strike back at the demonic sects. Meanwhile¡ª With the academy prodigies scattered, the Gu God Sect began hunting for the Ice Soul Gu. The Yin Corpse Sect, armed with body-tracking artifacts, started searching for special physiques among the lost students. With the kingdom at war, the demonic sects resumed their disruptions. Hidden Dragon Academy shut down. Their new mission¡ªrecover their lost prodigies. Book 3: Chapter 4: The Portrait Vol 3 Chapter 4: The Portrait ¡°Senior Brother You, I¡¯ll be relying on your care in Thousand Illusions Mountain from now on.¡± Lin Jing handed over a small pouch of Spirit Stones, hoping to build a good relationship. After introductions, he learned that the chubby young man was named You Wanli and was from the same cultivation family as Deacon You, who had just overseen the disciple recruitment. ¡°No problem at all! Junior Brother Huang, you¡¯re too polite.¡± Senior Brother You was delighted and said, ¡°Honestly, there¡¯s nothing too special to worry about in Thousand Illusions Mountain.¡± ¡°Just remember¡ªwhenever you go out, if you see disciples from Myriad Beast Sect or Flower Sect, beat them to death and rob them blind!¡± ¡°Our Thousand Illusions Mountain has a deep-seated grudge against those two sects! They¡¯ve stolen several of our Spiritual Veins!¡± ¡°As for Myriad Beast Sect, they¡¯re beast tamers¡ªbrutal and savage! There¡¯s not a single good person among them. Tell me, what kind of decent person tames beasts? Demonic beasts are living creatures too! Unlike us in Thousand Illusions Mountain, who merely use illusions to simulate demonic beasts in battle.¡± ¡°And Flower Sect? Even worse! On the surface, they¡¯re a sect that manipulates plants and flowers, but in reality, they encourage their disciples to hide their identities, marry into small sects and cultivation families, drain them dry, scam them out of betrothal gifts, seize family fortunes¡ªeven use secret techniques to siphon their Dao partners¡¯ cultivation!¡± ¡°Many disciples of our Thousand Illusions Mountain have fallen for their tricks! Ah, the downfall of men¡ªdesire!¡± Lin Jing put on an enlightened expression and said, ¡°I, Huang Zhuo, shall never coexist under the same sky with Myriad Beast Sect and Flower Sect!¡± ¡°Good!¡± You Wanli nodded. ¡°Since you just joined Thousand Illusions Mountain, the sect won¡¯t assign you any tasks for the first three years. You¡¯ll have time to switch your cultivation techniques and train in our sect¡¯s arts.¡± ¡°Use these three years to strengthen yourself.¡± ¡°Besides waiting for sect missions, you can also join one of the sect¡¯s specialized halls. For example, Illusionary Assassination Hall, which specializes in raiding other sects and seizing resources on behalf of Thousand Illusions Mountain.¡± ¡°The disciples of Illusionary Assassination Hall enjoy top-tier benefits, but their mortality rate is also sky-high. If you¡¯re not strong enough, it¡¯s best to think twice before joining.¡± ¡°Another good option is Demon-Illusion Hall. Our sect has a powerful artifact¡ªthe Demon-Illusion Mirror¡ªwhich records the power of demonic beasts and preserves their images. These can then be used by sect disciples to hone their illusion techniques.¡± ¡°However, disciples of Demon-Illusion Hall must infiltrate battlefields of Demon Kings and above, use illusion techniques to conceal themselves, and record their fights. If your mastery of illusions isn¡¯t good enough, you¡¯ll likely be discovered by these terrifying creatures and die on the battlefield¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s more¡­¡± As the two flew forward, You Wanli continued introducing the various halls of Thousand Illusions Mountain. Lin Jing was intrigued¡ªthis sect was truly unique, with many of its branches focused on the art of illusionary beasts. Their next destination? The Divine Beast Hall. ¡°The outermost layer of the Divine Beast Hall holds 300 statues of powerful Demon Kings, carefully selected by our sect. The middle layer contains 36 statues of different Demon Emperor species, while the innermost layer features three primordial ancestral beasts from legendary bloodlines, whose power rivals Void Mystical Stage cultivators.¡± ????????¦­?????¨§? ¡°When you enter, you¡¯ll only be allowed to observe the Demon King statues in the outer layer. As for the Demon Emperors and the Primordial Beasts? Forget about simulating them¡ªjust looking at them might be enough to shatter a Foundation Establishment cultivator¡¯s soul.¡± ¡°Since Second Elder sent you directly to the Divine Beast Hall, you must have some foundation in illusions, right? If you can manifest just 10% of a Demon King¡¯s essence in your illusion within seven days, then this trip will have been worthwhile. Whether it¡¯s the Illusionary Assassination Hall or Demon-Illusion Hall, they¡¯ll be fighting to recruit you.¡± ¡°Remember, don¡¯t get greedy! Choose a demonic beast that resonates with you the most and study it thoroughly!¡± You Wanli reminded. Lin Jing nodded. Manifest 10% of a Demon King¡¯s presence? Hah¡­ Back in the Qi Refinement Stage, he had already used his Thousand Transformations Technique to perfectly replicate the full presence of a Nascent Soul-level Demon King! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since that¡¯s the case¡­ Let¡¯s see if I can imprint all 800 Demon King images from the Divine Beast Hall into my memory in just one day. Inside a vast palace, an elder of Thousand Illusions Mountain received an official decree. With a flick of his sleeve, the small door to the Divine Beast Hall opened. ¡°He only has one day.¡± The elder stated. You Wanli turned to Lin Jing and said, ¡°Junior Brother Huang, good luck.¡± ¡°Many thanks.¡± Lin Jing cupped his fists and stepped into the Divine Beast Hall. The hall was enormous. Statues of over a hundred demonic beasts lined both sides of the chamber, while another hundred were depicted in paintings on the walls. Lin Jing¡¯s gaze landed on the closest bear demon statue. As he stared at it, an illusion surged in his mind¡ª A massive Bear King, cloaked in dark golden lightning, raised its enormous paw to swat at him! The bear¡¯s palm expanded, blotting out the sky, then slammed down¡ª BANG! Lin Jing¡¯s consciousness was forcefully pulled back to reality. Without sufficient mastery of illusion techniques or cultivation, just looking at these statues could cause a mental backlash. ¡°All the demonic beasts recorded here have at least late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation. Their bloodlines are absurdly powerful. If they didn¡¯t meet these conditions, the elite cultivators of Thousand Illusions Mountain wouldn¡¯t even bother preserving their images.¡± Lin Jing scanned the hall. Even if he perfectly simulated all these Demon King images, it wouldn¡¯t be of much use to him. After all, his Thousand Transformations Technique could already partially manifest the presence of Senior Thunder Pine, a Nascent Soul Divine Pine. Even if it was just an illusion, it was far more powerful than these Demon Kings. He glanced toward the deeper layers of the hall. If he could enter further and observe the Demon Emperor and Primordial Beast statues, that would be far more beneficial. But with his current status as a mere disciple, there was no chance of stepping past that closed door. ¡°The technique used to perfectly imprint a demonic beast¡¯s presence into paintings and statues is worth studying. If I can master it, I could create illusions in specific locations to trap or deceive enemies.¡± Lin Jing found something worth learning and began to study. Seven days later. In Thousand Illusions Mountain¡ª After escorting Lin Jing into the Divine Beast Hall, You Wanli had returned to his cave abode. His only task left was to retrieve Lin Jing once he was done and send him back. ¡°Seven days have passed¡­ I wonder how much Junior Brother Huang has gained from this experience?¡± Just as You Wanli was about to set out¡ª A powerful sect-wide decree echoed across Thousand Illusions Mountain. ¡°All disciples, hear this! If you encounter the man from the painting, report it to the sect immediately. A reward of a magical artifact will be granted.¡± ¡°His name is Lin Jing. Foundation Establishment cultivation. A Beast Taming Sect disciple from the Ancient Kingdom. Skilled in Beast Taming Arts, Buddhist techniques, and mechanized constructs. He possesses a pet squirrel, and his body harbors one of Gu God Sect¡¯s Ten Rare Gu¡ªIce Soul Gu¡­¡± You Wanli looked up. A massive scroll floated above Thousand Illusions Mountain, displaying a portrait of a young man dressed in white, with a gourd at his waist, an extraordinary aura, and striking features. Behind him was a faint shadow¡ªhis blue-eyed form infused with the Ice Soul Gu. At that very moment, similar portraits were appearing in multiple sects¡­ ¡°Hmm?¡± Just as Lin Jing stepped out of the Divine Beast Hall, he looked up at the sky¡ª Where his own wanted portrait was floating. He fell into deep thought. Book 3: Chapter 5: The Prodigy Vol 3 Chapter 5: The Prodigy ¡°Junior Brother Huang, you¡¯re out!¡± Outside the Divine Beast Hall, a streak of light descended. You Wanli saw Lin Jing staring at the massive portrait in the sky and muttered, ¡°Who is this guy? What kind of trouble did he stir up for Thousand Illusions Mountain to go this far in searching for him?¡± ¡°If only I could track him down... a magical artifact as a reward¡­¡± You Wanli sighed in envy. ¡°Senior Brother You, it¡¯s best not to dwell on it,¡± Lin Jing advised. ¡°That man, just like those Myriad Beast Sect cultivators, is a Beast Tamer. He¡¯s certainly no good. And his connection to the Gu God Sect is murky at best¡ªprobably a ruthless character. It¡¯s best not to get entangled in his fate.¡± Looking at the wanted notice, Lin Jing felt a chill run down his spine. Was this issued by the Yin Corpse Sect, or was it a missing person notice from the Ancient Kingdom? It shouldn''t be from the Ancient Kingdom, right? After all, the academy had lost so many geniuses, there was no reason for them to search only for him. Even if he had immense talent, he came from a small sect with no background. If the Ancient Kingdom were searching for missing disciples, they¡¯d prioritize people like Zhao Qingyue¡ªthose with both talent and elite lineage. Besides, Qingzhou was the stronghold of the Yin Corpse Sect. Here, strength ruled, and demonic cultivators thrived far more freely than in the Ancient Kingdom. Even if the Yin Corpse Sect was despised, there was no denying its dominance¡ªthese minor sects with only Nascent Soul cultivators standing guard were nothing to them. Even the Demon-Slaying Bureau in the Ancient Kingdom was rumored to have secret dealings with demonic sects. In Qingzhou, it was even more common for righteous sects to have connections with the Yin Corpse Sect. If the Yin Corpse Sect wanted Thousand Illusions Mountain to put out a bounty, would they dare refuse? Now, Lin Jing¡¯s only concern was: Did the Yin Corpse Sect already know he was in Qingzhou? Or were they casting a wide net, posting the bounty in multiple places¡ªCloud Sea Mountains, and other regions as well? Lin Jing figured that if the Yin Corpse Sect had the means to use that kind of random teleportation treasure, they must have ways to track someone down as well. The question was¡ª How precise was their tracking? Finding a general location was one level of divination. Pinpointing an exact spot was another level entirely. Fortunately, Lin Jing had the special leaf from Senior Thunder Pine, which helped conceal his presence. But relying on a single leaf to completely fool two major demonic sects was unrealistic. The Yin Corpse Sect and the Gu God Sect might have already figured out that he was in Qingzhou¡ªor perhaps even specifically in Senluo Path. Still¡ª One thing was certain: The Yin Corpse Sect had hit a wall in their search. If they already knew where he was, they wouldn¡¯t need to mobilize other sects to help find him. Changing his name, altering his appearance, switching to illusion techniques, and hiding his Beast Taming skills¡ªall of these had been the right decisions. ??????????¦Â§¦? As long as this wanted status remained active, Lin Jing absolutely couldn¡¯t reveal his Pine Leaf Mouse or Ice Soul Gu. Thankfully, back in the Ancient Kingdom, he hadn¡¯t showcased his illusion abilities much, so they weren¡¯t listed on the wanted notice. This gave him a window of opportunity. Now, his alchemy skills would also be crucial for blending in while traveling through Qingzhou. As Lin Jing was lost in thought, a voice suddenly rang out. ¡°This kid speaks sense.¡± The voice came from deep within Thousand Illusions Mountain. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°This scroll was given to our sect by Senluo Hall. The man in the portrait has nothing to do with us. No matter what he has done or who he is, it¡¯s best not to meddle.¡± ¡°The Ten Rare Gu¡­ who knows? Just getting close to him might already turn you into one of his puppets.¡± ¡°Additionally, I heard that ten years from now, this man won¡¯t just be the number one Core Formation genius of the Ancient Kingdom¡ªbut he¡¯ll be able to slay Core Formation cultivators while still in Qi Refinement!¡± The voice came from Elder Qin, who had been meditating beneath the Divine Beast Hall. He looked toward You Wanli. ¡°Elder Qin,¡± You Wanli bowed respectfully, his face filled with shock. ¡°This guy is that powerful? Compared to him, even Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s core disciples seem like weaklings.¡± ¡°Well, the Ancient Kingdom is the center of the cultivation world, after all¡­¡± ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Elder Qin turned to You Wanli, ¡°One day has passed. You remember his name was Huang Yu, right? Go see how much he gained from the Divine Beast Hall.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s find out if he¡¯s truly gifted in illusions¡ªor if he just bribed his way in through Deacon You.