Volume 1, Chapter 3: Black Wind Trial, Suppressing the Demon Bear with Fists

The morning sunlight dispersed the last traces of night, and Lin Xuan’s door was knocked upon right on time.

The one who came was a trusted Disciple of Deacon Wang. His expression was much more respectful than yesterday, and his eyes held a subtle hint of curiosity and awe: "Senior Brother Lin, the Deacon requests your presence. A decision has been made regarding the beast tide at Black Wind Ridge. Please come to the main hall for discussion."

Lin Xuan opened his eyes, a Chaos-colored luster flashing through them for an instant. After a night of cultivation, the minor heavenly circulation formed by those hundred strands of [Source Martial Spiritual Energy] had become increasingly stable. Although their quantity hadn't increased, they were noticeably more condensed and pure. He rose, tidied himself slightly, and followed the Disciple.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was solemn. Deacon Wang sat in the main seat, while several elite Outer Sect Disciples sat below him, Su Qingyue among them. Seeing Lin Xuan enter, everyone’s expressions varied—curiosity, scrutiny, and wariness were all present. Su Qingyue’s gaze met Lin Xuan’s for only a moment before she looked down, her thoughts unknown.

On the floor of the hall, Zhao Hu was being supported by two Disciples. Both his arms were wrapped in bandages, his face was ashen, and his eyes were evasive, not daring to meet Lin Xuan’s gaze. Standing beside him was a middle-aged man with a sinister face and an aura even more solid than Deacon Wang’s. He wore the attire of an Inner Sect Disciple, and his eyes swept over Lin Xuan like a venomous snake.

"Lin Xuan, this is Senior Brother Zhao Long, an Inner Sect Disciple and also Zhao Hu’s elder brother." Deacon Wang introduced him in a calm tone. "Regarding last night’s matter, Zhao Hu has admitted that he led the provocation first, violating the prohibition. I have already punished him by docking three months of his stipend and confining him for reflection. As for you..." He paused, "Self-defense is understandable, but your strikes were too heavy and somewhat inappropriate. Considering it's your first offense and the urgent situation at Black Wind Ridge, I will not pursue it this time. Do you have any objections?"

Lin Xuan understood clearly; this was Deacon Wang striking a balance between Zhao Long's pressure and the value Lin Xuan had demonstrated. Zhao Hu’s miserable state and evasive eyes showed he had clearly been terrified by the "Seven-Star Spirit-Lock Seal" and didn't dare to make false accusations anymore. He nodded slightly: "No objections. Thank you, Deacon, for your impartial handling."

Zhao Long gave a cold snort but said nothing more, though the chill in his eyes intensified. He helped his brother up and said to Deacon Wang, "Junior Brother Wang, since the matter is settled, I will take my brother back to the Sect to heal. I hope you will be cautious regarding the Black Wind Ridge affair." With that, he gave Lin Xuan a deep look and left with a flick of his sleeves.

After the Zhao brothers left, the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly. Deacon Wang then got to the main point: "According to the latest reports, the gathering speed of Yao Beasts at Black Wind Ridge has accelerated, forming a small-scale beast tide that is harassing surrounding villages. Casualties are increasing. The town's defensive forces are insufficient, so I have decided to organize an elite squad to head to Black Wind Ridge immediately to clear out the peripheral Yao Beasts, establish an outpost, and investigate the root cause of the beast tide's movement as much as possible."

His gaze swept over everyone: "This trip is dangerous and voluntary. Task contributions will be calculated according to Sect rules, and spoils of war can be handled personally. Qingyue, your cultivation has reached the fifth level of Qi Refining; are you willing to lead the team?"

Su Qingyue stood up and replied coldly, "This Disciple is willing to go."

Deacon Wang nodded, then looked at Lin Xuan: "Lin Xuan, although you are not a Disciple of our Sect, your strength is impressive. The Yao Beasts of Black Wind Ridge are thick-skinned and tough, making close combat perilous; we need talents like you. If you are willing to accompany us, you will be treated as a Guest Elder, with priority in the distribution of contributions and spoils. You can also take this opportunity to further... prove your value and stance. What do you think?"

This was a blatant recruitment and utilization, as well as a further observation and test.

Lin Xuan had long expected this. Black Wind Ridge was an excellent place for him to understand the Yao Beasts of this world, obtain more cultivation resources (Demon Cores), and verify the practical combat capabilities of his "Martial Dao Spirit-Transformation." He said calmly, "I will go."

"Good!" Deacon Wang clapped his hands. "No time to lose. Gather at the West Gate in fifteen minutes to set out. Qingyue, Lin Xuan, this trip is primarily for investigation and establishing a defensive line. Try to avoid entanglement with large beast swarms or high-level Yao Beasts. Safety first."

