rule 12

Chapter 75: Mysterious Savior

Rustle

Rustle

Among the trees and bushes, a large boar moved through the grass, searching for food. It wasn't just any ordinary boar but a Rank-1 Spirit Beast— a massive, 2-meter tall Four-Tusked Boar.

About 50 meters away, hidden behind the bushes, a boy was carefully observing the boar. Slowly, he placed an arrow on his bow, drawing it back as he aimed.

Swoosh

The arrow flew but failed to pierce the boar's thick skin, falling to the ground with a soft thud.

The boy didn't seem surprised. The boar, now alerted to his presence, turned towards the bushes, its eyes full of rage. It let out an enraged grunt and locked onto the boy's figure.

The boy stood up from his hiding spot, and in a heartbeat, the boar charged toward him. He turned and dashed away, the boar in hot pursuit behind him.

Nimbly, he dodged obstacles, running swiftly through the dense forest. The boar, however, plowed through everything in its path, smashing through bushes and trees, closing in on him.

The boy sprinted, his breaths growing heavier, but he didn't run blindly. The boar was getting closer—he could hear its grunts and the pounding of its hooves thundering behind him.

Though exhausted and with the boar almost catching up to him, he remained calm, knowing he was close to his destination.

Ahead, a vine dangled from a large tree branch. Below it, the ground was covered in dry leaves.

With a final burst of speed, the boy jumped, grabbed the vine, and swung forward. Releasing his grip, he landed firmly on the ground and stopped running.

He turned to face the boar, which was rapidly closing in, snorting angrily.

The boy stood still, not intending to run any further. As the boar charged towards him, it reached the area covered in dry leaves and suddenly crashed with a loud thud, tumbling into the trap.

The boar had fallen into the pit the boy had prepared earlier—dug deep and carefully concealed with branches and a thick layer of dry leaves on top. Without a closer inspection, it looked like just another patch of ground. Unaware of the danger, the boar had charged full speed and crashed into the hidden hole.

Crash!

Bam!

The sound of the boar's fall echoed through the forest, followed by its loud, frustrated grunts.

The boy looked down at the boar that had fallen into the pit. It wasn't just a simple hole—he had lined the bottom and sides of the pit with wooden stakes tipped with sharpened Spirit Beast bones, like spears.

The spears pierced the boar's body, blood flowing from multiple wounds. The boar let out pained grunts, struggling in the pit.

The boy observed carefully—it wasn't dead yet, still thrashing and making noises.

He picked up a large stone nearby and, with considerable effort, hoisted it over his head. The stone was quite large compared to his small frame. He then threw it down onto the boar's head.

Bam!

The boar cried out, struggling even more, blood flowing from the wound on its head where the stone had struck, but its strong vitality kept it clinging to life. The boy grabbed stone after stone, throwing each one with force. Each strike was met with another pained grunt from the boar, until finally, it stopped moving.

"Hahhh... finally," the boy sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead. He sat down on a large tree root to catch his breath.

"Not bad, kid. For a mere mortal, you managed to kill a Four-Tusked Boar," a voice suddenly rang out, startling the boy.

He jumped up, immediately grabbing his bow and nocking an arrow, scanning the area for the speaker.

A figure appeared, hovering in the air above him. The boy's heart raced, but he tried to remain calm, though sweat trickled down his brow. He lowered his bow, returned the arrow to his quiver, and knelt, bowing with cupped hands. "Greetings, sir."

"Mmm," Liu Yang nodded, noticing the boy's fear.

"I was just passing by and saw you being chased by that Four-Tusked Boar. I thought you might need help, but it turns out you were luring it into a trap all along. You're quite capable. Judging by your experience, this isn't your first time hunting a Four-Tusked Boar, is it? Hahaha, I was worried for nothing."

"Thank you, sir, for your concern," the boy replied, bowing again.

"What's your name, kid?" Liu Yang asked.

"My name is Huan Lei," the boy responded respectfully.

"Do you live around here?" Liu Yang asked.

"Currently, I live in Lianfen Village. Previously, I lived in a secluded place at the foot of the mountain with my father, but a few months ago, he suffered a grave injury while hunting a Spirit Beast and passed away. So, I moved to Lianfen Village," Huan Lei explained.

"Are you familiar with Yuezhi Forest?" Liu Yang inquired.

"I'm not too familiar with Yuezhi Forest, sir. I've only been to the outskirts. I only visit familiar places and don't dare venture deeper. I usually hunt around the peripheral area," Huan Lei said cautiously.

"I see. By the way, you did a good job hunting this Four-Tusked Boar," Liu Yang remarked.

"My father was an experienced hunter, and he often took me along, teaching me his skills. Although this Four-Tusked Boar is strong, it's quite stupid and easily fell into my trap," Huan Lei replied modestly.

"Have you ever come across Rank-2 slimes or higher?" Liu Yang asked.

"No sir, I haven't. I've only encountered Rank-1 slimes, and there are plenty of them around the forest," Huan Lei admitted.

"I see," Liu Yang said, sounding a bit disappointed before flying off.

The mysterious cultivator disappeared into the distance, but Huan Lei didn't relax until a while later, making sure the cultivator had flown far enough. He sighed in relief, cold sweat drenching his back.

He didn't know who the cultivator was, as the man hadn't shared his name or background, and Huan Lei hadn't dared to ask.

Without a second thought, he dashed in the opposite direction, not daring to look back.

"Mmm?" Liu Yang sensed something as he continued deeper into Yuezhi Forest. Through his Spiritual Sense, he noticed the boy, Huan Lei, running away, leaving behind the Four-Tusked Boar he had just killed.

"Ugh, am I that scary?" he wondered, puzzled. He had done nothing to scare the boy. "Oh well." Shrugging it off, Liu Yang continued his flight deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile, Huan Lei raced through the trees, sweat dripping and breath ragged, but he didn't stop. He even left the Four-Tusked Boar carcass behind, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the mysterious cultivator.

Huan Lei wasn't his real name, but the fake name he used now. In truth, he was Huang Lei, the last survivor of the Huang Family. His family had been destroyed by enemies, leaving him the sole survivor. 

Along with his loyal guard, they had managed to escape, but Huang Lei had been severely wounded in the process, his cultivation crippled, his Dantian destroyed. His guard had led their pursuers away, allowing him to flee alone.

He eventually made it to Lianfen Village, collapsing from his injuries. When he regained consciousness, he found himself surrounded by beggar children, who had found him bloodied and unconscious in an alley and taken care of him.

His body was in terrible condition, suffering from serious internal injuries and numerous external wounds, including a few broken bones. His storage rings had been lost during the chase, leaving him without any medicine pills to treat his injuries.

He could only try to suppress his internal injuries, and although the beggar children did their best to take care of him, his condition worsened by the day.

Despite being frail and hungry themselves, they still shared the meager food they managed to scrape together with him. Huang Lei was deeply moved by their kindness.

One day, a mysterious man came and gave them food. The beggar kids gratefully accepted it, sharing it amongst themselves as always.

Huang Lei was also given a share, and as he tasted it, he realized it wasn't just ordinary food—it contained low-quality Spiritual Herbs and Spirit Beast meat.

After eating the food, he focused on absorbing as much of its medicinal properties as possible and barely managed to stabilize his condition, preventing his injuries from worsening.

Slowly, his body began to recover, although his internal injuries remained untreated. His external wounds and broken bones gradually healed, all thanks to the food given by the mysterious man. Even though it was made from low-quality Spiritual Herbs and Spirit Beast meat, it had saved his life.

In the past, he had consumed far better-quality Spiritual Herbs and Spirit Beast meat and never would have considered eating something so low-grade, but now, that very same food had saved him.

After just a month, his body had recovered enough for him to move around. Huan Lei decided to go to the outskirts of Yuezhi Forest to search for Spiritual Herbs. He managed to find some low-quality Spiritual Herbs, which helped improve his health further.

Once his strength improved, he began hunting Spirit Beasts, starting with weaker ones. As his body grew stronger, he started hunting more powerful Spirit Beasts like the Four-Tusked Boar. 

Every now and then, Huang Lei would return to the forest to hunt, bringing some of the meat back and sharing it with the beggar children.

Currently, he was able to hunt Rank-1 Spirit Beasts. However, he didn't dare sell the meat, fearing it would attract unwanted attention since he still needed to stay low and hide from his enemies. Instead, he ate most of the Spirit Beast meat himself and brought back some for the beggar children.

He ate the Spirit Beast meat to replenish his vitality; as for his internal injury, there was no solution for now, since treating it would require high-grade medicine pills or high-grade Spiritual Herbs.

Huang Lei was also still waiting for his guard who had led the enemy away to return. But after all this time, there was still no news, and he was really worried that something bad had happened.

Today, Huang Lei hunted as usual and managed to kill a Four-Tusked Boar. While he was resting, a cultivator suddenly appeared out of nowhere, scaring him.

The cultivator's high cultivation level made Huang Lei wary, as such high-level cultivators who could fly were very rare in this remote area. Huang Lei was concerned that this cultivator might be connected to his enemies and looking for him.

When the mysterious cultivator asked for his name, Huang Lei provided false information about both his name and background. Only after some interaction did it seem the cultivator did not recognize his real identity, allowing Huang Lei to breathe a slight sigh of relief.

The cultivator talked with him for a while and also inquired about Rank-2 slimes before flying off. Huang Lei waited for a bit to ensure the cultivator was far away before immediately fleeing, leaving behind the Four-Tusked Boar he had just killed.

After running for a while and reaching the edge of the forest, Huang Lei stopped and spat out a mouthful of blood—his internal injury had flared up again.

Wiping the blood from his mouth, he quickly approached a large tree nearby. Hidden within a hole in the trunk were several bundles wrapped in leaves, containing Spirit Beast meat from a previous hunt. The unique leaves helped preserve the meat and masked its scent from wild animals and other Spirit Beasts.

After retrieving the bundles, he left the forest and headed straight to Lianfen Village. Despite being exhausted and still breathing heavily from running, he didn't pause to rest.

Upon entering the village, Huang Lei made his way to a deserted alley and into a dilapidated house. Inside, there were several beggar children.