¡± You Wanli glanced at Lin Jing reassuringly, signaling that he shouldn¡¯t worry. After all, Elder Qin had accepted gifts from the You family as well. Even if Lin Jing¡¯s performance was poor, he wouldn¡¯t be punished too harshly. Lin Jing cupped his fists slightly. This Nascent Soul early-stage elder was already as strong as the Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect. However, Lin Jing wasn¡¯t too concerned. With his current illusion mastery, fooling anyone below the Nascent Soul Transformation Stage was effortless. But¡ª Since Thousand Illusions Mountain was a sect that specialized in illusions, he couldn¡¯t be careless. There was a chance that some Nascent Soul elders might be able to see through his disguise. So, he kept his illusion techniques fully activated, pushing his abilities to their absolute limits. Normally, maintaining an illusion required a certain amount of True Energy. But to perfect his illusion to an extreme degree, he was now consuming ten times the usual amount¡ªan enormous drain on his resources. Even with his strong foundation, maintaining such an intense illusion for an entire day would completely drain his energy. Fortunately, his Pine Leaf Mouse, Fire Qilin Dragon, and Ice Soul Gu were constantly supplying him with True Energy, acting as his personal energy batteries. At this rate, Lin Jing even felt that just maintaining this state for a few years could dramatically improve his illusion mastery¡ªeven without actively training. Too bad his three spirit beasts had to remain hidden. For now, they could only serve as power sources. ¡°Disciple has gained significant insights!¡± With that, Lin Jing activated his True Energy. A strong gust of wind swept across the ground, and a towering demonic monkey illusion emerged! It was massive and menacing, with a ferocious expression. Its body was covered in reddish-brown fur, and its head, chest, arms, legs, and tail burned with everlasting white flames, making it look like a creature born from a pale inferno. ¡°ROAR!!!¡± The monkey demon let out a deafening roar. The moment You Wanli laid eyes on it, he was briefly stunned. Even Elder Qin showed a rare look of surprise. ¡°This¡­ White Abyss Monkey King¡­¡± ¡°One of the 300 Demon Kings in the outer layer. Its cultivation is half-step Nascent Soul Transformation, and its tyrannical white flames make it the most difficult Demon King to replicate.¡± ¡°You managed to capture two-tenths of its essence in just seven days?¡± ¡°Genius! This is pure genius!¡± ¡°Deacon You has finally done something right¡ªbringing a true illusion prodigy into our sect!¡± ¡°If you switch to our sect¡¯s techniques, you might even become a true disciple in the future!¡± Elder Qin was deeply impressed. Lin Jing, on the other hand, put on an excited expression¡ªbut deep down, he remained calm and calculating. He had to show enough talent to be valued¡ª But not so much that it became excessive. If he truly wanted to, he could manifest all 300 Demon Kings perfectly, one by one. But for now¡ª That level of skill was best kept hidden. Book 3: Chapter 6: The Outsider Vol 3 Chapter 6: The Outsider "Thank you for the elder''s praise." Lin Jing kept up his act, unexpectedly enjoying the feeling. His mastery of illusion techniques was impressive... It really seemed perfect for infiltrating other sects and stealing their spells. "It''s your own talent." Seeing a gifted disciple put Elder Qin in a good mood. Truthfully, Lin Jing''s excellence had little to do with him, but after guarding the Divine Beast Hall for years and witnessing too many dim-witted disciples, Elder Qin felt utterly drained. He had cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage, so his own talent had once been outstanding. That¡¯s why he simply couldn¡¯t comprehend¡ªwhy was the basic illusion of transforming into a demonic beast so difficult for so many people? Was it really that hard? He was just sick of stupidity. So seeing a disciple who could skillfully apply the fundamentals of illusionary transformation put him at ease. "The White Abyss Monkey King, huh..." Standing nearby, You Fangli was also astonished by Lin Jing¡¯s talent¡ªit far surpassed his own back then. At this rate, in the future at Thousand Illusions Mountain, who would be taking care of whom was now up for debate. "When you return, continue refining your illusionary beast transformation in the image of the ''White Abyss Monkey King!''" "When your illusion can fully display the presence of a Demon King, you¡¯ll qualify to compete for the rank of Core Disciple." "If you make it to Core Disciple status, you¡¯ll gain the right to observe the ''Demon Emperor''s Statue'' in the deeper chambers of the Divine Beast Hall!" "You have great talent. This old man looks forward to the day you return to the Divine Beast Hall." Elder Qin chuckled. Lin Jing¡¯s face flushed, seemingly thrilled at the praise and recognition... Not long after, You Wanli escorted Lin Jing back to the inner mountain, to a cave residence designated for him. The spiritual energy conditions were decent, but compared to his previous academy cave residence, it was far inferior... which reminded Lin Jing of the remaining decades of usage rights he still had there. "Junior Brother Huang, for now, you should cultivate here," You Wanli advised. "With the talent you¡¯ve shown, it won¡¯t be long before someone invites you to join one of the sect halls. When that happens, just join whichever hall reaches out to you first¡ªdon¡¯t refuse, don¡¯t delay." He patted Lin Jing¡¯s shoulder in encouragement. ???????????????s "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother You." You Wanli laughed heartily. "No need to thank me. Did Second Elder give you your Inner Sect disciple token along with your cultivation technique? With that token, you can enter the Inner Sect''s Scripture Pavilion and select three high-grade illusion techniques to practice for free." "Don¡¯t forget to claim them..." After You Wanli left, Lin Jing dropped his polite smile. "Illusion techniques, huh..." He didn¡¯t linger in his cave residence and immediately made his way to Thousand Illusions Mountain''s Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion. He had come to Thousand Illusions Mountain for these very things¡ªthere was no reason to waste time. As an Inner Sect disciple, he had unrestricted access to basic illusion techniques. However, most basic illusions involved transforming into people or scenery, and with Lin Jing¡¯s current mastery of illusion arts, he had no need for them. Only high-grade illusion techniques could be of use to him now. After careful selection, he chose three techniques: Soul Infusion Art, Spirit-Piercing Method, and Layered Illusion Technique. Each of these techniques compensated for gaps in his illusion arts from different angles. The Soul Infusion Art was the very technique that allowed the Divine Beast Hall¡¯s countless demonic beast statues and murals to exude lifelike presence! It allowed an illusionist to bind illusions to a vessel and keep them anchored to a location. This meant he could create powerful illusions to deter enemies from entering the sect¡ªor even use illusionary imprints to store and transmit information. The Spirit-Piercing Method was what he truly lacked. Most illusion techniques lacked offensive power and could only deceive or disorient opponents. To cause real damage, he had to rely on his target being timid or lacking mental fortitude. But with this method, he could infuse his illusions with his own spiritual power. When an enemy encountered a terrifying illusion, in the moment their mind wavered, he could strike directly at their spirit, dealing immense damage. This technique could even be combined with the Soul Infusion Art, allowing statues and murals imbued with illusions to carry a hidden spiritual attack. Finally, the Layered Illusion Technique was the most critical¡ªit was the key to strengthening his illusions. Thousand Illusions Mountain had a famous defensive formation called the Thousand Illusions Array, where intruders would be trapped in layers upon layers of illusions. Even after breaking one, another would take its place¡ªfirst the second, then the third... up to a thousand layers. This kind of endless deception could drive people insane. The Layered Illusion Technique operated on a similar principle, allowing an illusionist to create double-layered illusions. Currently, Lin Jing used only a single layer of illusion to disguise himself. If someone broke through it with spiritual sense, they would see his true form. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But if he mastered the Layered Illusion Technique, he could seamlessly apply a second illusion over the first. Even if an enemy dispelled the initial disguise, they might still not see his real face¡ªonly another false identity he had prepared beforehand. This would drastically improve his safety. With the three techniques in hand, Lin Jing hurried back to his cave residence, preparing to enter seclusion for a while... "Seems like the Yin Corpse Sect isn¡¯t completely useless after all." Upon returning, Lin Jing noticed something interesting¡ªhis Hidden Dragon Fortune, which had been nearly depleted due to cultivating the Heavenly Demon Physique, was surging again. After thinking for a moment, he realized¡ªdamn it, wasn¡¯t the Yin Corpse Sect spreading bounty notices to hunt him down? In a way, they were boosting his reputation! Just like earlier¡ªElder Qin had showered him with praise. "My fortune in illusion cultivation is here." Meanwhile... Amidst the endless chaos of the void, a pinecone drifted aimlessly, its situation utterly miserable. "This damn Celestial Palace Compass was supposed to randomly teleport me somewhere in Tianyuan Continent¡ªnot into a sealed void ruin! Where the hell am I?! I need to get back!!!" "Does this place even count as part of Tianyuan Continent?" "And why the hell is this void barrier so damn hard to break through..." Looking at the ancient war-torn ruins surrounding him, Divine Pine struggled but couldn¡¯t pierce through the void barrier. He had no idea where the Celestial Palace Compass had thrown him. "This is the World Boundary Wall. The place you''re in is the boundary fissure of the Tianyuan Realm," a voice suddenly echoed. A withered remnant soul emerged from the void ruins, staring directly at Divine Pine. "You are not a native of this realm, which is why you can''t pass through easily. In fact, your arrival here may be due to the realm rejecting your existence¡ªhence your spatial teleportation failed." Then the soul hesitated before throwing out a series of rapid questions: "Wait a minute... You''re not a native, yet your entire being is drenched in the aura of this world. Are you a tree that smuggled itself into the Tianyuan Realm and reincarnated to blend in? "Or were you beaten so badly by a powerhouse of this world that you had no choice but to reincarnate as a pine tree to hide? "Wait¡ªcrossing realms illegally? Are you from the Demonic Sky Sect? That sect that loves invading cultivation worlds?" A string of accusations poured out. "...F***, I¡¯m just a tree." Divine Pine stared at the remnant soul. "Who the hell are you? Me, Demonic Sky Sect, an outsider?!" Book 3: Chapter 7: The Illusionary Assassination Hall Vol 3 Chapter 7: The Illusionary Assassination Hall Divine Pine sneered. The remnant soul sighed. The remnant soul''s tone became neutral once again. After a brief silence, Divine Pine suddenly realized the true nature of the remnant soul¡ªit was actually the transformed soul of a demon beast. Divine Pine asked. If it had to rely on its own cultivation, it would take at least a few thousand years to reach the Void Mystical Stage. By then, the opportunity would be long gone. By that time, the Longevity Body would have been claimed by someone else¡ªnot from old age, but simply because someone would have harvested it already. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Divine Pine had been nurturing the Longevity Body for so long precisely for the Longevity Blood that Lin Jing had promised him upon reaching perfection. He could not tolerate returning to the Tianyuan Continent only to find out that Lin Jing had already been by someone else. As for whether this so-called failed ascender''s remnant soul would cause trouble in the Tianyuan Continent¡­ Divine Pine couldn''t care less. A Few Days Later Perhaps due to the Golden Bodhi Tree unlocking his talent, or maybe due to his solid foundation in illusion arts, Lin Jing easily mastered the three illusion techniques he had claimed. There wasn¡¯t the slightest difficulty. Cultivating illusion techniques felt even easier than practicing Buddhist teachings. In comparison, cultivating the Heavenly Demon Physique was like gnawing on a piece of rock-hard bone. "When the time is right, I''ll simulate the aura of True Illusion Essence and display even greater strength and talent to compete for the position of Core Disciple at Thousand Illusions Mountain." R¨¤??????¨ºs Sitting cross-legged in his cave, Lin Jing¡¯s eyes flickered with determination. These three illusion techniques were never his true goal in coming to Thousand Illusions Mountain. His real goal was one of the Core Disciple secret techniques¡ªthe Inverse Void Art! It contained the principles of real and illusionary transformation, a secret technique capable of temporarily turning illusions into reality! However, only Core Disciples could access this secret art. As an Inner Sect disciple, he had no chance of learning it yet. Moreover, it was said that Inverse Void Art could only be cultivated in a special Illusory Paradise within Thousand Illusions Mountain¡ªa place just like the Divine Beast Hall, serving as the sect''s hidden foundation. Only Core Disciples could enter. As for the other Core Disciple secret technique, , which allowed illusionists to perfectly replicate the presence of powerful demon beasts, Lin Jing didn¡¯t need it as much. Just as You Wanli predicted, within a few days, someone from the sect sought him out. The visitor was Zheng, a steward of the Illusionary Assassination Hall. His purpose, of course, was to recruit Lin Jing into the Illusionary Assassination Hall. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Lin Jing accepted the offer. Originally, he had wanted to join the Demon-Illusion Hall. That hall¡¯s disciples were basically "battlefield reporters"¡ªtheir tasks mainly involved secretly recording footage of powerful demon beasts, granting them much more freedom. But the Illusionary Assassination Hall¡­ it was practically a battlefield unit, constantly fighting against disciples from the Myriad Beast Sect, Flower Sect, and other sects over resources and territories. It was far too high-profile for his liking. Steward Zheng chuckled, patting Lin Jing on the shoulder. He had high hopes for Lin Jing¡¯s potential. After all, even Elder Qin had acknowledged his talent. Lin Jing had no other choice. However, being part of the Illusionary Assassination Hall did bring him some advantages¡ªit meant fewer disturbances. Clearly, the hall leaders had already discussed among themselves before deciding to recruit him¡­ This was exactly why Senior Brother You had advised him to join whichever hall reached out first. Now, with no more distractions, Lin Jing could focus on his cultivation at Thousand Illusions Mountain. The sect¡¯s core area was hidden within a massive illusionary formation, offering a degree of fate concealment, making it an excellent hiding place. This was precisely why Lin Jing had chosen Thousand Illusions Mountain as his temporary refuge... Time flew by¡ªone year passed in the blink of an eye. Despite constantly feeling on edge, nothing unexpected happened. For an entire year, Lin Jing had poured all his energy into cultivating illusion arts. Soul Infusion Art, Spirit-Piercing Method, and Layered Illusion Technique¡ªhe had mastered them all to perfection. His ability to simulate illusions had improved drastically. When he first arrived at Thousand Illusions Mountain, he could only maintain his own disguise while manifesting one powerful demon beast illusion. But now, after a year of rigorous training, he could simultaneously conjure illusions of ten Demon Kings! With these illusions, paired with Spirit-Piercing attacks, even Core Formation cultivators who failed to see through his deception could suffer severe mental trauma. However, this method was still unstable. Until he mastered "Inverse Void Art", he couldn¡¯t truly fight Core Formation cultivators head-on. Wearing the golden disciple robes of Thousand Illusions Mountain, Lin Jing stepped out of his cave and flew toward the Illusionary Assassination Hall. With his improved illusionary mastery, his disguise was stronger than ever. Since that was the case¡­ It was time to take the next step. Book 3: Chapter 8: The Pledge of Allegiance Vol 3 Chapter 8: The Pledge of Allegiance At the Illusionary Assassination Hall, Steward Zheng was genuinely surprised to see Lin Jing again. Elder Qin hadn¡¯t been exaggerating¡ªthis disciple was indeed talented! It seemed he had recruited a remarkable new member for the Illusionary Assassination Hall. Seeing the True Illusion Essence radiating from Lin Jing, Steward Zheng smiled. Lin Jing chuckled, scratching his head sheepishly. Steward Zheng strode forward and, just like a year ago, patted Lin Jing on the shoulder. As he spoke, he pulled out two portraits. Both depicted a sweet, innocent-looking female cultivator. While their appearances differed, their overall aura felt strikingly similar. Steward Zheng asked. Lin Jing answered honestly. Zheng raised an eyebrow. He ignored the comment and continued, "However, after the marriage, she spent months setting up a secret formation to absorb half of his cultivation. Then, using her status, she robbed his family of vast wealth and disappeared without a trace." ?????N£Ï????¨º???? Lin Jing added in agreement. Zheng gave him a knowing look. Lin Jing was momentarily stunned. That sounded wrong, but somehow¡­ made sense. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Steward Zheng glanced at the file. Lin Jing nodded¡ªit was no problem. What he was really interested in was how many contribution points this mission was worth. This was his pledge of allegiance. Whether capturing or killing Yanran, he would be making an irreversible enemy of the Flower Sect. Only by taking this step would Thousand Illusions Mountain fully trust and invest in him. Linlang City, Lin Clan. Lin Jing was familiar with this place. When he first arrived in Qingzhou, he had encountered a Lin Clan disciple¡ªhe hadn¡¯t expected his first mission to involve them. The Flower Sect disciple, Yanran, had reinvented herself as a young female cultivator named Yan Xin and married into the Lin Clan, specifically to a low-talent Lin Clan heir. Although this Lin Clan heir lacked talent, he was incredibly diligent, earning the favor of the Lin Clan patriarch, who showered him with endless resources and pills, boosting his cultivation to mid-stage Foundation Establishment. According to Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s investigation, Yanran specifically targeted him for these reasons¡ªplanning to drain his cultivation and seize the vast supply of pills. However... When Lin Jing arrived at Linlang City, things took a bizarre turn. Hiding in the Lin Clan manor, Lin Jing overheard a furious family argument. "You just married such an outstanding wife, and now you¡­ You unfilial brat!" "How could you cultivate that ¡®Immortal-Slaying Art¡¯ you found?! It has crippled your ability to bear children!" The elders were furious. Lin Jing fell silent. ¡­What the hell? So someone from the Lin Clan really did cultivate this technique?! Ironically, this twist completely ruined Yanran¡¯s plan¡ªshe couldn¡¯t drain his cultivation because his own choices crippled him first. This Lin Tian had unshakable willpower. Despite his humble background, he had unintentionally resisted a carefully orchestrated Flower Sect scheme. But the real question¡ªwhere had Yanran run off to? This mission was his first task¡ªhis pledge of allegiance to Thousand Illusions Mountain. He could not afford to fail. Lin Jing pulled out a small creature the size of his arm¡ªa Flame Qilin Dragon. The Flame Qilin Dragon let out a dissatisfied growl. Finally, some fresh air! It had been confined for so long, it thought it was finally being set free¡ªonly to be used as a bloodhound. How was it supposed to track scents like a damn dog? Lin Jing asked flatly. The Flame Qilin Dragon let out a reluctant snort, sniffed the air¡ª ¡ªand actually detected a lingering medicinal fragrance that didn¡¯t belong to the Lin Clan''s pills. It carried the subtle scent of "Mimicry Flower" extract, a rare shapeshifting ingredient. Lin Jing¡¯s eyes gleamed. Book 3: Chapter 9: The Demon Ancestors Ruins Vol 3 Chapter 9: The Demon Ancestor''s Ruins Outside Linlang City, in the Evergreen Forest. "Damn that Lin Tian!" Yanran, a disciple of the Flower Sect, furiously kicked a rock and punched a tree, looking like an aggrieved little wife. Her delicate face twisted with anger, contorted into a fierce expression. The hem of her crimson dress fluttered as she landed atop a mountain peak, muttering to herself, "I can''t just leave like this." The Flower Sect¡¯s secret technique for siphoning half a cultivator¡¯s cultivation required time to set up... She had been so close to completing it and achieving her goal. But who could have expected that young master of the Lin family to sever the connection at the last moment, causing the technique to fail? Against a cultivator who practiced the , she had no confidence in attempting the secret technique again. The effort she had already invested wasn¡¯t the main issue¡ªwhat truly mattered was that this failure would be a stain on her reputation, a laughingstock among her fellow sect sisters. Wiping a leaf between her fingers, Yanran calmed her expression and spoke to herself, "I just have to make myself look like the victim. From the Lin family''s perspective, this would be entirely Lin Tian''s fault. As his properly wedded wife, I am the aggrieved party. I can use this as leverage to demand a huge compensation from the Lin family before leaving¡ªotherwise, I''d be at a loss." "Yes, compensation." Rustle... Just as Yanran was plotting how to further exploit the Lin family''s wealth, the surrounding forest suddenly filled with rustling sounds. Heavy breathing, deep and menacing, accompanied the noise, making her frown. "Demonic beasts? But isn''t the Evergreen Forest supposed to be free of strong demonic beasts?" She expanded her spiritual sense outward to investigate. Through her divine perception, she scanned the area and immediately saw the source of the disturbance. And then¡ªshe screamed in panic. "A Demon Core Stage beast?! How is there a Demon Core Stage beast in this place?!" Yanran¡¯s pupils shrank instantly, her instincts screaming danger. Within her spiritual sense''s reach, a colossal tiger covered in jet-black fur prowled among the trees. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled patterns upon its body¡­ Under the probing of her divine sense, the tiger demon suddenly lifted its head. Its piercing gaze cut through the layers of mist in the forest, locking onto its prey with terrifying precision. Run! That was the only thought left in Yanran¡¯s mind. Her heartbeat pounded wildly, but before she could even retract her divine sense, the black tiger let out a thunderous roar. "ROARRRR!!!" The entire forest trembled with the beast¡¯s deafening cry. The sheer force of the roar made Yanran¡¯s consciousness blur, her body going weak and limp. "I''m done for," she thought despairingly. Never had she imagined that she would encounter a Demon Core Stage beast¡ªand worse, that she wouldn''t even have the chance to flee. As the tiger demon approached her, she mustered what little strength she had left and screamed, "What kind of demonic beast are you?! I am a disciple of the Flower Sect! If you eat me, the Flower Sect will never let you off!" "The Flower Sect has many Nascent Soul elders, and even a Soul Transformation Sect Master¡ª" "Enough with your ''Flower Sect'' this and ''Flower Sect'' that," an unexpected voice interrupted. From behind the tiger demon, a figure emerged¡ªLin Jing. He patted the massive tiger''s side, and in an instant, the beast¡¯s form dissolved into nothingness. "So this is what it¡¯s like using an illusionary beast in battle. Didn¡¯t expect it to be so easy," Lin Jing mused, rubbing his chin as he observed the stunned female cultivator before him. ??N?????¨ºs "Him..." The Flower Sect disciple stared at Lin Jing in a daze before murmuring, "Thousand Illusions Mountain?" Lin Jing wove strands of spiritual energy together, binding the severely weakened Yanran. In the process, he noticed something surprising¡ªaccording to the intelligence from Thousand Illusions Mountain, Yanran was supposed to be at Early Foundation Establishment, yet she had already broken through to Mid Foundation Establishment! Not that it made much difference¡ªshe was still too weak. Lin Jing had no trouble crushing her mental defenses. Realizing her attacker was not actually a demonic beast but a fellow human, Yanran sighed in relief. Though she was still unable to resist, she quickly adopted a pitiful expression. "Senior Brother, what are you doing?" she whimpered. "This must be some misunderstanding¡­" Even while bound, Yanran arched her chest slightly, accentuating her curvaceous figure. Like a seductive viper, she slowly slumped to the ground, raising her tear-streaked face to look at Lin Jing with a pitiful, glistening gaze. BAM. Lin Jing knocked her out with a single punch. "You''re using this to test Thousand Illusions Mountain disciples?" Lin Jing muttered, utterly unimpressed. He had no interest in falling for a seductress¡¯s tricks. A few days later. Lin Jing personally escorted the Flower Sect cultivator¡ªwho had plotted against the disciples of Thousand Illusions Mountain¡ªback to the sect. When Deacon Zheng received the news, he was overjoyed. "Good! This is even better than I expected¡ªswift, clean, and perfect! You managed to capture her even after she reached Mid Foundation Establishment? I knew I didn¡¯t misjudge you!" With such a valuable trophy, Lin Jing immediately earned Deacon Zheng¡¯s high regard. After ordering subordinates to throw the Flower Sect enchantress into the Thousand Illusions Mountain dungeon, Deacon Zheng turned back to Lin Jing, smiling. "I remember you have quite the talent with illusionary beasts, especially that White Abyss Monkey King you manifested?" "You must have some special connection to monkeys¡ªotherwise, why is it that out of all the demonic beasts, you always bond with monkey-type ones?" Deacon Zheng¡¯s tone was teasing, but Lin Jing felt a bit embarrassed. He thought back to his childhood days spent watching . "Deacon Zheng is correct¡­ I¡¯ve always been fascinated by monkeys. Sometimes, I even ignore beautiful women in favor of them," Lin Jing admitted sheepishly. "Good, then consider this your fortune." "Most disciples of the Illusionary Assassination Hall start with basic missions¡ªterritory disputes, guarding spiritual mines, and the like. These missions are dangerous, though the sect doesn¡¯t treat these disciples unfairly. However, they offer limited personal growth." "But you¡ªI''ve decided to assign you a far more valuable opportunity." "Three months from now, the will open. Disciples from the Myriad Beast Sect, the Flower Sect, and Thousand Illusions Mountain will all enter. This ruin was left behind by a Void Mystical Stage Demon Ancestor. It contains both opportunities and dangers, and conflict with disciples from other sects will be inevitable." "With your abilities, sending you on ordinary missions would be a waste. If you can distinguish yourself in the , earning enough merits to qualify for the Core Disciple trials should be within your reach!" "" Lin Jing''s expression shifted. "Indeed. A being worthy of the title possesses blood so powerful that a single drop can birth an entire race of its kind¡­ The owner of this ruin was a , one with the bloodline of the . It had no kin of its own, so as its lifespan neared its end, it created this ruin." "Those who perform well inside may inherit its legacy¡ªand become one of its kind." "This Demon Ancestor sought to ensure its bloodline, techniques, and martial arts would be passed down after death." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And¡­ it doesn''t discriminate between species." "No matter what race you belong to, as long as it deems you worthy, it can make you one of its own." "However, transforming high-level beings requires immense energy. That¡¯s why only those below the Core Formation Stage can enter." "For this reason, even the Senluo Hall has chosen not to compete with us for this opportunity," Deacon Zheng concluded with a smile. Senluo Hall¡ªan elite faction led by a Void Mystical cultivator, with only Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation members. No weaklings among them. Book 3: Chapter 10: The Observation Team Vol 3 Chapter 10: The Observation Team Over the next few days, Lin Jing learned more details about the from Deacon Zheng. "Among the three sects, a small number of disciples have already obtained a trace of the Zhuyan bloodline. However, the majority of our disciples aren¡¯t here for that¡ªnot everyone wants beast blood in their veins." "The disciples of the Myriad Beast Sect aim to grant their pet beasts even the slightest trace of Zhuyan¡¯s lineage, allowing them to cultivate powerful demonic techniques, spells, and combat arts." "As for , we seek to study the , hoping that one day, we can perfectly reconstruct the Zhuyan through illusions. As an ancient relic beast, its strength surpasses even the three imprinted in the deepest halls of the Divine Beast Palace." "When the time comes, your only goal will be to observe and analyze the form, spells, and martial arts." "Since you''ve already mastered simulating the , you might gain some unexpected insights in the ruins. It may not be the same species, but at the end of the day, they¡¯re both primates¡­" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And what about the ?" Lin Jing asked. "They¡¯re just here to sabotage us," Deacon Zheng sneered. "A bunch of wenches. When you enter the , make sure to deal with them the same way you did today¡ªmercilessly take them down!" "I specifically chose you for this expedition because you seem to have a talent for handling Flower Sect enchantresses." Lin Jing remained silent. Truthfully, he wasn¡¯t particularly eager to enter the , but refusing wasn¡¯t really an option. This seemed like the fastest path to becoming a , and if all the competitors were cultivators, his expertise in would still allow him to compete. "I won¡¯t disappoint you, Deacon Zheng," Lin Jing said, clasping his hands in salute. A few days later, the name spread across . Many disciples heard that an had emerged in the , joining the and even capturing a Flower Sect enchantress alive. Killing a cultivator of the same rank? Many could do that. Capturing one alive? That was far more difficult. Usually, only someone with a much higher cultivation level could pull that off. But according to the Flower Sect disciple¡¯s confession, this had perfectly simulated a great demon, suppressing her in an instant. This further cemented his reputation as a true prodigy. Meanwhile, Lin Jing himself had entered seclusion once more. Three Months Later. gathered 100 elite disciples. Their cultivation levels ranged from to . Among them, 95 were disciples, while five were ¡ªall key figures for this expedition into the . The ruins had been discovered by three sects ten years ago. The initial exploration yielded some gains, but none of the sects had obtained the grand opportunity that could reshape their power structure. Thus, after much discussion, the three sects agreed to send 100 disciples every seven years to explore it again. This would be the eighth expedition¡­ "Depart!" From airship, a Sect Master led the team, accompanied by several . Below, the 100 disciples were divided into seven squads, each led by a acting as captain. Among them was a female known as . "Now, let me explain our squad¡¯s mission," she announced. "Senior Sister Ning, just say the word¡ªwe will follow your every command!" a youth eagerly proclaimed. Senior Sister Ning nodded and continued, "Based on the last two expeditions, every group of entrants will begin in the same ." "In this grand hall, a drop of Zhuyan¡¯s blood will materialize. Shortly after, it will take form as a Junior Zhuyan at Early Foundation Establishment cultivation." ???????§£¨º???? "Only by defeating this can we pass the first trial." "Although its cultivation is only , its actual combat strength is overwhelming. It takes the combined efforts of over a hundred cultivators to bring it down." "Once slain, the ruins will distribute traces of to all participants based on their contribution. When absorbed, this blood enhances the physical body. If one continues to accumulate and refine enough of it, they will develop a ." "Those who inherit this bloodline will gain exceptional physical strength, becoming similar to those with rare physiques like the , , and . They will no longer be considered pure-blooded humans." "This can be considered a fortuitous opportunity¡ªbut it¡¯s not suitable for disciples." "Our mission is not to obtain ! There is no need to participate in the battle." "Instead, we are here to observe the in combat. Because it is merely a projection, won¡¯t work. We must rely entirely on our own perception and memory." "During this process, some Flower Sect disciples may abandon the battle against the to disrupt our observations. Pay them no mind¡ªother squads will handle them. Our duty is to focus entirely on the battle." "As long as we can recreate even one percent of the divine essence, the sect will grant us immense rewards." "If, however, another sect''s disciple breaks through our defenses, only then should we stop observing and eliminate the intruder." Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. "As for the second trial," Senior Sister Ning continued, "after passing the first, we will enter another . This time, another will appear, but unlike the first, this one will wield a weapon and utilize martial arts." "In the first trial, the relies solely on brute force. But in the second trial, it will be far more difficult and cunning." "However, upon defeating it, aside from the , the weapon it wields will be granted to whoever lands the finishing blow." "That being said, these weapons are not particularly valuable¡ªthey are merely mid-tier magical artifacts." "Thus, our duty remains the same: observation. We must commit its martial techniques and battle essence to memory through illusionary arts!" "As for the third trial¡­" Lin Jing listened intently, gradually gaining a clear understanding of his role in this expedition. His mission was simple: observe the battles between the other disciples and the , committing its combat patterns and divine presence to memory. Only in the most critical moments would he be allowed to take action¡ªeither against rival sect disciples or against the itself. Book 3: Chapter 15: How Could the Sect Not Prosper? Vol 3 Chapter 15: How Could the Sect Not Prosper? Inside the ruins, Senior Sister Ning Yao, the leader of Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s Second Team, stared blankly at Lin Jing, who stood beside the Zhuyan Phantom. She spoke in a hushed tone, still in shock. So strong¡­ What¡¯s going on with this Huang Yu?! At that moment, Lin Jing finally regained his composure. He let out a small smile, cupped his hands, and addressed his "fellow senior brothers and sisters." What a group of good people! Without them, comprehending the Zhuyan Phantom and slaying the third-trial Zhuyan would have taken him much more effort! Several Thousand Illusions Mountain Core Disciples immediately surrounded him with questions. Although Lin Jing had some reputation within the Inner Sect, to these Core Disciples, he was still an unfamiliar face. Except for Senior Sister Ning, who had thoroughly reviewed his background, the other team leaders had no idea who he was. They were still in disbelief¡ªWhere had this guy even come from?! But before Lin Jing could respond, space distorted around them¡ª The ruins had shifted into the fourth level. Compared to the third level, this fourth-level Zhuyan had undergone another transformation. This time¡ª It was no longer at the early Foundation Establishment. It had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment! Its body was massive! Immediately, tension spread through the group. Senior Sister Ning took a deep breath and made her decision: "Understood!" Lin Jing had no desire to continue the challenge either. With their current manpower, unless he revealed all three of his contracted beasts, they stood no chance against this fourth-level Zhuyan. Moreover¡ª If he inflicted too much damage on the Zhuyan, it might alter his bloodline into a Zhuyan variant! The Beast Taming Sect was already leaning more towards demonic fate than human destiny. Lin Jing had no real desire for the Zhuyan Bloodline. Perhaps the later trials had even greater inheritances¡ª But he had no intention of standing out too much. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He chose to quit while ahead. Whoosh. Lin Jing exited the ruins. The other Thousand Illusions Mountain disciples took one last look at the Peak Foundation Establishment Zhuyan, swallowed hard, and decided that their expedition was already a success. ???????§£¦¥s? Under the command of the various Core Disciple leaders, they all withdrew from the ruins. As the Thousand Illusions Mountain disciples emerged, Huan Gongming, the sect master of Thousand Illusions Mountain, immediately moved to protect them all. Hovering in the air, he gazed at them and demanded: "Which disciple comprehended the Zhuyan¡¯s true presence?" His eyes swept across the group, burning with intensity. One by one, all Thousand Illusions Mountain disciples turned to look at Lin Jing. "Him?" Not just them¡ª Even the Myriad Beast Sect and Flower Sect cultivators shifted their focus onto Lin Jing. And¡ª None of them recognized him. He wasn¡¯t one of the renowned prodigies of Thousand Illusions Mountain! Lin Jing cupped his fists and responded: "Reporting to the Sect Master¡ªthis disciple, Huang Yu, successfully manifested the Zhuyan Phantom with the protection of my fellow senior brothers. I was also fortunate enough to slay the third-trial Zhuyan and obtain an inheritance technique." Immediately, a Nascent Soul elder from Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s Illusionary Assassination Hall stepped forward. "Excellent, excellent, excellent!" Huan Gongming spoke three consecutive praises, his excitement barely contained. Then¡ª His Nascent Soul manifestation erupted outward. He raised his gigantic spectral palm and glared coldly at the Vice Sect Master of Myriad Beast Sect and the Sect Master of Flower Sect. "The three sects agreed to explore the ruins together. Regardless of which sect gains more, no one should harbor resentment. Are you two sore losers?" His tone was sharp¡ª The moment he sensed killing intent from the two Nascent Soul Perfection cultivators, his aura turned deadly. It was clear¡ªif they couldn¡¯t give him a satisfactory answer, he was ready to fight. The other Nascent Soul elders of Thousand Illusions Mountain immediately released their own spiritual manifestations, creating a tense standoff between the three sects. "Heh¡­ of course not." The Vice Sect Master of Myriad Beast Sect and the Sect Master of Flower Sect quickly suppressed their killing intent and forced a smile. However¡ª When their eyes landed back on Lin Jing, their thoughts were clear. This boy cannot be allowed to live. A disciple who had comprehended the Zhuyan Phantom¡­ In the future, he would surely become a great enemy to the Myriad Beast Sect and Flower Sect! They absolutely could not allow Thousand Illusions Mountain to raise this disciple to the Nascent Soul level! "Hmph." Huan Gongming coldly snorted. They had entered the ruins with three hundred Foundation Establishment disciples. Now¡ªonly one hundred seventy remained. The casualties among the Myriad Beast Sect¡¯s pet beasts were even more devastating. All three sects had suffered severe losses. However¡ª The survivors had undergone tremendous trials and gained valuable experiences. The chances of these disciples reaching Core Formation had increased significantly. Between a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a Core Formation expert, every sect valued the higher realms more. Huan Gongming dispersed his manifestation, turned to the disciples, and commanded: "Thousand Illusions Mountain disciples¡ªboard the flying ship. We return to the sect." "Huang Yu of the Illusionary Assassination Hall¡ªcome with me and report your findings." "From this day forward, you are a Core Disciple of Thousand Illusions Mountain." Under Huan Gongming¡¯s orders, Lin Jing followed him into a private chamber. Inside¡ª Lin Jing explained his thought process in constructing the Zhuyan Phantom and even manifested it again. Huan Gongming nodded approvingly. However¡ª Huan Gongming could tell that Lin Jing had not fully comprehended the true presence of a Demon Ancestor Zhuyan. Instead, he had used a clever technique to create an illusion that mimicked its presence. Still¡ªfor a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, this was already a monstrous feat. Huan Gongming stroked his beard and sighed. Book 3: Chapter 16: Hoping to Escape Vol 3 Chapter 16: Hoping to Escape Huan Gongming had high hopes for Lin Jing. "After returning to the sect, leave behind the Zhuyan Phantom and immediately enter the Thousand Illusions Paradise to learn the Inverse Void Art. I also want to see what kind of power a Zhuyan Phantom, transformed from illusion to reality, will possess¡­ As for the Three Heads and Six Arms Technique, there''s no rush." The Three Heads and Six Arms Technique was well-known across various ancient texts, practiced by both humans and demons alike. Its core was to grant the user three heads and six arms, allowing for the perfect control of multiple weapons and magical artifacts, significantly boosting combat prowess. However, the disciples of Thousand Illusions Mountain did not rely on weapons or magical artifacts, nor was the sect''s foundation built upon them. Moreover, this technique was said to be incredibly difficult to master, so Huan Gongming didn¡¯t have high expectations for it. Compared to the Three Heads and Six Arms, what he truly looked forward to was the Zhuyan Phantom¡ªafter all, phantom beasts were the cornerstone of Thousand Illusions Mountain! Although Lin Jing¡¯s Zhuyan manifestation was incomplete, it was a solid start. Using this as a foundation, with years of exploration in the Demon Ancestor¡¯s Ruins, they would eventually create a Zhuyan Phantom with a complete divine presence! "Understood." Lin Jing sighed inwardly. .......... After his journey to the Demon Ancestor¡¯s Ruins, Lin Jing successfully obtained the status of a core disciple. Ascending to core disciple status meant he could immediately begin learning the Inverse Void Art, which made him happy. However, the sect master of Thousand Illusions Mountain intended to wait for the Nascent Soul Patriarch to emerge from seclusion and introduce him as the patriarch''s disciple. That part, Lin Jing was not too thrilled about. "I''m not the hope of the sect." "I''m here to steal techniques." What worried him now was that while his illusion techniques could deceive even perfected Nascent Soul illusion cultivators, he had no guarantee they would fool a Nascent Soul cultivator who had spent a thousand years refining the Illusionary Path. After all, this wasn¡¯t just any Nascent Soul cultivator¡ªit was one who specialized in illusions. If his deception worked, everything would be fine. But if his identity was exposed, he would be in deep trouble. Thousand Illusions Mountain was still searching for him¡ªnot out of their own will, but under pressure from others. Lin Jing didn¡¯t dare gamble on what would happen if their patriarch saw through him¡­ After all, no one would want to keep a fugitive from the Yin Corpse Sect, a walking disaster, right next to them. "As soon as I master the Inverse Void Art, I need to run. I can''t wait for Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s Nascent Soul Patriarch to leave seclusion." Upon returning to Thousand Illusions Mountain, Lin Jing immediately used the Soul Infusion Art to imbue the Zhuyan Phantom¡¯s divine presence into the sect. Then, wasting no time, he took the Inverse Void Art cultivation manual and entered the sect¡¯s training paradise. This was a naturally occurring illusionary realm. Both real and false, both solid and ethereal. Cultivating illusions here provided tremendous benefits. It was said that the Inverse Void Art could only be successfully cultivated within this place. Meanwhile, as Lin Jing entered the Thousand Illusions Paradise, his second identity¡ªHuang Yu¡ªwas making waves in Senluo Path. Inside the Demon Ancestor¡¯s Ruins, the fact that he had "perfectly" materialized the Zhuyan Phantom, an ancient relic beast, spread like wildfire. Every sect, big and small, within Senluo Path had heard of the genius disciple from Thousand Illusions Mountain. ????????