บท 20: Strength

[ Ding! Successfully reached the 1st layer of the Dantian Forging Realm.]

[ Ding! Host's Supreme Yang Physique has been upgraded successfully.]

[ Ding! Contractor Skill is unlocked now.]

[ Ding! The Vault bar has been unlocked.]

...

Observing the plethora of information presented by his system, Lin Yan was left utterly astonished, though it was only for a moment, as he knew that he was going to break through already.

However.

In this moment of realization, Lin Yan discerned that his strength had soared to unprecedented heights.

Hmm...

Savouring the soft and soothing sensations permeating his entire being, Lin Yan's face lit up with an exuberant smile, almost bordering on a wild and gratified grin.

Hah! What a bliss... Let's check on the new skill... Status.

...

[ Host: Lin Yan ]

[ Lifespan: 16/410 ]

[ Cultivation: 1st layer of the Dantian Forging ]

[ Next Level: 1/1000 ]

[ Physique: Supreme Yang ]

[ Talent: Average Level (1/3) ]

[ Spiritual Root: Wood ]

[ Birth Control: Active ]

[ Partner: Li Ruoxi ]

[ Technique: Eternal Yin Yang Mantra ( Divine grade ) ]

[ Skills: { Inspect }, { Charm },{ Skill Description }, { Contractor } ]

[ Vault: None ]

...

Invoking his status screen, Lin Yan fixed his gaze upon the newly acquired Contractor skill and activated its skill description. However, as he perused the information provided about the skill, a perplexed expression dawned on his face, leaving him unsure of how to react.

...

[ Contractor:

• The host can extract the talent of the slain individual by destroying their hearts.

• Host can transfer the amassed talents to anyone other than himself.

• Transferred Talent cannot be obtained by the host by dual cultivating. ]

Oye... What is this skill, I can't have them?

Oh, I see

This divine technique is indeed interesting

Who made this considerate skill?

Oye, system. You made this?

...

What a jerk system. It's dead af...

Hm. Now the whole problem is directly solved.

I can just give Xi'er a good talent through this skill.

Then she can also do the cultivation normally.

But... I have to kill... I have never killed someone... Shit...

Setting aside the earlier bewilderment, Lin Yan turned his attention to scrutinizing the enhancements in his upgraded Physique.

Upon glimpsing the updated details of his Physique, Lin Yan found himself in disbelief, unable to fathom the information unfolding before his eyes.

...

[ Physique: Supreme Yang

• Active - Improves partner's strength through dual cultivation.

• Passive - 3× Raw physical strength.

• Passive - 3× Comprehension.

• Passive - Every breakthrough in the realm will upgrade the physique even further. ]

...

!!?

T-three t-times?

... Damn!! Is this real? Hm... Let's just check it out.

Doubting his newfound strength, Lin Yan sought to test its limits. Amidst the serene scene of lush greenery, the melodious chirping of birds, and the gentle approach of the sun, he directed his gaze downward.

A staggering altitude of a hundred meters met his eyes.

I'll survive, right?

Pausing for a moment of introspection, Lin Yan willingly relinquished his balance, allowing his body to succumb to a free fall. Gravity took charge, accelerating his descent. With the wind rushing against his face, a joyous laughter erupted from Lin Yan, echoing through the open air, "Hahaha..."

In the moments just before touching the ground, Lin Yan adeptly adjusted his position midair, intending for a somewhat proper landing. Harnessing his core strength and aided by a touch of refined Qi, he skillfully manoeuvred. Lin Yan's feet made contact with the ground first. Simultaneously, an unexpected explosion resonated, and in an instant, he found himself buried beneath the earth, several meters deep.

Tch... Didn't even feel it. But it was kind of exciting. I should do it daily when I'm bored...

Vaulting out from the pit by using just physical strength, Lin Yan vigorously shook off the clinging dirt from his head.

Employing Qi, he effortlessly rid his bare body of any lingering dust—a discovery made during his experimentation with refined Qi and techniques the previous night.

Casting a glance at the colossal tree looming behind and above him, Lin Yan sighed with eager anticipation. His aspiration was clear—to blanket the entire mountain with trees of this magnitude.

Envisioning success, he foresaw a bountiful production of Wood Qi, creating an atmosphere of immense vitality.

Master most likely would be shocked after seeing such a sight... Haha...