"Look, Brother Huan is back!" one of the beggar kids pointed toward him.

"Brother Huan, welcome back!"

"How was the hunt? Are you tired?" The children swarmed around him, eager for news.

"Brother Huan, did you manage to catch something?" one of them asked, smacking his lips in anticipation. The others looked hopeful, their stomachs growling with hunger.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Huang Lei smiled as he lowered the bundles from his back. Unfolding one of them, he revealed a large piece of meat.

"It's food!" one of the children exclaimed.

"Meat!" another said, salivating.

"What are you waiting for? Let's cook it and eat!" Huang Lei encouraged.

The children immediately sprang into action, gathering dry branches for firewood. Some headed to the nearby well to fetch water, while others went to call back those who had gone out.

Before long, the meat was simmering in an old, cracked earthen pot over a fire, filling the air with a rich, mouth-watering fragrance. Alongside the meat, some greens that Huang Lei had also brought from the forest were added, enhancing the aroma. The children gathered around, their stomachs growling as they sniffed the delicious scent.

"The meat Brother Huan brings back always tastes so good! This one smells amazing!" a beggar child said, and the others nodded in agreement.

"Brother Huan, what meat is this?" one of them asked.

"It's just deer meat," Huang Lei replied, sitting down on a nearby chair to rest.

"Oh... I've never had deer meat before," the child said while stirring the pot.

"Me neither! I can't wait!" another child chimed in, adjusting the fire.

Huang Lei smiled at the children as they worked eagerly around the fire. In truth, it wasn't just deer meat but the meat of a Rank-1 Spirit Beast, a Golden Antler Deer. Like all the meat he had brought back before, it was Spirit Beast meat, and the greens he brought were also Spiritual Herbs—but there was no need for the children to know that.

"Is it ready yet?" one of the kids asked impatiently.

A beggar child with the best cooking skills pressed the meat, which had gotten soft from boiling, then tested the broth. His eyes lit up. "It's so delicious! It's ready"

"It's ready? Quick, let's eat!" another urged.

The children lined up eagerly but in an orderly fashion, each receiving their portion in bowls—some broken, chipped, or cracked.

A little girl wearing ragged clothes that hung loosely on her thin frame approached Huang Lei with a bright, cheerful smile on her dirty face. Her hair was unkempt, and her skin was a little dirty, but none of that could hide her radiant happiness.

"Big brother, here," she said, offering him a bowl.

"It's okay, I'm not hungry. You eat quickly," Huang Lei said, patting her head.

"Mmm," the girl shook her head. "Big brother also needs to eat."

"Alright, let's eat together. Thank you, Little An," Huang Lei replied as he received the bowl.

She smiled and then returned to get her own share. After everyone had their portion, they all began to eat.

"Wow, this is so delicious!" one of the beggar children exclaimed.

"Yes, the meat is tender, and it tastes and smells so good!" another agreed.

"Now with Brother Huan here, we can eat meat and not go hungry. Thank you so much, Brother Huan," a beggar child said, tears falling as he ate.

The relief of not going hungry and being able to eat delicious meat overwhelmed him. The other children also expressed their thanks.

"You guys saved me, I owe you. Don't worry, you won't have to go hungry anymore," Huang Lei replied, eating alongside them.

The atmosphere was warm and lively as they shared the food, laughed together, and enjoyed each other's company. Huang Lei observed the beggar children, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. They were not just beggars to him; they were his brothers and sisters, his saviors. He was determined to repay the kindness they had shown him.

Huang Lei's thoughts drifted to the mysterious person who had given them food and unknowingly saved his life, altering the course of his fate. Though it had been a simple gesture, it was one that had changed everything for him. He silently swore to repay that debt someday.

He hoped to meet the mysterious person again, though he had little information about him. The only things he remembered were the man's voice and that he wore a cloak and bamboo hat, his body fully covered. However, he had noticed a small detail—beneath the cloak, it seemed the person was wearing full-body armor. Beyond that, he had no other clues.

I wonder if our paths will cross again, Huang Lei thought to himself, reflecting on his mysterious savior as he continued eating.

Chapter 76: Making a Deal with the Bull Spirit Beast 1

Liu Yang kept flying deeper into the Yuezhi Forest, spreading his Spiritual Sense to search for Rank-2 slimes. He had been flying for hours and had already ventured quite far when suddenly...

"Oh? Could it be?" Liu Yang detected several slimes through his Spiritual Sense, but one in particular stood out, slightly different from the others.

"Nice, finally found one!" he exclaimed, and after getting closer, he confirmed through his Spiritual Sense that it was indeed a Rank-2 slime Spirit Beast.

Without hesitation, he flew swiftly toward the direction of the slime.

Pyon.

Pyon.

Pyon.

A slime bounced through the forest, its round body springing up and down. Unlike the many semi-transparent Rank-1 slimes abundant in the forest, this one was slightly larger and had a faint green hue—a Green Slime, a Rank-2 slime Spirit Beast. Suddenly, a figure descended from above and quickly snatched the still-jumping slime. The creature couldn't react in time and struggled to break free, but it was held firmly.

"Hahaha, got you!" Liu Yang said as he inspected the slime in his hand.

He then pulled out a large leather bag from his storage ring, stuffed the slime inside, and slung the bag over his shoulder.

"A good start! Already caught one on the first day," Liu Yang grinned.

"I hope I can find plenty more. Maybe Mr. Orion will reward me later... It'd be great if he gave me some MSG!" He chuckled to himself, imagining the rewards as he continued his search for more Rank-2 slimes.

Liu Yang continued his search through the forest, now flying slowly and scanning more thoroughly with his Spiritual Sense. Not long after, Liu Yang found another Rank-2 slime, a Green Slime.

"Hahaha, very good, another one!" he exclaimed.

After finding two Rank-2 slimes in quick succession, Liu Yang decided to search the surrounding area more methodically. Sure enough, about half an hour later, he found another Rank-2 slime by a small creek, resting at the bottom of the clear water. This time, it had a slight blue hue—a Blue Slime.

Liu Yang captured the Blue Slime and continued searching until sunset. As night approached, he decided to stop, knowing that slimes would go into hiding. They were weak creatures; even the Rank-2 slimes, though slightly stronger than Rank-1 slimes, were still relatively weak compared to other Spirit Beasts.

Liu Yang found a small cave and decided to rest for the night. As darkness settled in, many ferocious Spirit Beasts became more active, filling the forest with the sounds of their hunting.

Over the next several days, Liu Yang managed to gather seven Rank-2 slimes: four Green Slimes, two Blue Slimes, and one Red Slime.

"Sigh, are there no more Rank-2 slimes?" Liu Yang muttered after collecting seven slimes but failing to find any more. Even after all his efforts, he had yet to find any more Rank-2 slimes or higher.

While searching, Liu Yang occasionally stumbled upon Spiritual Herbs, but he only took the most valuable ones, leaving the rest behind. His focus remained on finding Rank-2 slimes or higher. Sometimes, he also encountered Rank-1 and Rank-2 Spirit Beasts, some of which were quite ferocious and attacked him the moment they sensed his presence. He casually slapped them to death, unfazed by their attacks.

"How dare you barge into my territory and cause trouble!" a loud voice boomed, rumbling through the air.

"Hmm?" Liu Yang raised an eyebrow, noticing a figure quickly flying toward him. "A buffalo Spirit Beast?" he muttered as he sensed the figure's power fluctuations, recognizing it as a Rank-3 buffalo Spirit Beast—Nightmare Buffalo.

Spirit Beasts that reach Rank-3 are able to transform into human-like figures, though they retain some of their unique Spirit Beast characteristics.

The Nightmare Buffalo had the appearance of a large, muscular man with a bare chest and pants made from some sort of Spirit Beast skin. His skin was slightly dark, with long black hair swept back. He had a human face with a pair of sharp horns, dark as night, that gleamed in the light, and a large buffalo nose that released mist with each breath.

Veins pulsed on his forehead, and his red, glowing eyes added to his fearsome presence. He carried a massive axe on his back, its handle made of wood and the axe head crafted from Spirit Beast bones.

"Human, return everything you took, or you'll pay with your life!" the buffalo Spirit Beast bellowed, hovering a few dozen meters away from Liu Yang.

"Pfft... and why should I?" Liu Yang sneered, his tone smug.

"Because this place belongs to me—the great Tigang! And you dare steal from my territory. If you don't return what you took, I'll kill you!" Tigang roared, his anger growing.

"Kill me? Are you even capable of that?" Liu Yang mocked.

"Good, very good. You've angered me! I'm going to kill you!" Tigang, now enraged, grabbed the massive axe from his back and pointed it toward Liu Yang.

"I've been looking for a sparring partner to test out my strength. You've come just in time," Liu Yang smirked, raising a hand to gesture for Tigang to come. He showed no fear of the enraged buffalo Spirit Beast.

Recently, Liu Yang's cultivation had improved, and he had broken through a bottleneck, advancing from the 2nd stage of the Golden Core Realm to the 3rd stage. Not only had his cultivation advanced, but his meridians had also improved and strengthened, making him feel the surge of new power coursing through him—all thanks to the MSG.

He had been itching to test his newfound strength, and now, this buffalo Spirit Beast named Tigang had come at the perfect time. Tigang was a Rank-3 Spirit Beast, equivalent to a Golden Core Realm cultivator.

Probing Tigang's strength with his Spiritual Sense, Liu Yang concluded that their strength wasn't much different. Confidently facing Tigang, Liu Yang believed that even if he couldn't defeat him, he could easily escape unharmed.

"You are courting death!" Tigang roared as he charged, swinging his massive axe.

Liu Yang quickly retrieved a sword from his storage ring. Tigang's attack came fast, the sheer force and momentum of the axe devastating. Liu Yang dodged to the side, slashing back at Tigang.

The two clashed in close combat for a while, the clang of metal ringing out as sparks flew. Their fierce battle wreaked havoc on the surroundings—massive trees were sliced apart, boulders shattered into dust, and deep craters and ravines were carved into the ground.

Dust billowed into the air as the force of their strikes sent shockwaves in every direction, tearing through the landscape with violent intensity.