Fifteen minutes later, at the West Gate.

The squad consisted of twelve people in total. Su Qingyue was the leader at the fifth level of Qi Refining. There were also four Outer Sect Disciples at the fourth level of Qi Refining and six Disciples at the third level. Including Lin Xuan, the strength of this squad was considered quite strong for the Qingshi Town area. Some members used low-level Flight Talismans, while others employed Light Body Techniques. Lin Xuan still relied on his legs, yet his speed was not a bit slower, following steadily at the side of the group with heavy steps.

Su Qingyue occasionally glanced at Lin Xuan out of the corner of her eye. Seeing his steady breathing and how he walked on the rugged mountain paths as if on level ground, the sense of absurdity and curiosity in her heart grew even stronger.

The thirty li of mountain road were quickly covered by the group's rapid march. Before even reaching Black Wind Ridge, a faint scent of blood and the unique stench of Yao Beasts wafted through the air. In the distant forest, heart-palpitating beast roars and the crashing sounds of breaking trees could be heard faintly.

"We have entered the periphery of Black Wind Ridge. Everyone, stay alert and restrain your aura!" Su Qingyue shouted softly, drawing the Autumn Water Longsword from her waist. The blade shimmered with a faint cold light.

Everyone immediately fell silent, forming a simple formation and advancing cautiously.

The sight before them made many Disciples gasp. Several villages near the forest were in shambles—wooden houses had collapsed, fences were broken, and bloodstains were everywhere. Occasionally, tattered clothing and terrifying white bones could be seen. A thick mist began to spread through the forest, tinged with a grayish-black color and exuding a chilling cold.

"It's the 'Miasma Demon Fog,' which can interfere with Divine Sense, weaken spiritual power recovery, and cause poisoning if inhaled for too long. Everyone, take a 'Miasma-Clearing Pill'!" Su Qingyue quickly ordered, distributing the Medicinal Pills.

Lin Xuan also took one. He rubbed it between his fingers and sniffed it; the pill contained a trace of spiritual energy and detoxifying components. He secretly circulated his [Source Martial Spiritual Energy], forming an extremely thin filter at his nose and mouth, then put the pill away. The System didn't issue a warning, but he was in the habit of being cautious.

The team continued deeper. The mist grew thicker, with visibility less than thirty feet. The surroundings were deathly silent, save for the faint sound of dry branches snapping underfoot and the sound of suppressed breathing.

"Screech—!"

Suddenly, a sharp hiss came from the thick fog on the right. A black shadow, fast as lightning, pounced directly at a female Disciple at the edge of the team who was at the third level of Qi Refining! It was a Yao Beast entirely black, shaped like a civet cat, with blood-red eyes and claws gleaming with an eerie light. Its aura was equivalent to the third level of Qi Refining!

"Watch out! It's a 'Ghost Shadow Cat Demon'!" a Disciple cried out in alarm.

In her haste, the female Disciple raised her sword to block, but the cat demon nimbly dodged and swung its claw at her throat! It seemed she was about to lose her life—

But a figure stepped in at an even faster speed!

Lin Xuan moved. He didn't use any fancy movement techniques; he simply took a step, turned his body, and whipped out his right arm like a lash. Striking after the enemy had moved but arriving first, he precisely struck the cat demon's flank as it pounced!

"Thump!"

Amidst the dull thud, the cat demon was sent flying sideways as if hit by a charging bull. It flew even faster than it had come, slammed into a tree, and slid down limply. Its spine was clearly broken, and it died on the spot.

In the blink of an eye, everything was settled.

The female Disciple was still in shock, her face pale, looking at Lin Xuan with eyes full of gratitude. The other Disciples also showed shocked expressions. Su Qingyue’s pupils constricted slightly; she had seen Lin Xuan’s movements clearly. It was pure physical speed and power, without any external release of spiritual power, yet it was precise, accurate, and ruthless to the extreme!

"Maintain formation, don't be careless!" Su Qingyue suppressed the shock in her heart and shouted in a low voice.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

It seemed the death of their companion had enraged the predators in the fog. More sounds of breaking air and hissing suddenly erupted from all directions. At least seven or eight Ghost Shadow Cat Demons lunged out from the mist, two of which were larger with auras close to the fourth level of Qi Refining!

"Form a circular array! Use long-range Spells!" Su Qingyue immediately commanded. Four Disciples at the fourth level of Qi Refining quickly took positions in the four directions, casting Fireball and Ice Spike Spells. The other Disciples at the third level assisted with Spells or crossbows, while Lin Xuan took the initiative to stand at the very front of the formation, facing the impact of the Yao Beasts.