§§? Even the Senluo Hall, a faction composed entirely of weak cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, had heard of the illusionary prodigy named Gongming. Many believed that Thousand Illusions Mountain was destined to become a core force within Luosha Sect in the future. Of course, the place where Gongming¡¯s name was mentioned the least was Luosha Sect itself. Meanwhile, Thousand Illusions Mountain gained a Zhuyan Stone Statue. Anyone who locked eyes with it felt as if they were staring at an incredibly terrifying primordial beast, sending chills down their spine. Despite the phantom beast within the statue only possessing mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, it gave off a presence more frightening than a Nascent Soul Demon King. This statue became a new study object for the core disciples of Thousand Illusions Mountain. Yet the more they observed it, the more shocked they were¡ªnone could understand how someone at mid-stage Foundation Establishment had achieved this. And without a solid foundation in Thousand Transformations, fully replicating the Zhuyan Phantom was no easy task. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. .......... Three months later. The sect master, Huan Gongming, stood outside Thousand Illusions Paradise, frowning in confusion. Logically speaking, since Lin Jing had comprehended the divine presence of the Zhuyan Phantom in such a short time within the Demon Ancestor¡¯s Ruins, there was no reason why it should take him this long to learn the Inverse Void Art in the paradise. The longest any core disciple had ever taken to learn it was two months. Could it be that transforming the Zhuyan Phantom from illusion to reality was more difficult than expected? With the intent to offer guidance to "Huang Yu," Huan Gongming entered the Thousand Illusions Paradise¡ªonly to find it completely empty. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± The sect¡¯s hope had already escaped. Two kings cannot coexist. Lin Jing didn¡¯t dare gamble on what would happen if he met the Thousand Illusions Mountain patriarch, so he chose the safest option¡ªvanishing. His goal was accomplished. That was enough! ............. Meanwhile, on the road from Senluo Path to Tongtian Path, Lin Jing used the Layered Illusion Technique to overlay another identity on top of Huang Yu. Now, he appeared as a Foundation Establishment realm alchemist, wearing the robes of a Firecloud Pill Sect disciple. He wasn¡¯t sure if Thousand Illusions Mountain would brand him a traitor, but either way, compared to Yin Corpse Sect, Thousand Illusions Mountain was far weaker. At most, their strongest cultivator was a Nascent Soul, and it was unlikely that the Nascent Soul Patriarch would personally hunt down a disciple who left without explanation. If they sent a Nascent Soul cultivator after him, it was even less likely they¡¯d find him. Even if Lin Jing openly flaunted Huang Yu¡¯s identity, leaving traces and using Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s techniques everywhere, there was no way Thousand Illusions Mountain could track him. So being labeled a traitor of Thousand Illusions Mountain? He could live with that. It was certainly better than being a Longevity Body cultivator infested with rare Gu. Now, disguised as an alchemist, even if someone powerful saw through his first identity, they would only discover Huang Yu¡ªhis true self, Lin Jing, was buried even deeper. While it might not fool absolute powerhouses, any extra layer of security was worth the effort. "Waiter, bring me a pot of Spirit Brew." Stopping in a small town outside Senluo Path, Lin Jing tossed down some Spirit Stones and listened in on the tavern¡¯s chatter. In Qingzhou, there was no Tianji Pavilion¡¯s World Report, so tavern gossip was often the best source of information. He was searching for news about Exotic Flames¡ªhis top priority was finding a flame that burned lifespan to enhance his Fire Qilin Dragon. As he listened, he overheard his own name¡ªHuang Yu, Lin Jing¡ªcome up repeatedly. Then, someone exclaimed, "Did you hear? Lin Jing, the fugitive every sect is after¡ªhis sect, the Beast Taming Sect, has people in Qingzhou too!" "Half a year ago, Luosha Sect tried to capture some Beast Taming Sect cultivators to interrogate them about Lin Jing, but guess what¡­ they got wiped out. And they had a Nascent Soul cultivator!" "What? Isn''t Beast Taming Sect just a Nascent Soul-level sect from the Ancient Celestial Kingdom? How did they destroy Luosha Sect?" "Because the Demon Court¡¯s Holy Maiden is Beast Taming Sect¡¯s sect master''s daughter¡ªXu Xiaoyao! Luosha Sect was obliterated by the Demon Court! Can you believe it? The daughter of some small sect master from the Ancient Celestial Kingdom is actually one of the Demon Court¡¯s Holy Maidens!" Lin Jing nearly blacked out. He had avoided the Beast Taming Sect in Qingzhou to keep them out of trouble¡­ And now he found out they had already allied with a power stronger than Yin Corpse Sect?! Book 3: Chapter 17: The Demon Court Vol 3 Chapter 17: The Demon Court "Greetings, fellow Daoists." "I am but a wandering alchemist. By chance, I overheard your conversation just now and found it quite interesting. Would you mind if I joined in?" "Since fate has brought us together, allow me to cover the cost of this meal." As Lin Jing listened in, the group suddenly changed the topic, discussing a widowed female cultivator who had lost her husband. Feeling speechless, he stepped forward, hoping to steer the conversation back on track. He truly knew little about the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s movements in Qingzhou, the sect master''s adopted daughter, or this so-called Demon Court. The three cultivators at the table were all at Foundation Establishment and looked like rogue cultivators based on their attire. They turned to look at Lin Jing. "You''re treating?" The bearded man who had been speaking earlier was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. "You said it yourself¡ªfate has brought us together. No need for you to pay, Daoist friend. Sit down. Ask whatever you want. Are you interested in that widow too?" "Please, Daoist friend, we''re all the same kind of people here. No need to be polite," added the other two. "In that case, I¡¯ll gladly accept," Lin Jing coughed lightly before sitting down. "However, that¡¯s not what I wanted to ask. It¡¯s about your previous discussion. I overheard you mention that the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s sect master has a daughter with half-demon blood, and I¡¯m quite curious¡­ Does that mean she has half-demon race bloodline or just half-demonic beast bloodline?" Although both were referred to as half-demons, the distinction was vast! Before the Immortal Palace was destroyed, demonic beasts could transform into humans and were collectively known as the demon race. There were no reproductive barriers between demons and humans, and their offspring were known as half-demons. Half-demons inherited the best traits of both races, making them incredibly powerful. These half-demons had half demon race bloodline. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, after the ancient Immortal Palace sealed off the demon bloodline, the demon race completely vanished. As a result, half-demons with demon race blood also disappeared. Over time, demons and half-demons struggled to reproduce. Even when they did, their offspring were merely pure-blooded humans, with no trace of demonic ancestry. With the demon race extinct, the definition of half-demon changed over time. Now, the term referred to humans who had undergone a transformation¡ªwhere their human blood was partially replaced with beast blood through special methods. However, this type of half-demon was completely different from those with true demon race bloodline. For example, the Zhuyan Ruins Lin Jing had previously explored had methods to alter bloodlines, but even if successful, it only granted demonic beast traits, not true demon bloodline. Thus, over the years, the term half-demon had come to have two distinct meanings. Lin Jing was aware that Sect Master Xu Xiaoyao had a daughter¡ªan adopted one¡ªbut he didn¡¯t know much about her. He only knew that she had left for Qingzhou a long time ago. ????????¨§? At the time, he had wondered whether sending a young girl to Qingzhou alone was too dangerous. But now, it seemed that the sect master¡¯s daughter had some connection to the Demon Court. And if this Beast Taming Sect senior sister only possessed half-demonic beast bloodline, Lin Jing doubted that the Demon Court would value her so highly. After all, while humans with beast bloodline were rare, they weren¡¯t unheard of. Many cultivators had beast-like traits simply because their bodies contained traces of demonic beast bloodline. Yet, since the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s senior sister had become one of the Demon Court¡¯s Holy Maidens, Lin Jing was inclined to believe that she wasn¡¯t just an ordinary half-demon. It was likely that she possessed half-demon race bloodline. Only then would the Demon Court, which sought to revive the demon race, take interest in her. But that raised another question¡ªhadn¡¯t all demon race bloodlines disappeared? The bearded cultivator took a sip of his wine and said, "Of course, she has half demon race bloodline!" "Relying on beast bloodline alone¡ªeven if it''s demon ancestor bloodline¡ªwould never be enough to become a Demon Court Holy Maiden." "That place is one of the strongest demonic beast forces, with a Demon Emperor overseeing it¡­" "I heard that all three Holy Maidens of the Demon Court have half demon race bloodline!" "You¡¯re wondering how that¡¯s possible, right? Didn¡¯t the ancient Immortal Palace seal off demon bloodlines, making it impossible for new demons to be born?" "Exactly." Lin Jing nodded. "I¡¯ve gossiped about this with others before," the bearded cultivator continued. "Those three Holy Maidens were only recognized by the Demon Court in recent decades¡ªthey weren¡¯t part of some ancient tradition. So, is it possible that over time, the world¡¯s rules, rewritten by the Immortal Palace, are starting to weaken?" "After all, the Immortal Palace has been gone for so long. Who¡¯s to say their alterations to world laws were truly permanent?" "Maybe full-blooded demons still can¡¯t be born, but half-demons¡ªthose with half demon race bloodline¡ªare starting to reappear. And this Beast Taming Sect¡¯s sect master¡¯s daughter? She had ancestral demon bloodline within her, and as the world¡¯s rules loosened, her bloodline mutated, triggering a reversion to her ancestral form!" "Reversion to an ancestral form¡­ That does make sense," Lin Jing muttered. It was possible that the sect master¡¯s adopted daughter had awakened her half-demon bloodline at some point, catching the Demon Court¡¯s attention and prompting them to bring her to Qingzhou for cultivation. That could explain why she had left for Qingzhou at such a young age. Perhaps, when she was born, she already exhibited signs of her half-demon heritage, leading her parents to abandon her, allowing the sect master to take her in. Regardless of the details, it was clear that the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s senior sister was thriving in Qingzhou. No wonder the sect master had brought a group over to establish themselves there. For a brief moment, Lin Jing considered visiting the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Qingzhou branch to see the sect master. But he quickly dismissed the idea. The sect master''s adopted daughter had likely gained her status due to her half-demon race bloodline, making her politically valuable within the Demon Court. However, she wasn¡¯t the only Holy Maiden¡ªthere were two others like her. While she might have the authority to wipe out a Nascent Soul-level sect, she likely didn¡¯t hold absolute power. For someone like Lin Jing, who possessed a Longevity Body, approaching the Demon Court was too dangerous. The court was filled with powerful demonic beasts, and there was no guarantee she could protect him. If she had been a Holy Maiden of a human faction, even one of the Three Great Demonic Sects, like the Netherworld Hall, he would have considered seeking refuge. But the Demon Court¡¯s Holy Maidens? Too risky. Not just the beasts¡ªeven she might want to eat him. The Beast Taming Sect¡¯s downfall was no accident. "¡­Sigh." Lin Jing let out a long sigh. The world was vast, yet without strength, nowhere truly felt safe. Still, keeping the Beast Taming Sect¡¯s Qingzhou branch as a backup plan wasn¡¯t a bad idea. They were probably looking for him, too. .......... In the end, Lin Jing set out for Tongtian Path, one of the Sixteen Paths of Qingzhou. His goal was simple¡ªform his core before anything else. A month later, he left Senluo Path and entered Qingming Path. Unlike Senluo Path, which lay on Qingzhou¡¯s outskirts, Qingming Path was rich in spiritual herbs and renowned for alchemy. Lin Jing had intended to head straight to Tongtian Path, but along the way, he discovered something interesting in Qingming Path¡ªprompting him to pause his journey. Book 3: Chapter 18: The Wandering Alchemist Vol 