"[Fire Python Sword Slash!]" Liu Yang unleashed his combat technique, slashing multiple times. Fiery, snake-like sword strikes darted towards Tigang at high speed, twisting unpredictably.

"[Iron Hide!]" Tigang bellowed, his muscles bulging as his skin darkened. He charged forward, ignoring the incoming strikes and facing them head-on.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Liu Yang's attacks met Tigang's hardened skin with loud, metallic sounds, and even sparks flew, as if striking iron. The strikes left faint cut marks, and Tigang suffered minor burns from the fiery slashes.

After ignoring Liu Yang's attacks, Tigang closed in, swinging his axe with wicked force. He noticed Liu Yang's expression shift to surprise, and Tigang grinned maliciously.

"Now die!" Tigang roared, putting all his strength into the swing. The wind howled as his massive axe slashed down at incredible speed.

Liu Yang's body split in two, but before Tigang could revel in his victory, a sharp sense of danger came to him from behind. Instinctively, he ducked.

A sword slashed through the space where his head had been moments before, severing a portion of his long black hair. Tigang quickly dashed forward to gain some distance, then turned to face the attacker. To his shock, Liu Yang stood there, smiling while holding his sword. The "Liu Yang" he had struck had dissolved into flames.

"Hmph! A petty trick!" Tigang snarled, raising his axe and charging again.

"My combat and movement techniques have improved significantly, and my meridians are now far more efficient at channeling Qi," Liu Yang murmured to himself, watching as Tigang charged furiously. "Heh, I'll play with him for a bit."

Though Liu Yang wanted to test his newfound strength, he remained focused, remembering the main reason he had come to Yuezhi Forest, there was no need to get entangled in a life-or-death battle with Tigang.

Liu Yang and Tigang locked in fierce close combat once again. Each of Tigang's attacks carried tremendous force, making it impossible for Liu Yang to meet them head-on. Parrying with his sword was useless due to the great momentum behind the massive axe, so Liu Yang focused on dodging and occasionally launching sneak attacks when Tigang left an opening.

In the early stages of the battle, Tigang held control, forcing Liu Yang to retreat as each of his strikes could deal serious damage. Liu Yang, however, evaded nimbly, avoiding fatal blows and occasionally launching sneak attacks, though his own attacks barely left a mark on Tigang due to his [Iron Hide] technique, which made his body tough and resistant.

But as the battle dragged on, the tide began to turn. Liu Yang's combat techniques allowed him to inflict small amounts of damage, which gradually accumulated. He also used various talismans and pills throughout the fight to aid him.

Tigang, on the other hand, didn't use any such items, and as his injuries accumulated, he began to feel the effects. Liu Yang gained control of the battle, dictating the pace, choosing when to attack and when to defend, sometimes even taking the opportunity to taunt and mock Tigang.

Angered, Tigang charged madly, his body covered in numerous injuries, though none were fatal. Enraged and humiliated by Liu Yang's tactics, he roared, ignoring any sense of defense as he rushed forward recklessly.

"Take this! [Hill Cleaving Axe]!" Tigang raised his massive axe, its blade shrouded in a black aura as he prepared to unleash a devastating attack.

Seeing this, Liu Yang descended to the ground and immediately pulled out a defense talisman from his storage ring. Activating it, an energy barrier enveloped him.

Without stopping, he slammed both palms to the ground, shouting, "[Stone Palms Fortress]!" The ground rumbled, and massive palms made of stone rose up on either side of Liu Yang, clasping together around the energy barrier to form an additional protective layer.

"Die!" Tigang bellowed as he flew at Liu Yang with his axe raised high. The black aura surrounding the weapon expanded, creating a massive phantom axe.

KABOOM!

The axe crashed into the stone palms with explosive force, sending dust and debris flying in all directions. The impact created a massive crater, with spiderweb-like cracks spreading across the ground. The force of the attack even carved out a deep gully, about a meter wide and dozens of meters deep, stretching for more than 50 meters.

"Hahaha! Serves you right, human scum!" Tigang laughed, satisfied with the devastating aftermath of his strike. His attack had shattered Liu Yang's stone palms and energy barrier, carving a deep gully in the ground where Liu Yang had stood.

With no trace of Liu Yang's figure in sight, Tigang assumed the human had been destroyed.

Suddenly, several talismans shot out from the ground and flew up toward Tigang, glowing brightly.

"Crap!" Tigang cursed, caught off guard. The talismans surrounded him, their light intensifying as they drew closer.

Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom!

A series of explosions erupted, blanketing the area in thick dust. After a while, coughing echoed from within as Tigang's figure emerged, the dust slowly dissipating. He stood on the ground, then spat a mouthful of blood.

"Damn it! You human scoundrel! Stop hiding like a rat and face me directly like a true man!" Tigang wiped the blood from his mouth.

The exploding talismans had seriously injured him; if not for his [Iron Hide], he would have died.

"Hmph. Do you think I'm as stupid as you? All brawn and no brain?" Liu Yang's voice came from the ground as his figure emerged about fifty meters away.

"You just act like a coward!" Tigang shouted.

"It's called strategy," Liu Yang replied.

When Liu Yang witnessed Tigang's [Hill Cleaving Axe], his scalp went numb. Realizing it was an attack he couldn't withstand head-on, he quickly descended to the ground, activated a defensive talisman, and used his [Stone Palms Fortress] technique for cover.

As the stone palms shielded him, Liu Yang discreetly placed several exploding talismans underground before burrowing away to distance himself from the battlefield.

Unaware of Liu Yang's escape, Tigang unleashed his full power. After the attack, Tigang let his guard down, giving Liu Yang the chance to activate his trap, inflicting serious injuries on the buffalo Spirit Beast.

Chapter 77: Making a Deal with the Bull Spirit Beast 2

"Tch, let's stop it right here. If we fight any more, it'll cause too much destruction to my territory. Consider yourself lucky—I'll let you go," Tigang said, his tone no longer arrogant after realizing the human cultivator was a tough opponent.

"Let me go? But have you asked if I'm letting you go?" Liu Yang replied calmly.

"What do you mean?!" Tigang growled, anger surging. "You don't think you've defeated me, do you?!" He raised his axe again.

"Isn't that obvious? Just look at yourself," Liu Yang said, pointing out Tigang's terrible condition. Blood trickled from the corner of Tigang's mouth, while Liu Yang still appeared unscathed.

"Hmph, that's only because I wasn't serious yet. Otherwise, I could defeat you easily. I haven't even used my strongest move!" Tigang's aura flared, his momentum rising, stronger than before as he prepared to fight again.

"Forget it. I'm not interested," Liu Yang said dismissively.

"Hmph, that's what I thought. Let's just call it a draw," Tigang grumbled, lowering his axe.

"Whatever. I'm rather busy, goodbye," Liu Yang replied, storing his sword in his storage ring as he prepared to leave.

"Wait!" Tigang called out.

"What now?" Liu Yang turned, showing an irritated expression. "Didn't you say I could go? Or do you want to get beaten up again?"

"Hmph, I said you can go, and you can even take what you've gathered from my territory. But in exchange, you must do something for me," Tigang said, slinging his axe onto his back.

"Do what?" Liu Yang asked.

"Tell me why you're searching for Rank-2 slimes," Tigang replied.

"Rank-2 slimes?" Liu Yang echoed, feigning ignorance.

"That's right," Tigang smiled. "Don't pretend in front of me. I know you've been searching for Rank-2 slimes."

He had been secretly following Liu Yang for a while, trying to figure out his intentions. Over the past few days, Tigang noticed that Liu Yang seemed specifically focused on finding Rank-2 slimes. Each time Liu Yang discovered one, his joy was evident, while he remained indifferent when he found Spiritual Herbs.

"Oh... I just happen to be interested in Rank-2 slimes, so I'm searching for them here," Liu Yang said casually.

"What are you going to do with those slimes?" Tigang asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Why should I tell you?" Liu Yang replied.

"They're important to me, and now you're stealing them from my territory. You owe me a satisfactory explanation!" Tigang demanded, his tone sharp.

"Important? What could be so important about slimes? They're just slimes! How could they matter to you?" Liu Yang asked, incredulous.

"Hmph! They are important, okay? If you won't tell me what you're doing with them, then you can't take them. Return them, or else..." Tigang took his axe from his back and raised it, ready for battle once more.

"Go on then, I'll beat you up again! You claim this territory belongs to you, and I'm supposed to believe that? And the slimes—do you think your name is written on them?" Liu Yang retrieved his sword from his storage ring, prepared to fight.

Seeing that Liu Yang wasn't backing down and still refusing to reveal why he wanted the slimes, Tigang growled, "Those slimes must be very valuable, right?"

"Pftt! Valuable? They're just slimes, they're not worth much," Liu Yang retorted.

"Then why are you so interested in them?" Tigang's voice grew louder, his anger rising.

"That's none of your business. I have my reasons," Liu Yang said firmly; he can't tell Tigang that a big shot had requested the slimes.

"You humans are despicable, always greedy and selfish, never willing to share. You even steal from me and won't tell me the truth! Those slimes must be valuable, and you're lying, saying they're worthless! If you're eating the meat, at least let others have the soup!" Tigang accused, his frustration boiling over.

As a Spirit Beast, Tigang had limited access to outside information and fewer resources than humans. Humans were different. They built societies, established sects, kingdoms, and empires, created cities, and managed vast resources with wide-reaching markets and information networks.

Slimes were widely considered worthless, but seeing this human cultivator so determined to fight over them made Tigang think otherwise. Perhaps Rank-2 slimes had become valuable in the human market, and that's why Liu Yang was collecting them in his territory.

"Are you deaf? I already told you those slimes are worthless. If you don't believe me, go ask other cultivators in the city, or try selling them yourself. For Rank-2 slimes, you'll get a few silver coins at best," Liu Yang said with a shrug.

"What? Really? Just a few silver coins?" Tigang asked, still suspicious.

"Of course. Their body parts are only good for making slime lamp. They have no other use," Liu Yang explained.

"And yet, you're still looking for these Rank-2 slimes..." Tigang began, his suspicion deepening.

"Personal reasons," Liu Yang interrupted, not offering more.