The battle broke out instantly. The light of Spells flickered in the thick fog, accompanied by constant roars and sounds of collision.

The two cat demons at the fourth level of Qi Refining were extremely fast, dodging most of the Spells and attacking Lin Xuan from both sides, their claws aimed directly at his eyes and heart!

Lin Xuan’s gaze narrowed slightly, and the hundred strands of [Source Martial Spiritual Energy] in his body instantly accelerated their flow, merging into his limbs. His footwork changed; though it looked simple, he moved between the intersecting claw shadows of the two cat demons in the nick of time. Simultaneously, he thrust both hands out, pressing his index and middle fingers together. A faint Chaos-colored glow flashed at his fingertips as he precisely struck the joints of the two cat demons' forelimbs!

"Crack! Crack!"

Two crisp sounds rang out almost simultaneously! The joints of the two cat demons' forelimbs snapped, their pouncing momentum instantly collapsing as they rolled on the ground screaming. Lin Xuan followed up immediately, his toe tapping lightly with penetrating force, ending their lives.

Clean and efficient—two Yao Beasts equivalent to the fourth level of Qi Refining hadn't lasted more than two breaths in his hands.

A nearby Disciple at the fourth level of Qi Refining, who was struggling with a regular cat demon, watched with his eyes twitching. He needed to maneuver carefully, yet Lin Xuan was cutting through them like vegetables!

Su Qingyue swung her sword to slay a cat demon, her peripheral vision catching this scene. The shock in her heart was beyond words. That combat style—minimalist to the extreme yet filled with violent beauty—was vastly different from the brilliance of immortal Spells, carrying a heart-palpitating sense of primal power. Was he... really just strong?

Soon, the pack of cat demons was completely wiped out. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but the atmosphere became even more heavy. They had only just entered the periphery!

"Quickly clean up the battlefield, collect the Demon Cores, and take a moment to rest!" Su Qingyue ordered. She walked up to Lin Xuan, her gaze complex: "Just now... thank you."

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"It is part of my duty." Lin Xuan's tone was flat. He walked toward the few Cat Yao Beasts he had killed, skillfully used a dagger to cut open their skulls, and retrieved three pigeon-egg-sized, pitch-black, and cold Yao Cores. Upon holding them, he could feel the chaotic and cold Yao power within.

[Discovered crystalline body containing foreign spiritual energy (Yao Core). You may attempt to use [Source Martial Spiritual Energy] to guide your Qi and blood for preliminary Body Tempering, extracting the pure essence to assist your Cultivate, though there is a risk of Evil Qi erosion. Alternatively, submit it to the System to exchange for a trace amount of 'Rule Adaptability' (lower efficiency).]

Lin Xuan put the Yao Cores away, preparing to try it later.

After resting for a moment, the team continued deeper. The fog became increasingly thick and cold, and the terrain turned treacherous. Along the way, they encountered a few more waves of scattered Yao Beasts, all of which were repelled without any major incidents. Lin Xuan harvested a few more Level 1 Yao Cores.

Su Qingyue's gaze swept over Lin Xuan's silent yet reliable back several times, her mind uneasy. Just how much strength was he hiding?

Suddenly, the Disciple scouting ahead let out a short cry of alarm: "Senior Sister Su! Ahead... there is such a thick smell of blood! And... huge footprints!"

Everyone hurried forward, pushing through the chaotic bushes, and the sight before them made everyone's scalp tingle.

In a clearing in the forest, dozens of Yao Beast corpses lay scattered, of various species, including some with even stronger auras. In the center of the clearing, a terrifying claw print over two zhang in diameter was deeply embedded in the ground, the surrounding soil scorched black, emitting a suffocating, scorching pressure. Further away, the color of the fog had turned into an eerie dark red, with red light faintly flowing within, as if leading to purgatory.

"This is... at least the trace of a Level 2 Peak Yao Beast!" a knowledgeable Disciple said with a trembling voice, "Looking at this claw print and the scorching aura, it is very likely a 'Flame-Claw Demon Bear'! These Yao Beasts usually live alone deep in the mountains; how could it appear on the outskirts and kill so many other Yao Beasts?"

"Could it be that it drove away or hunted other Yao Beasts, triggering a beast tide?" another person speculated.

Su Qingyue's expression was grave. She tried to probe the dark red fog with her Divine Sense, but it was like a clay ox entering the sea. Instead, she was struck by a violent, scorching aura, causing her to grunt and turn pale. "This place is not suitable for staying! Everyone, retreat along the original path immediately..."

Before she could finish her sentence— "ROAR—!!!"

A deafening roar, filled with madness and brutality, suddenly exploded from the depths of the dark red fog! The sound wave, carrying a scorching, bloody wind, rushed toward them. Everyone felt as if they had been struck hard; the Disciples with weaker cultivation had blood leaking from their ears and noses, staggering about!