Contemplating with a laughter-filled imagination of his master's reaction, Lin Yan, donned his personal disciple robe, positioned his hands on the ground, attuning himself to the brimming Qi within his Dantian. In the ensuing moment, the Qi surged, coursing through his meridians, guided by the prescribed technique. As the Qi made contact with the ground, an otherworldly spectacle unfolded—uncanny wooden branches materialized and swiftly intertwined, soaring to a height of over twenty meters.

Within mere moments, a tree resembling the previous one, albeit slightly taller, sprouted on the summit of the loftiest mountain in the Luan mountain range.

Hm. Looks good... Alright, to the next one.

...

Dawn, the moment when the sun stood directly overhead.

The entire region near the cave area was filled with gigantic trees, creating an atmosphere where it seemed like, at any moment, the entire forest could spring to life.

Perched upon a bough that ascended to the sky's pinnacle, Lin Yan absorbed the captivating panorama unfolding before his eyes. From this elevated position, he could discern even the meandering course of the Fang River.

The fuc... What is that?

Empowering his vision with Qi, Lin Yan caught a glimpse of the majestic castle, barely discernible in the distance. While its height eluded him, the prospect of a castle nestled in the heart of the boundless forest left him with a resolute certainty.

Lin Yan was not inclined to venture within its walls. It would be suicidal to even think about doing something so dangerous.

Maybe it's connected to demon beasts?

Ah, it doesn't matter. I'll find out when I'm strong enough.

It'd be foolish to recklessly plunge into danger without the necessary strength.

Now... What should I do?

Uncertain about his next course of action, Lin Yan opted for a simple solution—he began to savour a refreshing beer. It served as both a means to unwind and a delightful companion to the captivating view.

Maybe I should cultivate? But damn! It's boring as fuc... I reached a higher realm so the process would be even slower... Talent. I need a better talent. That Fairy... I wonder what is she doing.

Didn't my Charm skill have any effect on her? Look like I have to search for her myself.

...

In one of the northern mountains of the core region.

A fairy-like woman was engaged in meditating atop a soft stone, out in the open. Behind her was the ore cave where her disciple had been cultivating since months ago.

It was the daily life for her as it had always been, cultivating all day long until her mind started to hurt.

Opening her bright red eyes to gaze upon the huge farm that stood right before her eyes.

Across the sprawling farm, numerous domestic animals provided milk. Her parents had always advised her to consume milk for radiant and clear skin—a piece of guidance she continued to follow in their absence, honouring their wishes even beyond the grave.

The gentle breeze caused her neatly white robe to sway gracefully. Unbeknownst to herself, her mind harboured unconventional musings.

"Why do I keep thinking about that kid? It's becoming quite a distraction during my cultivation," Xia Yiying vocalized her frustration.

Casting a glance toward the ore cave, she sighed in a mix of frustration and concern.

It wasn't ingratitude for having an unconventional disciple; rather, a genuine sense of worry and unease about her well-being.

"Ling'er," an uneasy voice involuntarily escaped her lips, echoing across the farm. "Don't keep it all to yourself. As your master, I can't help but worry," she expressed, concern colouring her words.

Sighing once more, she retrieved several large wooden barrels filled with fresh milk collected earlier in the morning.

"Hmph..." emitting a dismissive snort, she then proceeded to devour all the milk with the enthusiasm of a glutton, "Stupid child..." she muttered a few words, all the while engrossed in her milk-drinking workout.

...

At one of the deepest caves in the core region.

Breaking his cultivation stance, Wang Tian emerged from the cave. The stubborn bottleneck in his progress was proving to be a persistent hindrance, causing frustration as his strength had remained stagnant for an extended period.

"Sigh... It seems old age is catching up with me," sighed Wang Tian as he made his way to his favourite spot to appreciate nature. However, upon reaching the destination, his countenance shifted from contemplative to utter shock.

"The hell is that," exclaimed Wang Tian, his tone fraught with exasperation. A panoramic view from left to right revealed an expanse of colossal trees, unfamiliar and unprecedented in his experience. The sheer abundance of this sight prompted him to inhale sharply, taking in the enormity of the transformation. However, a sudden recollection dawned upon him, transforming his astonishment into a wry amusement. "Haha... I'm blessed with a genius," he chuckled, realizing the magnitude of the changes brought about by his talented disciple.