3 Chapter 18: The Wandering Alchemist "A shop, huh¡­" Lin Jing set his sights on Qingming Commerce Guild''s trading district. In the chaotic land of Qingzhou, renting a storefront here would provide a rare place of order. With a Void Mystical-stage cultivator overseeing the Qingming Commerce Guild, no one dared cause trouble in its trading district. Even if Lin Jing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, displayed treasures tempting enough for Nascent Soul cultivators, they wouldn¡¯t dare break the rules maintained by the Commerce Guild. And as a business organization, the Commerce Guild valued its reputation above all else¡ªthey likely wouldn¡¯t covet his low-grade treasures either. Of course, none of this was absolute. But as long as Lin Jing carefully balanced the value of the items he revealed, this place would serve as an excellent temporary base. "Qingzhou has too many unique spiritual plants." "I can collect some and have Pine Leaf Mouse fuse them in the Beast Taming Space, see if anything useful emerges to strengthen my foundation." "Then, using those fused herbs, I can develop some novel, specialized low-grade pills." "With these pills, I¡¯ll establish a unique alchemy market." "And when the time comes, the key currency for purchasing these pills won¡¯t be Spirit Stones¡ªit¡¯ll be Exotic Flame intelligence! Or, even better, the Exotic Flames themselves." Lin Jing felt that searching for flames alone to strengthen his Fire Qilin Dragon and refine his Heavenly Demon Physique was too inefficient. Recalling his experience in establishing the Dragon Palace at the academy, an idea struck him¡ª Why not use alchemy to have others gather the flames for him? And in Qingzhou, the Qingming Commerce Guild¡¯s trading district would be the perfect stage for this plan. "Besides, with my current illusion techniques, I can even manifest the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator if necessary." "At the right moment, I can create the illusion of having a Nascent Soul master, deterring petty troublemakers." "With this dual-layered protection, I¡¯ll have plenty of time to steadily increase my strength." Having made up his mind, Lin Jing followed the map he had "acquired" from Thousand Illusions Mountain and set out for Tianqing City, the second-largest city in Qingming Path. The largest city, Qingming City, was ruled by a Void Mystical-stage cultivator¡ªtoo risky to visit. But Tianqing City was only overseen by a Nascent Soul cultivator, making it relatively safe. He didn¡¯t have to worry about his illusions being casually exposed. After all, not every Nascent Soul cultivator was as skilled in illusions as Thousand Illusions Mountain¡¯s patriarch. .......... Tianqing City ¨C Qingming Commerce Guild Trading District S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A young alchemist, dressed in Firecloud Pill robes, arrived at the shop rental office. Inside, a bald Golden Core elder sat behind a counter, casually toying with a mechanical lock. Without looking up, he spoke lazily: "Renting a shop?" "Yes. I am a wandering alchemist looking to rent a place to refine pills, rest, and sell my creations." Lin Jing met his gaze directly, showing no signs of submission despite being a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator facing a Golden Core expert. "Mid-stage Foundation Establishment¡­ What grade of alchemist are you?" "Eighth-grade." Hearing this, the elder paused briefly before breaking into a smile. "Not bad¡ªso young, yet already a third-grade alchemist. Impressive. Who is your master? Do you have alchemy certification?" "My master is Fire Dragon Pill Sovereign, a rogue cultivator. No official certification¡­" Lin Jing replied, then extended his hand. "But¡­ is this enough?" A miniature flame furnace appeared at his fingertip, a hundred layers of fire waves swirling around it, dazzling in its brilliance. "Third-tier fire control technique¡­" The elder nodded in approval. "That¡¯s enough." A third-grade alchemist could refine third-grade pills. Generally speaking, First-grade pills were for Qi Refinement cultivators. Second-grade pills were for Foundation Establishment cultivators. Third-grade pills were for Golden Core cultivators. A Foundation Establishment cultivator who was also a third-grade alchemist was far rarer than ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even some Golden Core cultivators who couldn¡¯t refine pills would treat them as equals. ??????????£Â¨º? Thus, by revealing his third-grade alchemist status, Lin Jing had no need to act subservient to a Golden Core cultivator¡ªthis was exactly how a true alchemist of his caliber would behave. More importantly, he had called his master a "Pill Sovereign." Usually, only Nascent Soul cultivators or fifth-grade alchemists could use the title "Sovereign." As a result, the elder immediately became much friendlier¡ªregardless of whether Lin Jing was lying, it cost him nothing to treat him with respect. Of course, Lin Jing could refine third-grade pills. But if he combined Fire Qilin Dragon¡¯s fused Exotic Flames, he could actually refine fourth-grade pills as well. However, he deliberately underreported his abilities¡ª A Foundation Establishment cultivator refining fourth-grade pills would be far too shocking. Moreover, he hadn¡¯t planned on selling fourth-grade specialty pills anyway. "How long do you plan to rent?" the elder asked. "The minimum rental period is one month." "I¡¯ll take six months." The Qingming Commerce Guild trading district had an immense flow of customers. While renting a store here was expensive, as long as his products were high quality, he wouldn¡¯t lose money. "Let me check¡­ Ah, there¡¯s one available alchemy shop¡ªthough the location isn¡¯t ideal." Lin Jing nodded. "Location doesn¡¯t matter. Good pills attract customers, even in the deepest alley. As long as the price is fair, I¡¯ll take it." "Excellent!" The elder smiled. "I¡¯ll draft the rental contract immediately!" .......... Lin Jing smirked¡ªhe had complete confidence in his pills. The Rising Dragon Pill was proof enough. However, he couldn¡¯t sell it here, as it had already been auctioned in the Ancient Celestial Kingdom, making it too recognizable. Similarly, common market pills were widely available¡ªunless he lowered his prices drastically, customers would just buy from major alchemy stores. Thus, to make his shop stand out, he needed to develop unique pills. Of course, he already had several exclusive pills that had never been publicly revealed. Unlike the Rising Dragon Pill, these hadn¡¯t been auctioned before. For example¡­ Pain Pill. But that was a demonic pill, which meant its market was too niche. He dismissed the idea. Instead, the most promising candidate was likely Gluttonous Pill. He and his group had used this pill frequently, refining it from Golden Spirit Rice. Golden Spirit Rice was the first special spiritual ingredient ever synthesized by Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Glazed Immortal Eyes, known for its digestive-enhancing properties. When refined with other ingredients, it eliminated side effects and became far more effective. Normally, a Foundation Establishment cultivator consuming a fourth-grade spirit herb would need years of closed-door meditation to fully absorb its power. But with Gluttonous Pill, all they had to do was consume a large dose beforehand, and in just two days, they could fully absorb the spirit herb¡¯s energy. Even more outrageously¡ª Even a Qi Refinement cultivator could use Gluttonous Pill to safely consume high-grade pills. Lin Jing had personally tested this when he force-fed a Qi Refinement first-layer insect a third-grade pill¡ª Normally, it would have exploded from excess energy. But thanks to Gluttonous Pill, it perfectly absorbed the pill¡¯s effects and even underwent a bloodline evolution. For young elites or lucky cultivators struggling to absorb high-tier resources, this pill was priceless. If Lin Jing weren¡¯t a Longevity Body cultivator, he might have reached Nascent Soul already using this pill. Before long¡­ A new shop opened in Tianqing City¡¯s trading district¡ª "Nameless Vessel Pavilion." While its shelves displayed common first, second, and third-grade pills priced in Spirit Stones, the shop¡¯s centerpiece was: Gluttonous Pill. Effect: Allows low-level cultivators to safely consume high-grade pills with no side effects. Price: Not sold for Spirit Stones! Only exchangeable for Exotic Flame intelligence or actual Exotic Flames. "No matter the grade of the flame, as long as my Fire Qilin Dragon has Flame Emperor Divine Ability, it can absorb and convert it into power." "In Qingzhou, it¡¯s the only beast I can openly train¡ªpriority is getting it to Golden Core stage!" As Lin Jing sat in the back of the shop, observing his Pine Leaf Mouse planting seeds and Fire Qilin Dragon refining flames, he plotted his next moves¡­ Just then, his first customer stepped through the door. Book 3: Chapter 19: Sacred Fire Lotus Vol 3 Chapter 19: Sacred Fire Lotus Tianqing Commercial Street. A blue-robed youth at the early Foundation Establishment stage stood at a corner, staring at the newly opened pill pavilion with a sign that read ¡°Nameless,¡± his face filled with doubt. ¡°Father, you mean here?¡± ¡°This new pill pavilion is in such a remote spot with little foot traffic. It doesn¡¯t seem like a place that would have anything good.¡± ¡°What do you know? In my prime, your old man was a fifth-grade alchemist and a Nascent Soul powerhouse. Even though I¡¯m now just a lingering remnant soul, my past experience tells me this pavilion must have some very special pills.¡± ¡°If my guess is right, this pill¡­ will be of great use to you. But you¡¯ll have to go in and see for yourself.¡± The blue-robed youth stood at the street corner. No one was around him¡ªhe was conversing with the remnant soul within his body. ¡°I understand.¡± Hearing his father speak so confidently, the youth nodded and stepped into the Nameless Pill Pavilion. Once inside, he found the shop¡¯s setup to be quite simple, and the owner didn¡¯t look like an experienced alchemist at all. Instead, he was just a young man lounging on a rocking chair, casually flipping through a book. His cultivation wasn¡¯t much higher than the youth¡¯s. That young man was Lin Jing. Lin Jing glanced at his first customer with a flicker of surprise but quickly returned to his book, showing no intention of greeting him. What he was reading wasn¡¯t some miscellaneous novel, but a book titled Records of Qingzhou, detailing various aspects of the region. Back in the Ancient Kingdom, he had read many books, but most of them were about that land. Now that he was in a new place, he naturally needed to catch up on local knowledge¡ªpower distributions, forbidden zones, rare plants, and spirit beasts¡­ ¡°Go there.¡± Following the remnant soul¡¯s instructions, the blue-robed youth walked directly to where the Gluttonous Pill was stored. Seeing the description of the golden pill, his pupils contracted, and the remnant soul inside him stirred. ¡°As expected! It¡¯s a pill that aids in absorbing spiritual treasures!¡± ¡°How strange¡ªI¡¯ve never seen a pill like this before. Its grade isn¡¯t high, yet its efficacy seems extraordinary¡­ Among digestion-aiding pills, the highest quality available on the market is the third-grade Transformation Essence Pill, but this golden pill feels even superior to that!¡± ¡°The most crucial point is that the Transformation Essence Pill requires at least a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivation to consume without issues. But this pill¡­ its medicinal power is incredibly mild. Even Qi Refinement cultivators could take it without any burden¡­¡± ¡°What a waste. Such a precious pill, yet this pavilion just leaves it out so casually without proper preservation. Its medicinal properties are probably leaking away¡­ But if they weren¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t have discovered this Gluttonous Pill.¡± The blue-robed youth¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Father, can this thing¡­ help me digest the inheritance you left behind?¡± ¡°Mm. One alone won¡¯t be enough, but if you acquire a large number of them, you¡¯ll be able to quickly absorb the treasures I left you instead of waiting until you reach Core Formation.¡± The remnant soul continued, ¡°If you do, you¡¯ll definitely have a chance to compete for that spot!¡± ¡°But this Gluttonous Pill¡­ it¡¯s not for sale. It can only be exchanged for an Exotic Flame.¡± The youth hesitated. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They didn¡¯t have anything like that. ¡°In my treasure hoard, there is a Sacred Fire Lotus. If you consume it, there¡¯s a chance you might refine an Emerging Lotus Heart Flame¡­ However, the Sacred Fire Lotus is a fourth-rank spiritual item, and due to its extreme rarity, it¡¯s worth even more than an ordinary fifth-rank spiritual item! I¡¯m afraid that if you use such a treasure for this transaction, you¡¯ll invite trouble.¡± ?£Á??????¦¥? As father and son conversed, Lin Jing, still reclining in his chair, suddenly closed his book and said, ¡°Sacred Fire Lotus¡­ Emerging Lotus Heart Flame¡­ but that¡¯s just a regular flame with no healing properties, right?¡± Lin Jing¡¯s simple inquiry made the blue-robed youth freeze in place, his face stiffening as he looked up in shock. At the same time, the remnant soul within him abruptly stopped their telepathic conversation, staring in disbelief at the young shop owner, who was merely at the mid Foundation Establishment stage. Both of them were stunned¡ªhow could someone at Lin Jing¡¯s level possibly hear their soul-to-soul communication? ¡°No need to be alarmed. I mean no harm. I just have a sharp perception when it comes to souls¡ªI wasn¡¯t intentionally eavesdropping.¡± Lin Jing chuckled. With his Contract Blood ability and the Ice Soul Gu, souls like the one hiding in the youth¡¯s body couldn¡¯t escape his detection. If he wanted to, he could even extract and freeze it with ease. ¡°Young friend, your talent is remarkable¡ªyou actually noticed my existence.¡± After a moment, the remnant soul inside the youth no longer hid, slowly manifesting into a spectral form. ¡°Even most Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn¡¯t detect me, yet today, a mere Foundation Establishment youth managed to.¡± ¡°I not only know you¡¯re hiding inside him,¡± Lin Jing said calmly, ¡°I also know why you ended up in this state.