In truth, the Rank-2 slimes were indeed worthless to most, but they were crucial for Liu Yang. Orion had specifically requested the Liu family to find Rank-2 slimes or higher, and Liu Yang was determined to complete the task. If successful, there was a chance he'd be rewarded with precious MSG, and that made Liu Yang even more determined to secure the slimes.

"Grr..." Tigang growled, lowering his axe. "Tch, very well, I'll let you go. But you have to pay me."

"Pay for what?" Liu Yang asked, frowning.

"For the slimes, of course, and the Spiritual Herbs you took," Tigang demanded.

"And if I refuse?" Liu Yang replied, his voice hardening.

Tigang didn't answer. He simply raised his axe again.

"Fine, how much?" Liu Yang asked, clearly annoyed.

"Hmm..." Tigang thought for a moment, then raised one finger.

"One Spirit Stone?" Liu Yang guessed.

"100 Spirit Stones," Tigang replied.

"Bastard! Are you trying to rob me?!" Liu Yang exclaimed, his anger flaring.

"Then return everything you took. Hmph... I still think those Rank-2 slimes are valuable. If you want them, pay up!" Tigang insisted, his tone unyielding.

The two continued bickering and bargaining, occasionally throwing out threats. After a while, they finally reached an agreement. Liu Yang, grumbling under his breath, handed over 17 Spirit Stones. He had caught seven Rank-2 slimes, so it worked out to two Spirit Stones for each slime, and 3 Spirit Stones for the Spiritual Herbs.

Sigh... For such useless slimes, I've spent so many Spirit Stones. If not for Mr. Orion, I definitely wouldn't have done this. It's a total loss for me. Hmm... but if Mr. Orion rewards me with MSG, then it's a huge win! Liu Yang thought to himself, smirking inwardly.

"Here, take it. You're really black-hearted, making me pay two Spirit Stones for Rank-2 slime. Just consider this an act of charity," Liu Yang said with an aggrieved expression, though he was secretly pleased.

"What do you mean, charity?! These Rank-2 slimes are of the highest quality! You got quite a bargain paying just two Spirit Stones each. You should be grateful. I'm the one making a loss here!" Tigang snapped, though he was internally satisfied at the easy profit from the slimes, which were otherwise useless to him.

"Whatever. Goodbye," Liu Yang said as he prepared to fly off.

"Wait!" Tigang called out.

"What is it now?! You keep stopping me," Liu Yang turned, feeling irritated. "Do you want a slap?"

Tigang coughed awkwardly. "Do you still need more Rank-2 slimes? How about this, we can cooperate. I can look for the slimes, and you can buy them from me."

"Oh... interesting idea. What about the price?" Liu Yang asked, intrigued.

"Hehehe, fellow Daoist, why don't you tell me your name first?" Tigang replied, trying to sound casual.

"My name is Liu Yang," he answered.

"Ah, so it's Daoist Liu. About the price, how about..." Tigang proposed a price with a polite smile.

After hearing the price Tigang offered, Liu Yang angrily shouted, then the two resumed their bickering and bargaining, occasionally tossing out threats and almost coming to blows once again. After a while, they finally reached an agreement: Liu Yang would buy Rank-2 slime for 2.5 Spirit Stones.

"You really know how to take advantage of me," Liu Yang complained.

"What do you mean, taking advantage? I'm helping you find those slimes! You've got to pay more for my service," Tigang retorted.

"Tch, fine. Try to get as many Rank-2 slimes as possible, and be careful when handling them. Make sure they're still alive," Liu Yang instructed.

"Hmph, you don't need to tell me that. I'm better than you in this field," Tigang shot back with pride.

"I'll be back in a week. Don't disappoint me, you money-grubbing bull," Liu Yang said coldly.

"Who are you calling a money-grubber, you stupid human? Get lost!" Tigang yelled, anger flaring.

With that, Liu Yang left, his face cold, while Tigang stormed off in the opposite direction, also fuming. However, once they were far apart, both cracked a smile.

"Stupid bull, already happy with a few Spirit Stones. Muahaha! I'll let him do all the hard work and pay him peanuts while I collect the valuable MSG from Mr. Orion," Liu Yang thought gleefully as he flew away.

Now that Tigang was tasked with finding the Rank-2 slimes, Liu Yang decided to head south of Yuezhi Forest, where vast grasslands awaited. His next plan was to capture dragonfly Spirit Beasts.

Besides slimes, Orion had also asked the Liu family to search for dragonfly Spirit Beasts. Liu Yang didn't know what Orion would use them for, but he will try his best to fulfill that request.

"Huahaha! Stupid human, paying Spirit Stones just for slimes," Tigang chuckled as he flew off, beginning his search for Rank-2 slimes. Being more familiar with Yuezhi Forest and the habits of slimes, he was confident he could capture plenty.

As Tigang spread his spiritual sense, scanning for Rank-2 slimes, he started to wonder if he was making a loss. As far as he knew, slimes, even Rank-2 ones, were worthless. Yet Liu Yang had agreed to pay, even when the price was raised to 2.5 Spirit Stones.

Could they be more valuable than I thought? Should I visit a human city and check their market value?Tigang mused internally as he continued his search.

Chapter 78: Chen Rongwei vs. Stonebreaker Rhino

Dust billowed into the air, swirling as trees cracked and fell to the ground with loud thuds. Roars echoed through the forest, accompanied by the thunderous sound of explosions. In the clearing, a young man, no taller than 1.7 meters, faced off against a massive rhinoceros Spirit Beast, towering at 3 meters in height.

Despite the drastic difference in size, the young man held his ground, moving nimbly, dodging the rhino's heavy attacks with ease. He launched quick strikes, but the beast's thick, armored hide deflected his blows. The Stonebreaker Rhino, a Rank-2 Spirit Beast, boasted three large, sharp horns—one jutting from its nose and two from its head. Its skin was as tough as armor, providing strong defense and blocking most of the young man's attacks.

The rhino snorted, its breath hot and heavy as it charged forward with terrifying momentum. The young man waited until the last possible moment before leaping into the air, dodging the beast's charge. The Stonebreaker Rhino slammed into the boulder behind him, shattering the one-meter rock into pieces.

Even then, the boulder wasn't enough to stop the rhino, which only came to a halt dozens of meters away.

With a snarl, the beast turned to face the young man again. One of its front legs kicked up dust as it pawed at the ground, preparing to charge once more. Hot air billowed from its nostrils, its enraged eyes locked onto its target, ready to unleash its fury again.

Several people approached the area, drawn by the commotion. They watched from a distance as the young man faced off against the massive rhinoceros Spirit Beast.

"Is that Chen Rongwei?" one of them asked.

"That's right, it's him. What's he doing fighting a Stonebreaker Rhino? Should we help him?" another replied.

"Hmm, he doesn't seem to be in trouble. Let's just wait and watch for a while," someone else suggested.

The rhino charged toward Chen Rongwei. His eyes gleamed with determination as he held his sword, which began to glow crimson.

"[Crimson Serpent Sword Style]!" Chen Rongwei shouted. His sword became enveloped in a crimson aura as he dashed toward the incoming rhino. Just before they collided, Chen Rongwei slashed, his sword slicing through the air like a serpent.

His body moved in sync with his blade, dodging the rhino's charge as he brushed past it, delivering a sharp slash to its body.

The exchange happened in an instant. The rhino continued its charge, and Chen Rongwei dashed in the opposite direction. After several meters, both stopped and turned to face each other again.

Blood trickled from the corner of Chen Rongwei's mouth—he had dodged the rhino's charge but was grazed in the process, breaking several ribs. The rhino bore several sword slashes on its hide, though they were shallow, with only a small amount of blood.

"Whoa! That's a Rank-2 Spirit Beast, Stonebreaker Rhino, and Chen Rongwei—at just the 9th stage of Qi Condensation realm—managed to injure it! He's a monster!" one spectator exclaimed.

"That's right! Rank-2 is equivalent to the Foundation Establishment realm. Chen Rongwei is incredibly strong," another agreed.

"If I'm not mistaken, the technique he used was the [Crimson Serpent Sword Style], a sword technique belonging to the Chen family. Truly impressive," someone added.

"Hmph! What's so special about him? He barely injured that Stonebreaker Rhino. And look at him—he already seems tired and wounded from the last exchange. He's lost this fight," another person sneered.

"Oh... you're right. Senior Brother, as expected, your eyes are sharp," another agreed, noticing Chen Rongwei's pale face.

"Exactly! He's just a Qi Condensation realm cultivator, yet he dares to fight a Rank-2 Spirit Beast. Who does he think he is?" someone else chimed in.

"Should... should we help him?" someone asked hesitantly.

"If you want to help, then go ahead," the senior brother replied coolly.

"Ugh..." The person hesitated, unwilling to face a Rank-2 rhino Spirit Beast. At just the 5th stage of Qi Condensation realm, he knew any casual attack from the rhino could easily kill him.

"It would be easy for Chen Rongwei to escape if he wanted, but it seems he's determined to fight the Stonebreaker Rhino. Why should we care?" The senior brother added.

The others hesitated as well, uncertainty clear on their faces. The strongest among them was their senior brother, at the 1st stage of Foundation Establishment realm, but he didn't seem interested in helping Chen Rongwei at all.

Chen Rongwei and the rhino engaged in another fierce, close-quarters battle. The rhino remained strong and full of energy, while Chen Rongwei was slowing down, growing weaker, barely able to dodge. The spectators continued to watch from afar.

"Chen Rongwei's almost finished. If this keeps up, he's going to die," one of them muttered.

"Hmph, it'd be good if he dies. He's a complete scumbag," another sneered.

"Exactly. He's infamous for being a troublemaker. As the second young master of the Chen family, he uses his background to bully others, stirring up trouble wherever he goes. Many innocent girls have fallen victim to him. Ptui!" the person spat in disgust.

Chen Rongwei's reputation as a good-for-nothing troublemaker was well-known, and none of the spectators watching had a good opinion of him.

"Will we get into trouble if something happens to him and we don't help?" one of the more timid onlookers asked, hesitating.

"What does it have to do with us?" the senior brother replied coldly.