¡± ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, it was the Netherworld Hall, wasn¡¯t it? I can see traces of Netherworld Ghostfire burns on your soul¡­¡± ¡°You were severely injured by a demonic cultivator from the Netherworld Hall, but because of your special soul-related physique, you barely survived¡­ Your soul cultivation is exceptionally high, which is why you felt safe hiding inside him.¡± Lin Jing continued, ¡°And after becoming like this, it seems you had no other trusted people to look after your child. Though you left him plenty of treasures, his current cultivation isn¡¯t enough to fully absorb them. That¡¯s why you set your sights on the Gluttonous Pill. Did I get anything wrong?¡± The remnant soul was stunned, then asked in shock, ¡°May I ask how to address you¡­?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not important. I¡¯m just a nameless wandering alchemist. I have no interest in your feud with the Netherworld Hall. I¡¯m only here fulfilling my master¡¯s orders and training for a while.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re interested in the Gluttonous Pill, feel free to trade that Sacred Fire Lotus for it. I won¡¯t leak your affairs.¡± Lin Jing said casually. The remnant soul let out a bitter laugh. ¡°Then I must thank you, young friend. Your deductions are correct. If we exchange the Sacred Fire Lotus for the Gluttonous Pill, how many pills would you be willing to offer?¡± Lin Jing rubbed his chin and said, ¡°First, bring me the Sacred Fire Lotus. I¡¯ll need to examine its quality.¡± The blue-robed youth cupped his hands slightly and then, together with the remnant soul, left the pill pavilion. Outside, the youth wiped cold sweat from his forehead. ¡°Father, could he be from the Netherworld Hall? Only someone from there would be so knowledgeable about souls and Netherworld Ghostfire¡­¡± The remnant soul sighed, ¡°No, he¡¯s likely just an alchemist interested in soul-related flames. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have made such a trade offer. Your father possesses the Soul-Extinguishing Physique. If he trained under a powerful alchemist, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible for him to recognize it.¡± ¡°No matter what, this is someone we can¡¯t afford to provoke.¡± ¡°For now, we can only trust that he means no harm.¡± ¡°When we get the Gluttonous Pill, you must immediately absorb the treasures I left you. Use those high-tier items to unlock your potential and enter Tongtian Tower. Your family is not a place for you to stay long-term. Hah¡­ your so-called ¡®relatives¡¯¡­ if you remain, they will strip you clean sooner or later.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll guide you to retrieve the treasure. Be careful, let me possess you¡ªwe must not let anyone know I left behind more wealth.¡± ¡°An auspicious start¡­¡± After the father and son left, Lin Jing muttered to himself. The Emerging Lotus Heart Flame¡ªa healing-type Exotic Flame. For his future Fire Qilin Dragon, which would serve as his armor and take hits for him, it would be extremely useful! Book 3: Chapter 20: The Longevity Body鈥檚 Intimidation Vol 3 Chapter 20: The Longevity Body¡¯s Intimidation After seeing off his first distinguished guests, Lin Jing continued lounging and reading. One person, three pets¡ªexcept for the Ice Soul Gu, all were exceptionally busy. The Ice Soul Gu had no choice but to seal itself in ice and enter a dormant state, feigning death to avoid being traced by the Gu God Sect¡¯s special techniques. After all, it originally belonged to the Gu God Sect, and it was best to be cautious. Meanwhile, the Fire Qilin Dragon was inside the Meditation Staff pendant, which had been converted into a pill-refining chamber, diligently producing pills. Most of the Nameless Pill Pavilion¡¯s stock, including the Gluttonous Pill, currently depended on its efforts. As for the Pine Leaf Mouse, it was the busiest of them all. Inside its Suspended Gourd, it was cultivating three supreme spiritual seeds¡ªNine-Sun Divine Lingzhi, Nine-Life Exquisite Grass, and Cloud-Hidden Orchid! Each of them was a treasure ranked even higher than the Sacred Fire Lotus from earlier. At present, none of them had matured. Even though the Pine Leaf Mouse had mastered the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art, it had yet to fully ripen a single plant. Had Lin Jing known he would be separated from Senior Pine, he would have had the elder expedite the process back then. Now, he could only watch helplessly as they remained unusable. Currently, the Pine Leaf Mouse was prioritizing the cultivation of the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi. This divine lingzhi was a fifth-rank fire-attribute treasure. According to Senior Pine, once the Fire Qilin Dragon reached Core Formation, consuming it would be enough to propel it from early Core Formation to Core Formation Perfection, granting it the potential to break through to Nascent Soul. Lin Jing¡¯s plan was simple: While ripening the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi, he would gather multiple Exotic Flames to help the Fire Qilin Dragon condense a formidable Flame Monster Core upon reaching Core Formation. At that point, the Fire Qilin Dragon would be contractually bound at early Monster Core stage. But that was fine¡ªby then, the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi likely wouldn¡¯t have matured yet. During that time, Lin Jing would focus on his own Core Formation breakthrough. Once the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi was fully matured, the Fire Qilin Dragon could consume it, instantly advancing from early Monster Core to Nascent Soul stage. With its Demon Emperor Bloodline, there would be no bottleneck in this breakthrough. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ultimately, Lin Jing, as a Core Formation cultivator, would wield Nascent Soul-level power by combining Fusion Secret Art and Beast Weaponization techniques with the Fire Qilin Dragon! Paired with the beast¡¯s brutal divine abilities, even Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle to oppose him. And if Lin Jing successfully cultivated the Heavenly Demon Physique as well, then with his extended lifespan, he would gain the ability to challenge top-tier experts by burning his own life force! After all, at that point, he would likely have nearly ten thousand years of lifespan to burn¡­ He would already be unmatched below Nascent Soul, and by combining that with Lifespan-Burning Demon Arts, anyone who dared to covet his Longevity Body would pay a steep price. ?¨¤£Î?????¨§£Ó His Longevity Body would become both a trap and a weapon¡ªif someone attempted to capture him, not only would they deplete his longevity, but they¡¯d also face his devastating counterattacks. Losing the bulk of his longevity wouldn¡¯t be a concern. If they hesitated to make a move, fearing his retaliation, then his plan had already succeeded. Apart from ripening the Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi, the Pine Leaf Mouse had another crucial task: finding its own path to Core Formation! Lin Jing¡¯s own Core Formation would still depend on the boost from his contract beasts. Additionally, for the Glazed Immortal Eyes to evolve and gain the ability to synthesize non-plant resources, the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s Core Formation needed to be unique. It had to regress from an ordinary Leaf Mouse into a Seven-Element Origin Mouse! And the key wasn¡¯t the Treant Pill! The Treant Pill, one of the reference formulas used to develop the Longevity Foundation Pill, was a medicine that allowed a body to integrate plant organs. These plant organs were the key. Just like how the Sacred Fire Lotus and Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi were both plants and fire-attributed at the same time, Lin Jing needed to find four suitable plant-based organs containing metal-wood, water-wood, fire-wood, and earth-wood properties and fuse them into the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s body. Once these five elements formed a balanced cycle around wood, the Pine Leaf Mouse would have the potential to condense a Five-Element Monster Core, granting itself full mastery over five attributes. Lin Jing didn¡¯t know if this would trigger an evolution in the Glazed Immortal Eyes, but the Five Elements Dao was overwhelmingly powerful, so it would undoubtedly benefit the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s growth. However, selecting these plant-based organs was no easy task. Since he needed to refine Treant Pills using them, they had to exist in large quantities to allow for multiple trial-and-error experiments. Thus, high-tier spiritual plants like the Sacred Fire Lotus and Nine-Sun Divine Lingzhi had to be ruled out. They were precious, but Lin Jing and his group weren¡¯t yet capable of modifying such advanced plants into Treant Pills. On the other hand, ordinary first- to third-rank plants weren¡¯t strong enough. That was where the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s own synthesis ability came in. For example, the Firecloud Pepper¡ªoriginally just a first-rank Malignant Plant, but after synthesis, it produced Netherworld Ghostfire, making it more rare and powerful than even high-tier spiritual plants! Thus, Lin Jing needed to search Qingzhou for low-rank plants with fire, water, metal, and earth attributes, allowing the Pine Leaf Mouse to synthesize them and determine which would best serve as organ materials for its Treant Pill transformation. For the metal-wood attribute, Lin Jing had already found a candidate¡ªthe Reflective Diamondwood, synthesized from the Mosquito-Powered Mech¡¯s outer shell! This Diamondwood could reflect most of the damage it received back to its attacker, making it an ideal choice for the Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s transformed skin in its Demon King True Form. If no better metal-wood option was found, Diamondwood would be his first choice. As for fire, water, and earth-based plants, he hadn¡¯t found any suitable ones back at the academy. Now that he was in Qingzhou, he had resumed his search. Qingzhou was rich in unique spiritual plants, offering far more choices than the Ancient Kingdom. ¡°Fellow Daoist, the 100 Explosive Fruits and 100 Sun Herbs you ordered have arrived.¡± A cultivator from a nearby spirit plant shop approached. Rather than a true customer, he was a shopkeeper from a neighboring spiritual herb store. Before opening the pill pavilion, Lin Jing had placed an order with them for two second-rank fire-attribute plants, spending a significant number of Spirit Stones. Both were Qingzhou specialties. The Explosive Fruit was a Malignant Plant, similar in effect to Spirit Bean Bombs¡ªwhen subjected to a strong impact, it detonated like a fireball, capable of killing Foundation Establishment cultivators. When Lin Jing had initially ordered 100 Explosive Fruits, the shopkeeper had hesitated for a long time, wondering what Lin Jing planned to do with them. As for the Sun Herb, it was a spirit herb that enhanced fire-attribute spiritual energy. Consuming it while cultivating fire-elemental techniques under the sun significantly boosted efficiency. Lin Jing wanted to see how these two plants would change when synthesized with the Glazed Immortal Eyes¡ªwould they, like the Firecloud Pepper, generate a new Exotic Flame? If so, the Fire Qilin Dragon would gain yet another upgrade. ¡°The goods have arrived. Let¡¯s begin synthesis.¡± Inside the gourd, the Pine Leaf Mouse paused its ripening process, removed its straw hat, and looked up, its gaze sharp and intense. Book 3: Chapter 21: The False Core Vol 3 Chapter 21: The False Core ¡°I wonder if this will yield anything good¡­¡± Lin Jing sighed as he placed a hundred Explosive Fruits and a hundred Sun Herbs into the Suspended Gourd. The Pine Leaf Mouse was full of confidence. ¡°We¡¯ve already synthesized so much junk¡ªsomething useful has to come out eventually, right?¡± ¡°If nothing good comes out this time, we¡¯ll just use the Blood Devil Vine as the ¡®water-wood¡¯ attribute organ material to simplify things. It does have a bit of that demonic cultivator flavor, but there¡¯s no denying its effectiveness.¡± With this decision, both Reflective Diamondwood and Blood Devil Vine were set as the metal-wood and water-wood attribute materials! Since he already had enough of these materials stockpiled, there was no need to buy, plant, or synthesize anything new. That meant only the fire-wood and earth-wood attributes remained. Once those were settled, the Five-Element Organ Transformation would be complete. Even if his luck was terrible, only two elements were missing¡ªit was just a matter of time before he found the right materials! ¡°Alright!!!¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse didn¡¯t care either way. It eagerly scurried to the edge of the Sun Herb pile, eyes burning with excitement. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Sun Herb was orange-red, resembling clover, radiating a gentle warmth akin to sunlight. Under the Glazed Immortal Eyes¡¯ gaze, the hundred Sun Herbs quickly vanished. A moment later, an intense light shone, and a single mutated Sun Herb appeared¡ªits deep red leaves flickered with tiny glowing spots. ¡°¡­¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse scratched its head, staring at the speckled Sun Herb, lost in thought. Lin Jing, sharing its vision, also fell into contemplation. [Mutated Sun Herb: A plant attuned to the power of the sun. Upon consumption, the user¡¯s body will temporarily reach temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun¡­] ¡°A Malignant Plant. This has to be a Malignant Plant. How did a perfectly fine fire-attribute cultivation herb mutate into something like this?!¡± Lin Jing¡¯s mouth twitched. A body reaching temperatures near the sun¡¯s surface¡­ even with protective energy, low-level cultivators would just evaporate on the spot! ¡°Ugh~¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse shrugged. What could it do? ¡°This won¡¯t work¡ªit can¡¯t be used as one of your organs. Your core element is wood, and your ability to endure high temperatures is weak. You won¡¯t be able to convert that heat into an attack.¡± ??N¨¯?