"He chose to face a Rank-2 Spirit Beast, overestimating his abilities. Why should we care? We're not his lackeys, and we're not even close to him. This is a forbidden training ground—there are dangers everywhere, and people die. If he can't handle it, he shouldn't have come here. If he dies, the sect won't care and what can the Chen family do to us?"

The others remained silent, reluctantly agreeing with the senior brother, as they watched from afar. As time went by, Chen Rongwei became even more overwhelmed by the rhino's relentless attacks. He struggled to stand as the rhino's horn glowed ominously, charging toward him. Seeing the incoming rhino, he dropped his sword to the ground, standing unmoved before the beast.

"Fufufu, it's over for him," the senior brother remarked.

Chen Rongwei watched the charging rhino close in, gritting his teeth. "I'm too weak! Power, I need more power!" he muttered, clenching his fists tightly.

"HHEEEAAAA!!! [BERSERKER BLOOD]!" he roared. His muscles bulged, veins swelled along his neck and face, and his eyes turned bloodshot. A red mist seeped from his body, enveloping him in a violent aura.

With a powerful stomp of his right leg, the ground beneath him cracked like a spiderweb, and a thick cloud of dust rose, obscuring him from the spectators' view. The rhino, with its already poor eyesight further hindered by the dust, couldn't see Chen Rongwei's position and continued charging toward where he had been. The onlookers, unable to see through the dust cloud, also couldn't tell what was happening within.

Feeling the tremors of the approaching beast through the ground, Chen Rongwei extended his arms forward. As soon as the rhino crashed into his palms, he gritted his teeth, not trying to stop it but immediately gripping its front horn and lower jaw.

"EEAAA!!!" Chen Rongwei roared as blood trickled from his seven orifices. He was pushing his body to the limit.

His legs dug into the ground as the force of the rhino's charge drove him back, but through sheer effort, he lifted the massive beast.

With a final surge of strength, he hurled the rhino, smashing it into the ground. The massive beast, along with its momentum, crashed loudly into the ground.

Boom!

The rhino lay on its back, belly exposed, in a small crater formed by the impact, spiderweb-like cracks spreading from the spot where it slammed into the ground.

Debris scattered, and dust billowed into the air. Despite its thick armor, the immense momentum from its charge, combined with its heavy weight and the force of the slam, had knocked the beast unconscious.

Chen Rongwei immediately slumped to the ground, dropping to his knees as he gasped for breath. He glanced at the rhino, which lay unconscious and motionless, and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

The onlookers were speechless, staring in shock at the scene. Some gaped, their mouths wide open.

Moments ago, Chen Rongwei had been in a precarious situation. The dust cloud had obscured him completely, and they could only see the rhino charging toward it. Then, in an instant, a deafening crash sounded, the dust cleared, and the next moment, the rhino was lying on its back, smashed into the ground.

They could hardly believe the sudden turn of events.

"What the hell? Did Chen Rongwei really defeat that rhino?" someone blurted out.

"Am I dreaming?" another asked in disbelief.

"Ouch! Why are you pinching me? Pinch yourself!" another complained, rubbing his arm.

"Damn, wasn't that technique [Berserker Blood]?" one exclaimed.

"That's right! That Chen Rongwei is really bold to use a forbidden technique," another murmured, still shocked.

Voices erupted among the onlookers, some in awe, others in disbelief or praise.

"That technique is incredibly powerful. Maybe I should learn it too?" one person wondered aloud.

"Dream on. Someone like you could never master it," another retorted dismissively.

[Berserker Blood] was a forbidden technique. It boosted the user's strength several times over but at a terrible cost.

The technique burned the user's blood essence, resulting in severe weakness afterward. Worse, the lost blood essence was permanently gone and required a lot of effort to recover even a tiny amount. On top of that, using it inflicted excruciating pain.

Because of these drawbacks and the difficulty in mastering it, the technique was rarely practiced and considered forbidden. Yet, the allure of such a drastic power boost made it tempting for some, especially in desperate situations, as it could serve as a useful trump card.

"Senior brother, didn't you say earlier that Chen Rongwei lost this fight? That it was over for him?" one of the onlookers questioned.

"Hmph, let's go. We don't have time to waste standing around here. We need to finish our mission quickly," the senior brother grumbled, his face reddening slightly.

"Senior brother? Wait—wait for us!" the others called, scrambling to follow as the group hurriedly left the area, trailing behind the flustered senior brother.

Chen Rongwei watched the group in the distance as they departed. They wore the same robes as him—fellow disciples of the White Crane Sect, likely out on a mission or also training. He ignored them as they disappeared from sight.

After resting for a while, he struggled to his feet and slowly walked toward the unconscious rhino. Venting his frustration, he kicked the beast several times before feeling satisfied. Then, he retrieved his sword from the ground and left.

It had been about a month since Chen Rongwei joined the White Crane Sect. He had been stuck at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, struggling to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm.

Regret gnawed at him for wasting his potential in the past—spending his days playing, indulging, and never cultivating seriously. He had relied heavily on pills to quickly boost his cultivation, which now left his foundation shaky and unstable, making it difficult to advance.

Ever since joining the sect, Chen Rongwei had been cultivating diligently, spending many Spirit Stones and dedicating long hours to cultivation, with no time left to waste on playing around like in the past. He also trained his combat abilities intensely after realizing how weak he truly was.

The incident with Orion had been a harsh wake-up call. Without the status and protection of being the second young master of the Chen family, he was nothing. His previous rapid cultivation progress, which relied heavily on pills, had slowed down and reached a bottleneck, and his combat prowess was embarrassingly weak. The only thing he had been proud of was his family background, which he had used to bully others.

But after receiving a harsh lesson from his older brother, reality hit him—Chen Rongwei realized that the Chen family didn't belong to him. When he asked his brother and the family experts to help him take revenge on Orion, he was beaten by his brother instead, and the rest of the family refused to support him. They saw no benefit in offending Orion.

That day, he finally understood: the Chen family's power wasn't his. From that moment, he became obsessed with gaining true strength—his own strength, his own power, cultivated by his own efforts.

"Sigh... I really was a fool," Chen Rongwei muttered bitterly, reflecting on his wasted potential and past mistakes.

Chen Rongwei limped along the dirt path, wincing in pain from his injuries and the backlash of using the forbidden technique.

The forest he was in was one of the sect's forbidden training grounds—called forbidden because it was a dangerous place where death was a real possibility. There are many Spirit Beasts in the forest, and disciples can hone their skills, fight against them, and gain valuable experience.

While they were allowed to battle the beasts, killing them was forbidden since they were nurtured by the sect. This forest also contained Spiritual Herbs that disciples could search for and pick. Many disciples came here not just for training, but also to complete various missions and earn contribution points.

Chen Rongwei had been coming to this forest frequently, battling various Spirit Beasts from weaker to stronger. One day, while fighting against a Rank-1 Spirit Beast, he got cornered and nearly lost his life. In that moment, he truly felt just how weak he was and craved more power, prompting him to go to the Scripture Hall to learn the forbidden technique [Berserker Blood].

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, slow clapping echoed through the trees. A figure stepped out from behind a tree on the side of the dirt path. Chen Rongwei immediately became vigilant and turned toward the person.

"Congratulations. You managed to defeat that Rank-2 Rhino Spirit Beast. That's quite impressive," said a young man who looked around twenty years old, with a well-formed, handsome face.

Upon recognizing him, Chen Rongwei quickly adopted a respectful stance and cupped his hands. "Greetings, Senior Brother Wu."

The young man, Wu Yulin, nodded in acknowledgment. "Your strength has improved tremendously, Chen Rongwei. You have a bright future ahead."

He was genuinely impressed—Chen Rongwei, only 15 years old, was already at the 9th stage of the Qi Condensation realm, just a step away from breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm.

"Thank you for the compliment, Senior Brother Wu," Chen Rongwei replied cautiously. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"About my offer—have you thought it through?" Wu Yulin asked.

"I'm sorry, Senior Brother Wu, but I'm not interested in your offer," Chen Rongwei responded.

"Are you sure?" Wu Yulin's smile remained unfazed. "By joining me, you'll have powerful backers within the White Crane Sect, and I can provide you with abundant resources to aid your cultivation. Although your Chen family is respected, here, they don't hold as much influence as the Wu family. It would be better to align yourself with me."

"Thank you very much for your kindness, Senior Brother Wu, but for now, I only wish to focus on cultivating and have no interest in other matters," Chen Rongwei answered carefully.

He knew he could not afford to offend Wu Yulin, and he subtly emphasized that his lack of interest was only temporary, hoping to decline without inciting offense.

Wu Yulin's smile remained unwavering. "I heard you've had some... conflict with Liu Jian. If you join me, I can help you deal with him."

"I truly appreciate it, Senior Brother Wu, but I must refuse. I'm exhausted from today and would like to rest. Please excuse me," Chen Rongwei said, eager to end the conversation and escape Wu Yulin's grasp.

In the past, he would have eagerly seized this opportunity, even if it meant becoming Wu Yulin's lackey. Having such a backer would allow him to throw his weight around, bullying others without fear of consequence—not only in Yanjing City but also within the White Crane Sect.

His old self, who loved causing trouble, would have relished the chance to stir up even bigger troubles. But now, he desired only his own strength, not the borrowed power that would bind him to someone else.

Wu Yulin kept his smile as he watched Chen Rongwei depart. Once Chen Rongwei was far enough, his warm expression turned cold, and he gave a disdainful snort before leaving.

Chen Rongwei left the forbidden training ground and headed toward the largest market in the outer sect area. There were several sizable markets, but he chose the biggest, as it offered a wider selection of items and higher-quality goods.

Planning to buy pills, Spiritual Herbs, and Spirit Beast meat, he hoped to replenish his depleted blood essence and heal his injuries from the fight.

Chapter 79: You Should Call Me Senior Brother Liu!

In the Outer Sect of the White Crane Sect, numerous markets thrived, ranging from small roadside stalls to large bustling hubs. These markets catered not only to cultivators but also to the significant population of mortals living within the sect.

Mortals played a crucial role in maintaining the sect's daily operations, performing menial tasks, working as servants for cultivators, and handling routine duties. Their contributions allowed cultivators to focus entirely on their cultivation without distraction.

With such a large number of mortals, the markets were always lively, resembling ordinary mortal markets found outside the sect.

Here, mortals shopped for daily necessities, spent their wages on goods, and bartered for supplies. The variety of shops offered everything from simple street food to weapons and cultivation pills, ensuring something for everyone.

The streets were crowded with mortals, bustling with activity, while a few low-level cultivators could be seen weaving through the throngs.

Although cultivators also frequented the markets to trade or purchase cultivation resources, mostly low-level cultivators, the Outer Sect's markets predominantly served the Outer Sect population, including Outer Sect disciples, menial disciples, and mortals working as servants.

Amidst the lively crowd, a young man and woman strolled down the busy street, drawing the occasional glance.

Liu Jian, dressed in the regal robe of an Inner Sect disciple, walked beside Xia Ling, who wore the attire of an Outer Sect disciple. The pair moved from shop to shop, laughing and teasing each other with ease.

Shopkeepers and clerks, knowing their place, bowed respectfully and treated the couple with utmost deference. Praise for their harmonious relationship often slipped from the lips of shopkeepers eager to curry favor, causing the pair to blush with embarrassment.

The market was filled with stores backed by Outer Sect disciples or menial disciples.

In the sect, mortals occupied the lowest position in the hierarchy, working as servants performing hard labor.

Menial disciples, on the other hand, were a step above mortals. As long as they possessed Spiritual Roots, they were allowed to cultivate using low-level techniques and could earn resources from the sect by exchanging contribution points, despite being tasked with menial jobs and chores.

Establishing a store in the market without any backing was nearly impossible, as unaligned shops would constantly face trouble.

Thus, each store had ties to at least a menial disciple, if not an Outer Sect disciple. Yet, compared to Liu Jian, the status of these backers was negligible.

Store clerks were well aware that even their backers would be powerless against an Inner Sect disciple, and so they tread carefully. It would be ideal if they could curry favor and establish connections, with failure being acceptable as long as they didn't offend the other party.

As the day passed, the couple visited teahouses, shared lunch, explored flower gardens, and even took a gentle boat ride. Their laughter and playful banter painted an image of blissful affection.

"Sigh, when we're together, everything seems more enjoyable, but time flies by so fast," Liu Jian said as they walked side by side.

Xia Ling nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I wish we could always enjoy days like this," she said, determination flashing in her eyes.

"I'll work harder and break through to the Foundation Establishment realm, then take the trial to enter the Inner Sect so I can spend more time with you."

Liu Jian stopped and took both her hands in his. "Mmm, I know you can do it. Work hard," he said, gazing into her eyes with fondness.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and gold. Liu Jian glanced westward. "It's getting late. I'll walk you back," he said.

Xia Ling nodded, and hand in hand, they made their way to the residence area designated for Outer Sect disciples. Once they reached Xia Ling's quarters, she paused at the door, looking up at him with a mix of gratitude and affection.

"Thank you for today, Senior Brother Jian," she said softly. Before he could respond, she leaned up and pressed a quick, shy kiss to his cheek before darting inside and closing the door with a loud thud, her cheeks flushed as red as a ripe apple.

Liu Jian stood frozen in place, the warmth of her kiss lingering on his cheek. A moment later, a small, genuine smile spread across his face. He turned and walked away; his expression composed until he was out of sight.

As he rounded a few corners and put distance between himself and Xia Ling's quarters, the façade cracked. His steps quickened, and he broke into a run, laughter bubbling up from his chest.

"Ha ha ha ha!" He leapt into the air, pumping his fist triumphantly. "Woohoo!"

He skipped and spun down the street, his joy irrepressible. Passersby, including mortals and Outer Sect disciples, watched him with puzzled glances but dared not question or ridicule an Inner Sect disciple's odd behavior. They simply stepped aside and continued on their way.

After a while, Liu Jian slowed down, his euphoria settling into a contented sigh.

"Today was a good day," he murmured, touching the cheek Xia Ling had kissed. His heart swelled with happiness as he relived the moment.

Ever since they had survived that encounter with the Vermillion Clawed Bear, their bond had deepened. Now, with this new milestone, he was more hopeful than ever about their future.

Chen Rongwei had just left the bustling market, his bag filled with various pills to heal injuries, restore Blood Essence, and aid in cultivation. Alongside the pills, he'd purchased a hefty amount of Spirit Beast meat and Spiritual Herbs. He sighed, thinking of all the Spirit Stones he'd spent, then began heading back to his residence in the Outer Sect.

As he walked, a familiar voice called out, causing him to pause and turn. To his surprise—and irritation—he saw Liu Jian approaching, grinning widely with an unmistakable air of joy.

Observing Liu Jian's overly cheerful expression, Chen Rongwei decided he'd rather avoid him altogether. He snorted, putting on a cold expression, and continued walking, hoping Liu Jian would take the hint and leave him alone.

But Liu Jian was in high spirits and determined to engage. Despite their rocky past and distant relationship, he seemed more than willing to strike up a conversation.

"Yooo..." Liu Jian greeted with a wave, his grin still wide from earlier. "Long time no see!"

Having just escorted Xia Ling back and still feeling the surprise of her kiss, which put him in a good mood, he happened upon Chen Rongwei and, in high spirits, decided to approach and say hi.

Chen Rongwei merely snorted and kept walking, but Liu Jian quickened his pace to walk beside him.

"Fufu, it's unbelievable that you'd end up joining the same sect as me," Liu Jian chuckled.

"So, how do you like it here? If there's anything you need or don't understand, just come ask me, your Senior Brother!" Liu Jian emphasized the "Senior Brother" part with a playful tone.

Chen Rongwei gritted his teeth at Liu Jian's patronizing tone. "No, thank you. I don't remember us being close, so you'd best get lost," Chen Rongwei snapped.

"Oi oi oi, is that how you talk to your Senior Brother? You should call me Senior Brother Liu!" Liu Jian responded with a teasing grin.

"Senior Brother Liu," Chen Rongwei said through gritted teeth, "Do you mind fucking off?"

Liu Jian only laughed, shaking his head. "Tsk tsk, as foul-mouthed as ever, I see. Look, we come from the same hometown and now we're both disciples of the same sect. Let's forget the past and look forward, hmm?"

Chen Rongwei sped up his pace, clearly uninterested, but Liu Jian kept up, oblivious to the cold silence from his side.

"Ah, you're still at the 9th stage of the Qi Condensation realm?" Liu Jian remarked, glancing at Chen Rongwei with a smirk.

"Ha ha ha, don't you remember not long ago you mocked my cultivation level? And now I've surpassed you and am already at the 1st stage of Foundation Establishment realm, and you're still stuck at the same realm. Tsk tsk tsk, you need to work harder to cultivate. Junior Brother, do you need this Senior Brother to guide you?"

"Shut it! I don't need your help!" Chen Rongwei's annoyance was clear.

Unfazed, Liu Jian laughed again. "I'm just trying to be nice; you know."

Liu Jian kept pestering Chen Rongwei, occasionally rubbing salt into the wound, teasing him about his cultivation level. He felt a sense of satisfaction, as it was usually Chen Rongwei who annoyed him, but now the situation was reversed.

As they walked side by side, Chen Rongwei coldly ignored Liu Jian, who kept babbling and laughing. Suddenly, a group of people appeared from the opposite direction, and seeing the man who led the group, Liu Jian immediately approached and greeted him warmly.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Wu," Liu Jian said, cupping his hands in respect. Chen Rongwei followed suit, offering a polite greeting as well.

"Mmm." Wu Yulin nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "It seems like you're in a very good mood, Junior Brother Liu. Did something good happen?" he asked warmly.

"Haha, nothing special, nothing special." Liu Jian waved his hand with a wide grin.

Liu Jian and Wu Yulin exchanged a few words, both smiling as the warm atmosphere lingered. Chen Rongwei didn't join the conversation, instead standing aside, observing silently.

"Your cultivation has advanced greatly. Keep up the good work, and congratulations on entering the Inner Sect," Wu Yulin said with a nod.

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother. I'm just lucky," Liu Jian replied, his smile filled with happiness.

"I still have something to attend to. Excuse me," Wu Yulin said, leading his group away.

"Take care, Senior Brother," Liu Jian called after him.

As Wu Yulin and his group walked further away, Liu Jian and Chen Rongwei resumed their journey.

"Wow, Senior Brother Wu is really awesome," Liu Jian remarked, still excited. "His talent is very impressive, and his cultivation is on another level. I can't tell exactly where he's at, but I can feel how strong he is. He's good to all the other disciples and diligent, truly a role model."

Wu Yulin was among the top disciples in the Inner Sect—famous and popular for his outstanding talent, strong background, good looks, and warm personality.

Liu Jian continued to walk beside Chen Rongwei, babbling on about Wu Yulin's accomplishments, clearly praising him as they walked.

Chen Rongwei, who had been observing Wu Yulin's demeanor closely during their interaction, suddenly spoke up. "Did you perhaps ever offend Senior Brother Wu?"

Liu Jian looked puzzled. "Offend him? Why would you say that? We're very close, don't you see how warm and nice Senior Brother Wu was to me just now?"

Chen Rongwei simply shrugged. "Never mind."

Liu Jian went right back to praising Wu Yulin's achievements, talking non-stop, while Chen Rongwei quietly listened. His mind, however, was elsewhere. During their earlier interaction, he had caught a brief cold glint in Wu Yulin's eyes towards Liu Jian, but it vanished in an instant.

Chen Rongwei recalled the strange incident not long ago when Liu Jian had been attacked by a pair of Vermilion Clawed Bears. The attack seemed suspicious—Vermilion Clawed Bears didn't live in the area where Liu Jian had been ambushed. Chen Rongwei had heard rumors about it and couldn't shake the thought that the attack might have been a setup by someone.

And Senior Brother Wu is known for his skill in Spirit Beast Taming, Chen Rongwei thought, connecting the dots. Could it be him? After all, he said he could help me deal with Liu Jian.

Chen Rongwei glanced sideways at Liu Jian, who was still blabbering on about Wu Yulin's greatness. If it were his past self, he might have accepted Wu Yulin's offer to deal with Liu Jian. But now, despite hating Liu Jian and wanting to beat him up, he was determined to rely on his own strength.