¨§???? Lin Jing shook his head and turned to the Explosive Fruits. Since these were already Malignant Plants, he had a good idea of what they might turn into. Moments later, the ordinary apple-like Explosive Fruits underwent a transformation¡ªnot in color, but in shape. They were now covered in spikes, resembling red durians. [Mutated Explosive Fruit: Has lost its explosive ability and is now edible¡­] Seeing this, Lin Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. But the next moment, he fell silent. [Upon consumption, the user gains a one-time enhanced self-destruction ability. They can choose to detonate any organ¡­ or their entire body. The explosion carries extreme fire energy.] ¡°Oh, wonderful. Another Malignant Plant turned Demonic Plant. Instead of a fruit that explodes on its own, now we have a fruit that helps the user self-destruct.¡± Lin Jing looked up at the sky. ¡°Ugh~¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse shrugged again. What could it do? Wasn¡¯t this always the case? Rubbing its eyes, it popped a few vision-enhancing spiritual fruits into its mouth. It was exhausted. These two synthesis attempts had both failed. Qingzhou¡¯s plants weren¡¯t any better than the ones from the Ancient Kingdom. Or were they? ¡°¡­Actually, this self-destruct fruit¡­ might work as an organ.¡± Lin Jing suddenly changed his evaluation. The Pine Leaf Mouse: ¡°???¡± The mouse took a step back, pointing at its own body. Did it look like something that could self-destruct? Lin Jing glanced at it. ¡°This isn¡¯t for your real body. Your Demon King True Form is a wooden squirrel colossus covered in branches and pinecones. Aren¡¯t those pinecones technically part of your body?¡± ¡°When the time comes, just blow those up.¡± ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve already mastered the Everlasting Emperor¡¯s Longevity Art. According to Senior Pine, you should be able to condense wooden clones now. Even if your main body can¡¯t explode, your clones should be able to, right?¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse¡¯s mouth hung open. Wasn¡¯t this a little too ruthless?! Lin Jing sighed. ¡°There¡¯s no choice. If we aren¡¯t ruthless to ourselves, the demons and beasts out there won¡¯t go easy on us. If we don¡¯t want to be swallowed whole, we have to be even crueler.¡± The Pine Leaf Mouse furiously scratched its head. Self-destruct organs? Was that even practical?! Lin Jing picked up the speckled Sun Herb and the Self-Destruct Fruit. ¡°Next, we¡¯ll mass-produce the Self-Destruct Fruit and integrate it into the Treant Pill to give your pinecones the Flame Detonation attribute.¡± ¡°The speckled Sun Herb won¡¯t go to waste either. It¡¯ll be the core material for a new pill formula.¡± ¡°The Gluttonous Pill alone isn¡¯t enough to dominate the market. If consuming this synthesized Sun Herb grants a body temperature close to the sun¡¯s surface, even Core Formation cultivators won¡¯t be able to withstand it¡­ But if someone can control this power, it won¡¯t just be a Malignant Plant for suicide¡ªit will become a mystical artifact that grants them a high-temperature spell!¡± Lin Jing began pondering. Could it be used for False Core Alchemy? ¡°¡­It might work.¡± ¡°If I can refine this into a False Core! With the Fire Qilin Dragon assisting me, it could be possible!¡± ¡°For those who have no hope of forming a real Core, or those who have fallen from Core Formation back to Foundation Establishment and can¡¯t form a second Core, they often turn to alchemy or secret techniques to create a False Core in place of a real one.¡± ¡°Although a False Core lacks the growth potential of a true Core and cannot reach the Nascent Soul stage, some False Cores contain incredible power. When activated, they can unleash abilities on par with Core Formation divine techniques.¡± ¡°The Core Formation stage is all about refining and perfecting Core divine abilities. Using them wears down the Core, requiring long periods of seclusion to restore it¡ªor costly pills to repair it¡­ Only after reaching Nascent Soul can a cultivator freely use their divine techniques without worry.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why powerful False Core techniques aren¡¯t only sought after by Foundation Establishment cultivators who can¡¯t reach Core Formation.¡± ¡°Even those who have already formed a real Core wouldn¡¯t mind refining an additional False Core for extra security.¡± ¡°In battle, they could rely on the False Core, preserving their real one until they reached Nascent Soul.¡± ¡°After all, unlike a real Core, a False Core doesn¡¯t fear damage. If it gets destroyed, they can just refine another one.¡± ¡°If I can seal the high-temperature energy within a False Core, forming a Solar False Core¡­ Its temperature would be close to the sun¡¯s surface. In the Core Formation stage, it would be an absolute trump card. Few would be able to withstand its power.¡± Lin Jing picked up the speckled Sun Herb. ¡°This is a perfect opportunity to research alchemical pills that assist in Core Formation.¡± That was the real priority¡­ If nothing unexpected happened, his own breakthrough to Core Formation would require the aid of pills. His three contract beasts might not be enough to push him forward. The further he advanced, the harder it became for a Longevity Body to cultivate. He would need to refine a pill to assist in his Core Formation. This False Core Alchemy¡ªright now, it was the perfect training ground. Book 3: Chapter 22: Tongtian Tower Vol 3 Chapter 22: Tongtian Tower The next day. Lin Jing used Hidden Dragon Fortune to deduce the pill formulas for the "Self-Destruct Treant Pill" and the "Solar False Core." This was a common method for him. Just like the Rising Dragon Pill, Gluttonous Pill, and Pain Pill, they were all created this way. First, he would use Hidden Dragon Fortune, combining it with his knowledge of alchemy to deduce possible formulas. Once he came up with a few suitable ones, he would throw the formulas and ingredients to the Fire Qilin Dragon for testing to see if they could actually be refined. If the pills could be successfully made, he would then test them on lab rats. If the effects matched his deductions, then a new pill was officially created... ¡­ "Is the Grandmaster here?" Inside the Nameless Pill Pavilion, Lin Jing lay on a wooden chair, seemingly asleep, but in reality, he was deducing pill formulas in his mind. The blue-clothed youth who had taken an interest in the Dining Pill the previous day had returned, calling out for Lin Jing. He was panting heavily, his face tense, sweat dripping. "Did you bring the Sacred Fire Lotus?" Lin Jing opened his eyes. This youth¡­ he was probably too well-protected in his daily life, appearing a bit naive. Luckily, his father was still maintaining himself in a remnant soul state. Otherwise, this boy¡¯s path to growth would be incredibly difficult. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I brought it, Senior." He carefully took out a stone box, revealing a platinum-colored lotus that looked like it was made of flames. Lin Jing glanced at it and said, "Good quality, well-preserved. It seems your father is quite an accomplished alchemist and knows how to store spiritual herbs perfectly." ?£Á??£Â?? "You flatter me. Compared to your master, I am nothing. If I¡¯m not mistaken, this Gluttonous Pill must be an original creation of your master. In Qingzhou, in terms of effectiveness, your master has likely reached the pinnacle¡ªno one can surpass him." The remnant soul within the blue-clothed youth slowly spoke, fully confident in its judgment. This Gluttonous Pill had an unimaginable effect in helping lower-level cultivators absorb high-level resources. Lin Jing said, "Alright, how many Dining Pills do you want in exchange for this Sacred Fire Lotus?" The remnant soul pondered for a moment, then said, "Whatever amount you are willing to give." "The ingredients for this Dining Pill may not exceed the second rank, but the refining method is extremely refined, at least the work of a third-grade alchemist. Combined with its astonishing effects and rare properties, its value could easily rival an ordinary fourth-grade pill. Name your price. Supply and demand determine worth, and we trust your judgment." Lin Jing chuckled. It seemed they were willing to take a slight loss in order to establish a good relationship with him. "There are ten bottles here, totaling one hundred Dining Pills. Take them. I heard you have a large inheritance to absorb. If it¡¯s not enough, you can use Spirit Stones to buy more from me later¡ªconsider it a benefit." Lin Jing said. "Many thanks, Master." The remnant soul laughed heartily, while the blue-clothed youth quickly added, "Xia Yan thanks Master." After completing the transaction, Lin Jing sent them off and casually tossed the Sacred Fire Lotus into his meditation staff pendant. The Sacred Fire Lotus was a fourth-rank fire-attribute spiritual plant, but due to the presence of exotic flames, its value rivaled that of a fifth-rank plant. With a Foundation Establishment cultivation, it would normally be difficult to absorb such a treasure. Even if the Sacred Fire Lotus was gentle in nature and the cultivator shut themselves in for decades to refine it, they would still struggle to completely absorb its power. However, the Fire Qilin Dragon was an exception. With its emperor-tier fire-type bloodline, it could refine the Sacred Fire Lotus in no time, even without relying on the Gluttonous Pill. And if it did take the Dining Pill, the process would be even faster. Before long, after consuming a small amount of Dining Pills, the Fire Qilin Dragon completely absorbed the power of the Sacred Fire Lotus. Its body radiated layers of white lotus-shaped flames as its cultivation surpassed both the Pine Leaf Mouse and the Ice Soul Gu, reaching Small Perfection of the Foundation Establishment stage¡ªjust a step away from Core Formation!!! "Roar!!!" Inside the meditation staff, the once small Dragon Carp let out a sky-shaking roar. "No rush. With your current state, you should be able to refine a few more exotic flames. When your body can no longer withstand more, then you can break through to Core Formation." Lin Jing remained relaxed on his wooden chair, planning everything out as he awaited the arrival of the next "fire delivery boy." ¡­ Tianqing City, Summer Clan of a Cultivation Family. The youth, Xia Yan, secretly entered a hidden underground chamber, concealed by a special formation. Holding a hundred Gluttonous Pills, he walked down the steps and whispered, "Father, is this enough?" "Definitely not." "But if we focus on absorbing the most important things, it will barely be enough." The remnant soul materialized in the underground chamber. In the next moment, five objects radiating treasure light floated around it. "You have an Acquired Fire Spirit Body and are currently in Early Foundation Establishment. At your current level, there is no way you can pass the trial of Tongtian Tower. Whether you enter through alchemy or strength, you have no chance." "If you fail the trial, staying in the Summer Clan means you¡¯ll never reach Nascent Soul in this lifetime." "I had originally paved the way for you, but unfortunately¡­" "The Sacred Fire Lotus was meant for you. If it had produced ''Lotus Heart Flame,'' it would have been invaluable for both your alchemy and cultivation. But under the current circumstances, that¡¯s no longer our priority. The Gluttonous Pill is what you need the most right now." "This is a fourth-grade Fire Spirit Pill I refined. It will allow your Acquired Fire Spirit Body to reach perfection and greatly enhance your power. Normally, it should only be consumed at the Core Formation stage, but with the Gluttonous Pill, you can take it directly. While the effect may not be fully optimized, it will still significantly boost your Extinguishing Spirit Physique." "This is a fourth-rank spiritual plant, the ''Tornado Flower.'' Absorbing it will perfect your cultivation of the ''Tornado Technique''..." "This is¡­" The remnant soul introduced each treasure one by one as the youth consumed the Gluttonous Pills, rapidly absorbing and refining them. His cultivation soared from Early Foundation Establishment toward greater heights. The remnant soul watched with satisfaction. "The pill¡¯s effect is indeed remarkable¡­" "At this rate, in less than half a month, he will completely refine these five treasures¡­ reaching Perfection of Foundation Establishment¡­ and achieving near-perfect control over all his powers. Just in time for the Tongtian Tower trial." ¡­ For the next several days, Lin Jing continued deducing pill formulas and waiting for buyers. However, whether due to bad luck or other reasons, while a few more customers came seeking the Gluttonous Pill, none could offer exotic flames or relevant information that satisfied Lin Jing. Aside from the first deal, most traders at best could offer "low-grade beast flames" for exchange. These flames were far inferior to Dragon Scales Fire¡ªcompletely useless. Even if Lin Jing used the Flame Emperor¡¯s ability to merge them, they wouldn¡¯t amount to much and would only waste his divine abilities. Just like that, half a month passed. Lin Jing hadn¡¯t made another major trade for the Gluttonous Pill, only selling common practice pills. Special cases like the father and son of the Summer Clan were rare. Plus, due to limited stock, Lin Jing hadn¡¯t actively advertised and was relying solely on the Dining Pill¡¯s fragrance to attract knowledgeable buyers¡ªmaking business even slower. "The commercial street seems especially quiet today¡­" During his break, Lin Jing stepped outside for fresh air and overheard passersby talking. "Let¡¯s go, no point hanging around here. The Tongtian Tower is recruiting disciples in Tianqing City. Wonder how many genius seedlings will be chosen this year¡­" "I heard that the major clans like the Summer Clan, Zhu Clan, and Fan Clan have sent a lot of their juniors. Let¡¯s go watch." "Tongtian Tower¡­" Lin Jing murmured. It was rumored that the Tongtian Tower frequently recruited disciples from top-tier immortal cities. However, it had too many high-level cultivators, including many at the Void Mystical Stage and even Dao-Seeking Stage. It wasn¡¯t an entity he should get too involved with. However, the recruiters in Tianqing City were unlikely to be too powerful¡ªprobably at most Nascent Soul. "The Summer Clan¡­ That boy, Xia Yan, is probably from the Summer Clan. The ''quota'' his father mentioned¡ªis it a Tongtian Tower disciple quota?" "If so, he might end up promoting my Gluttonous Pill during the trial¡­ "I wonder if any Tongtian Tower cultivators will take notice. As the top alchemy force, they must have information on higher-level exotic flames. There''s some risk, but if it''s just ordinary Tongtian Tower disciples, it might be worth engaging with them." Lin Jing returned to his house and lay back down.