Tch... this dumbass is so annoying. Just wait until I increase my cultivation—I'll beat you up so bad you'll remember it for life, Chen Rongwei thought, his patience wearing thin.

The two walked together, one in silence while the other kept talking, until they reached a fork in the road. The Outer Sect area was the largest and most populous, divided into many zones. Liu Jian headed toward the Inner Sect, while Chen Rongwei turned toward the residential area where his residence was located.

"Remember, Junior Brother! If you ever need help, just come find me—your Senior Brother will take care of it," Liu Jian called out, waving as he walked away.

Chen Rongwei scowled, muttering under his breath as he walked away. After a moment, he stopped, turned back, and called out, "You better be careful and watch your back."

Liu Jian stopped and turned back, his grin widening. "What? Junior Brother, are you looking for trouble with me? Ha! Bring it on. You're still decades too young to challenge me!" He laughed boisterously, striding away with a cocky swagger, having misunderstood that Chen Rongwei wanted to challenge him.

"Stupid bastard!" Chen Rongwei spat, storming off toward his residence. He had only meant to give a warning, but now he regretted even speaking up.

Chen Rongwei's residence in the Outer Sect was a simple, small house. After returning, he immediately set about cooking Spirit Beast meat with Spiritual Herbs, a meal that would aid in restoring his Blood Essence.

Once the food was ready, he devoured it with gusto, letting out a satisfied burp. Sitting on his cultivation mat, he swallowed a few pills, closed his eyes, and began cultivating. His breathing gradually slowed, becoming calm and rhythmic.

His body started to absorb and digest the meal while drawing the medicinal essence from the pills. Slowly, the surrounding Qi was drawn into his body, replenishing the Qi in his Dantian, which had been depleted during the fight earlier in the day. The medicinal effects gradually worked to heal his deep injuries, while his Blood Essence slowly regenerated.

Meanwhile, Liu Jian entered the Inner Sect area and headed to his residence. Every Inner Sect disciple was allocated a decent house with a courtyard and servants to attend to their needs.

However, Liu Jian's residence was more remote, located near a serene waterfall. He had chosen this spot for its quietness, allowing him to focus on cultivation. Unlike others, he preferred not to hire servants, cherishing the solitude.

Humming a cheerful tune, Liu Jian entered his room. After settling down, he activated the Qi-gathering array, consumed a few pills, and sat cross-legged on his cultivation mat. Absentmindedly, he touched his cheek where his Junior Sister had kissed him, still feeling the warmth lingering there.

"Hehehe," he chuckled, a wide grin spreading across his face. Shaking his head, he wiped the smile away and forced himself to focus.

Drawing a deep breath, he began cultivating. The Qi-gathering array made the surrounding Qi denser, and his body greedily absorbed the abundant Qi, creating a swirling vortex that flowed into him.

After spending the day with his Junior Sister, it was time to cultivate seriously. Surprisingly, Liu Jian's cultivation progressed exceptionally well—better than usual. For him, spending time with his Junior Sister wasn't a hindrance to his cultivation but an integral part of it. Orion's advice still echoed in his mind: Everyone has their own path to tread.

Liu Jian believed that happiness and a good mood were crucial for his personal cultivation path. Spending time with his Junior Sister—whether talking, meeting, or going on a "date"—left him in high spirits, which significantly enhanced his cultivation efficiency.

Unlike Chen Rongwei, who used to pursue fun for its own sake in the past, Liu Jian saw these moments as essential to his progress. Since adopting Orion's advice, he stopped burdening himself with unnecessary worries about cultivation and focused solely on his own cultivation path, noticing remarkable improvements.

The proof of this method was clear. Liu Jian had progressed from the 8th stage of the Qi Condensation realm to the 1st stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. His foundation was solid, and he had passed the Inner Sect trial with ease, earning his place among the elite disciples.

For Liu Jian, love and joy were not just emotions; they were the key to unlocking his full potential. Though his method of boosting cultivation was vastly different from others, he didn't mind—this was his own unique path. Fortunately, it was not only enjoyable but also highly beneficial. 

The kiss given by Xia Ling gave Liu Jian a significant boost, allowing his cultivation to progress rapidly. Sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, he focused intently on absorbing the surrounding Qi. The Qi flowed greedily into his body, rushing swiftly into his Dantian. Inside, a pool of cyan-colored liquid Qi glowed, and a small sphere floated just above its surface.

In the Qi Condensation Realm, cultivators condense Qi from a mist-like form into liquid within their Dantian. Once all the Qi is condensed into liquid, they break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Now, as a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Realm, Liu Jian's task was to transform all the liquid Qi in his Dantian into a Golden Core. Successfully forming a complete Golden Core would allow him to break through to the Golden Core Realm.

Currently at the 1st stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, Liu Jian carefully controlled the pool of liquid Qi within his Dantian. A small stream of liquid Qi rose upward, flowing steadily into the sphere above. Gradually, the sphere grew larger as he added more liquid Qi to it, forming a new layer around the sphere. Using the Qi he absorbed from the outside world, he solidified the newly formed layer of liquid Qi.

Hours passed, and a faint wind swirled around Liu Jian's body as his cultivation reached a critical moment. Within his Dantian, the new layer of liquid Qi encasing the sphere had nearly solidified.

Boom!

A deep, echoing sound reverberated through his Dantian. Liu Jian opened his eyes, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

"Finally, I've broken through to the 2nd stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm," he said softly.

In his Dantian, the cyan-colored sphere had grown noticeably larger. A second layer of solidified Qi had successfully formed, and Liu Jian could feel a surge of power coursing through his body.

Exhaling deeply, Liu Jian murmured, "It's all thanks to Junior Sister." A small smile lingered on his lips as he began planning for another "date" tomorrow and a surprise gift for Xia Ling.

"Ha ha ha," Liu Jian's laugh echoed through the room.

Meanwhile, Chen Rongwei, despite an entire night of cultivation, hadn't made much progress. His Blood Essence, lost during the previous fight, had only recovered about 30%, and he still had injuries that were slowly healing.

Chen Rongwei sat cross-legged, eyes closed, multitasking as he absorbed Qi from his surroundings and cultivated.

He also absorbed the properties and benefits of the pills and food he had consumed, worked on recovering his Blood Essence, and focused on guiding the medicinal effects to heal his injuries.

"Urgh..." Chen Rongwei groaned, his face contorting in pain.

Chapter 80: A Huge Windfall for Liu Yang

The wind whistled past as Liu Yang flew hurriedly through the sky, a large rattan basket strapped to his back. It brimmed with Rank-2 slimes, their gelatinous forms jostling with each movement.

Along the way, he encountered many familiar cultivators, but his urgency left him with no time for conversation. He responded to greetings with perfunctory nods and brief acknowledgments before continuing his flight.

"Hello, Daoist Liu!" A cultivator flying in the opposite direction greeted him with a warm smile.

"Yeah, yeah, hello," Liu Yang replied curtly, not breaking his pace.

Further along, a beautiful female cultivator leaped across treetops below him. Clearly still in the Foundation Establishment Realm and unable to fly, she called out in a sweet, coquettish tone, "Senior Liu, hello! What a coincidence meeting you here!"

Liu Yang glanced down briefly, offering a curt, "Hello."

Encouraged, the girl continued, "Senior Liu, didn't you once invite Qingqin to dinner? I'm sorry I had to turn you down before because I was busy. But now I'm free! How about we try the new restaurant in the Rose Garden Sect? I heard it's amazing!"

Liu Yang didn't even glance down. "Uh, sorry, I'm busy and not hungry. Maybe next time."

Qingqin halted on a treetop, watching as Liu Yang's figure vanished into the horizon. Her expression soured. Back then, she had always played hard to get. Though he wasn't exactly her type, being from the wealthy Liu family made him rather attractive. Rather than outright rejecting him, she had kept her distance, allowing his pursuit to continue while planning to get closer only when it suited her.

For now, her interest was purely in what she could gain from him, accepting his gifts occasionally when he pestered her. Sometimes, she subtly hinted at what she currently needed for her cultivation, which, not long later, Liu Yang would provide.

Previously, she had repeatedly turned down his invitations to dinner. But now, when she had finally decided to give him a chance—hoping for a free meal and perhaps a few gifts—he brushed her off without a second thought, leaving her simmering with anger.

"Tch!" she huffed, stomping her foot on the branch. "I gave you a chance, and you didn't take it. Hmph!" With a snort, she leaped away in irritation.

Not long after, another cultivator flew toward Liu Yang from the opposite direction, hovering in mid-air to intercept him. The man grinned, waving a wine gourd. "Brother Liu! Long time no see! How about we share a drink together?"

Liu Yang barely slowed down. "Hello. Sorry, I'm busy. Maybe next time." He flew past, leaving the man staring in bewilderment.

"Hmm? What's with him?" the cultivator muttered, scratching his head. "We're usually so close, but now he's ignoring me. Is he constipated or something, rushing home to relieve himself?"

As Liu Yang disappeared from view, the man's gaze fell on the rattan basket on Liu Yang's back. His eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute… I heard the Liu family's new restaurant uses a secret ingredient that makes their dishes incredibly potent for cultivators. And that basket seemed to be filled with Rank-2 slimes! Could it be that the slimes are the secret ingredient?"

A flash of inspiration struck him. If the Liu family could use slimes to create such coveted dishes, why couldn't he? With newfound determination, he set off to find Rank-2 slimes. Hours later, he found one in a nearby forest.

Retrieving his cooking tools, Spirit Herbs, Spirit Beast meat, and seasonings, he began to cook. Known for his culinary skills, the dishes he prepared were often praised by his fellow cultivators.

Using all the ingredients, he made sure not to forget the slime, carefully adding it to the dish. Before long, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, promising a tantalizing meal.

"Bleeegh!" The cultivator spat out the first bite, coughing violently. "Cough! So disgusting! Damn you, Liu Yang! You made me eat this slimy, vile mess! I'll make sure to pay you back for this humiliation!" He retched again, his face pale with revulsion.

The food tasted bizarre—strangely slimy, with an off-putting texture that was utterly revolting despite the pleasant aroma. After throwing up, he flung the rest of the dish far away, still cursing Liu Yang under his breath.

Meanwhile, far away, Liu Yang sneezed mid-flight. "Achoo! Damn, someone must be talking behind my back."

After hours of non-stop flying, Liu Yang finally arrived at Fengxian City. He slowed down and flew lower with a sigh of relief, the tension of the journey still weighing on him. He had been on high alert the entire time, constantly scanning for potential threats. To him, the rattan basket filled with slimes was a treasure beyond value. Others might dismiss it as worthless, but to Liu Yang, its importance was unparalleled.

Liu Yang headed straight for Orion's residence without delay. A sly grin crept onto his face as he thought, "Hehehe, with this much Rank-2 slime, I wonder how much MSG Mr. Orion will reward me."

Liu Yang landed in front of Orion's mansion, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

"I hope Mr. Orion is home," he thought as he stepped up to the door and knocked.

Moments later, Chunhua opened the door and invited him inside.

Orion received Liu Yang in the main hall. Liu Yang exchanged greetings and small talk before setting the large rattan basket on the floor and opening it to reveal its contents.

"Mr. Orion, I managed to capture a lot of slimes. Look!" he said with a mix of pride and excitement.

Orion stepped closer, peering into the basket filled with wriggling Rank-2 slimes. Its face tilted slightly as it observed each one carefully.

"This is truly impressive. You managed to catch a lot. It must have been difficult for you. Thank you very much," Orion said, picking up one of the slimes to examine it.

Now, with these Rank-2 slimes, I can start making improved ADAMS. Once completed, the ADAMS crafted using Rank-2 slime meridians will grant me a cultivation level equivalent to the Foundation Establishment Realm, Orion thought internally.

Orion always strived to improve its strength, with the potential to create ADAMS using Rank-2 slime meridian. Though satisfied with this progress, it didn't stop there. Its AI had already begun planning to create ADAMS using Rank-3 slime.

"Indeed, it was hard," Liu Yang replied, scratching the back of his head. "But as long as it's for you, I'll always do my best, Mr. Orion."

In truth, it hadn't been as challenging as he made it sound. Of the 28 Rank-2 slimes in the basket, he had only managed to capture 7 himself. The other 21 were captured by Tigang, who had done the bulk of the work. Still, Liu Yang kept this detail to himself.

Chunhua entered quietly, serving tea to Liu Yang before retreating from the hall.

"I also managed to capture quite a few Dragonfly Spirit Beasts," Liu Yang said eagerly as he retrieved several carcasses of varying sizes from his storage ring, eager to show them off.

The spacious main hall easily accommodated the spread of dragonfly bodies on the floor.

"Very good," Orion said with a satisfied nod, crouching to inspect the dragonflies closely, which were in good condition and still fresh.

As Liu Yang narrated the story of his efforts to capture both the slimes and the dragonflies, Orion continued its examination. After a while, Liu Yang stored the dragonfly carcasses back into his storage ring and handed the ring over to Orion.

"You did a great job. As a token of my appreciation, please accept this," Orion said, handing Liu Yang a small ceramic bottle.

"It's nothing, really," Liu Yang said, feeling a bit embarrassed but unable to hide his excitement. He eagerly accepted the bottle, uncorked it to check its contents, and beamed with joy.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Orion!" Liu Yang cupped his hands and bowed deeply before storing the bottle in his personal storage ring.

Orion nodded in acknowledgment. The two spoke for a while longer, with Orion asking detailed questions about the slimes and dragonflies and requesting Liu Yang to gather more in the future.

Finally, Liu Yang excused himself. "Then, I'll take my leave now and won't disturb you further, Mr. Orion. As for the slimes and dragonflies, you don't need to worry. I'll capture more of them for you soon. Just wait and see—I won't disappoint you!"

Orion gave a brief nod as Liu Yang departed. Once Liu Yang was gone, Orion called for Wang Lingxin, who had been playing outside, and gave some instructions to Chunhua.

Afterward, Orion took Wang Lingxin and left the city, heading to the house on the outskirts, not far from the city. Orion also brought the rattan basket filled with slimes, eager to begin experiments with the slimes and dragonfly Spirit Beasts.

The slimes would be used to make ADAMS, while the dragonflies would be used to create new kinds of ornithopters, larger ones. The dragonflies caught by Liu Yang were quite large, making them perfect for this purpose. Orion's AI had already started working on the design and blueprint for the ornithopters.

After leaving, Liu Yang flew toward the Liu family residence, his face beaming with joy. "Hahaha, I struck it rich! With this much MSG, I can break through several minor realms. Fufufu!" he chuckled, caressing the storage ring where the precious ceramic bottle of MSG was stored.

It was truly a huge windfall for him to obtain such a large amount of MSG. Each month, Orion provided a significant quantity of MSG to the Liu family for their restaurant cooperation, free of charge. However, the Liu family also received a smaller, separate supply for personal use, for which they paid thousands of Spirit Stones.

Now, just by completing a simple chore of gathering slimes and dragonfly Spirit Beasts, Liu Yang had been rewarded with a ceramic bottle filled with MSG—a reward worth more than the Liu family's monthly supply. Liu Yang estimated the bottle to be worth no less than 15,000 Spirit Stones.

When searching for slimes, most of the work had been done by Tigang, who sold the slimes to Liu Yang for 3 Spirit Stones each, even though they had initially agreed on 2.5 Spirit Stones. A small argument had broken out between them before Liu Yang reluctantly agreed to Tigang's demand.

Recalling this, Liu Yang couldn't help but chuckle. If he had known how generous Orion's reward would be, he wouldn't have bothered haggling over mere Spirit Stones.

"Hehehe, that stupid bull," Liu Yang muttered smugly. "I only paid him 63 Spirit Stones, and he was so happy and smug about it. If he knew I made 15,000 Spirit Stones out of this, he'd turn green with envy! Hahaha!"

Feeling pleased with his gains, Liu Yang began considering another partnership with Tigang.

After flying for a while, Liu Yang finally arrived at the Liu family residence. Just as he landed in front of his house and was about to enter, someone suddenly appeared behind him.

Sensing the presence, Liu Yang immediately erased his joyful expression, replacing it with a calm demeanor as he turned to face Liu Mingzhen.

"Uncle Yang, you're back!" Liu Mingzhen greeted him.

"Mmm," Liu Yang replied curtly, giving a short nod.

"Why don't you head to the main hall and report immediately?" Liu Mingzhen asked.

"I just returned and feel rather tired. I planned to rest a bit before reporting to you," Liu Yang responded.

Liu Mingzhen, despite being Liu Yang's nephew, held a higher position as the head of the Liu family branch in Fengxian City. Liu Yang, an elder in the family, still had to show respect to him.

"Oh... By the way, how did it go? Did you manage to capture any Rank-2 slimes?" Liu Mingzhen inquired.

"Yeah, I was lucky and caught a few," Liu Yang replied.

"So, what did Mr. Orion reward you with?" Liu Mingzhen's tone turned curious.

"What do you mean by that?" Liu Yang asked, feigning ignorance.

"Didn't you just return from Mr. Orion's residence?" Liu Mingzhen pressed.

"Who said I was at Mr. Orion's residence?" Liu Yang retorted.

"Liu Jin already reported everything to me. There's no need to hide it. Come on, hand over the ceramic bottle," Liu Mingzhen said, extending his hand.

Liu Jin, who was stationed at Orion's residence, had already reported everything including the ceramic bottle to Liu Mingzhen through a Communication Talisman.

"Tch," Liu Yang clicked his tongue in annoyance. Damn that Liu Jin. I'll teach him a lesson later, he thought grudgingly. Reluctantly, he retrieved the ceramic bottle from his storage ring.

"You were carrying out a mission on behalf of the Liu family, so naturally, the rewards you obtained should be shared with the family," Liu Mingzhen declared, inwardly thinking, This old fox wanted to keep the MSG for himself. Hmph.

Knowing Liu Yang's nature all too well, Liu Mingzhen had intercepted him promptly. If delayed, Liu Yang might have used up all the MSG himself.

"Hmph! But I did all the hard work. The reward should be mine," Liu Yang protested.

"Uncle Yang, calm down. Let's go inside first and discuss this calmly," Liu Mingzhen suggested with a placating smile.

The two entered Liu Yang's house and began negotiating. After some back-and-forth, Liu Yang grudgingly agreed to hand over 70% of the MSG to the family in exchange for additional benefits, including cultivation resources and techniques.

"Hahaha, you've contributed a lot to the family, Uncle Yang. Don't worry, I'll have the items delivered to you immediately," Liu Mingzhen said with a grin.

"Fine. If you're done, leave already. I want to enter seclusion for a while," Liu Yang grumbled, clearly displeased.

"Of course. I won't disturb you any further. By the way, did you really catch all those slimes in Yuezhi Forest? Are there a lot of Rank-2 slimes there?" Liu Mingzhen asked casually.

"What? Are you planning to search for them yourself?" Liu Yang raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing, just curious," Liu Mingzhen replied with a chuckle.

Liu Yang smirked, one corner of his mouth curling upward. "Yeah, there are plenty of Rank-2 slimes in Yuezhi Forest, especially in the deepest areas. As long as you search for a while, you'll find them."

He guessed that Liu Mingzhen wanted to hunt slimes himself and claim rewards from Orion. Smiling slyly, Liu Yang thought, Go ahead and search if you want. It won't be that easy. I'll let you experience the hardship firsthand. Who told you to take my MSG? Hmph!

After Liu Mingzhen left, Liu Yang wasted no time ordering his servants to prepare a lavish feast with high-quality ingredients, each containing beneficial effects to aid and boost cultivation. Once the food was delivered to his secret cultivation chamber, he generously sprinkled MSG on every dish. The variety and quantity were staggering, and Liu Yang eagerly began to eat. The MSG not only enhanced the flavors but also amplified the beneficial effects of the dishes. He devoured everything cleanly, letting out a satisfied burp.

After ordering his servants to clean up, Liu Yang then sat cross-legged and began cultivating, absorbing the surrounding Qi and the potent effects of the feast.

Meanwhile, Liu Mingzhen's figure could be seen leaving the Liu family residence, flying into the distance as if in a hurry, until he disappeared from view.