The thick fog churned violently as a giant bear, comparable in size to a small elephant, covered in dark red scales with eyes burning with mad flames, shattered the fog and charged out fiercely! It had multiple wounds deep enough to see bone on its body, from which scalding blood flowed. Clearly, it had been through a brutal fight, and because of this, it was even more ferocious!

A Level 2 Peak Yao Beast, the Flame-Claw Demon Bear! Its strength was comparable to the Qi Refining Great Perfection, or even touching the threshold of Foundation Establishment! And it was in a state of madness!

"It's that beast! Retreat quickly!!" Su Qingyue hissed sharply. The long sword in her hand lit up with a deep blue cold light, and a sharp Sword Qi slashed toward the Demon Bear, attempting to block its charge. At the same time, she summoned a small blue shield to protect everyone in front.

However, the Demon Bear did not dodge at all; the Sword Qi only left a faint white mark on its scales. It swiped its giant palm, sending the small blue shield and Su Qingyue staggering backward, her Qi and blood roiling. It opened its bloody maw, and a scorching flame breath sprayed toward the densest part of the crowd!

"Block it!" A few Level 4 Qi Refining Disciples gritted their teeth and joined forces to raise a spiritual power shield.

The flame breath slammed into the shield, causing it to shake violently. Its light dimmed rapidly, and the Disciples turned pale, blood spilling from the corners of their mouths.

The Demon Bear went on a rampage, charging into the crowd. Swinging its giant claws, it instantly swatted away two Level 3 Qi Refining Disciples who couldn't dodge in time, their life or death unknown. The Spells cast by the other Disciples landed on it like scratching an itch.

Su Qingyue's eyes were splitting with rage, but she was powerless. Seeing the Demon Bear's giant, flaming claw descending toward another female Disciple, the girl was already frozen in place with fear.

Just then—a figure, with a speed far exceeding any moment before, fiercely slammed into the Demon Bear's heavily injured, slightly sluggish hind leg from the side!

It was Lin Xuan!

There was no fear in his eyes, only cold, calm calculation. Hundreds of strands of [Source Martial Spiritual Energy] within his body circulated frantically at an unprecedented speed, causing his Qi and blood to roar! Although suppressed by the rules, this instant burst of pure physical strength still reached a terrifying level!

He did not try to catch the descending giant claw. Instead, like a precise scalpel, he concentrated the highly condensed [Source Martial Spiritual Energy] into his right index finger at the wound on the Demon Bear's hind leg joint, turning it into an unbreakable "drill," and stabbed it in fiercely!

"Puchi—!" It was not the sound of scales shattering, but the muffled sound of tough fascia and bones being high-frequency vibrated and forcibly torn apart! Lin Xuan's entire right arm was almost submerged to the root into the depths of the Demon Bear's hind leg joint!

"AOOO—!!!" The Flame-Claw Demon Bear let out an earth-shattering howl of pain. The movement of the giant claw swatting at the female Disciple suddenly distorted and slowed down! Its massive body completely lost balance due to the devastating blow to its hind leg joint, crashing sideways and crushing a patch of bushes!

Su Qingyue seized this split-second opportunity, forcefully raising her spiritual power. With a sharp cry, the long sword in her hand transformed into a deep blue streak. Taking advantage of the moment the Demon Bear opened its mouth to howl in pain and its protective Yao power was in disarray, she thrust it through its mouth, piercing directly into its hindbrain!

Meanwhile, Lin Xuan had already used the momentum to pull out his blood-soaked arm and retreated several zhang, shouting coldly: "Attack its wounds! The eyes!"

The voice was not loud, but it carried a strange penetrating power and was unquestionable.

The other Disciples woke up as if from a dream. Various Spells and weapons were unleashed desperately toward the huge wounds on the fallen Demon Bear, especially the wounds flowing with scalding blood!

The Demon Bear struggled frantically, spraying flames everywhere, but due to the severe injuries and loss of balance, its power was greatly reduced.

Finally, under the joint siege of everyone, the aura of this terrifying Level 2 Peak Yao Beast was completely extinguished, and it fell heavily to the ground, kicking up a sky full of dust.

The battle ended, leaving a scene of Chaos. Two Disciples were seriously injured, and the rest were more or less wounded, their spiritual power mostly exhausted, and they were still shaken.

Su Qingyue leaned on her sword, panting slightly. Her gaze toward Lin Xuan was filled with indescribable shock and complexity. If not for Lin Xuan's shocking and incredibly precise strike today, their team would likely have been wiped out here.

Lin Xuan walked to the side silently, holding a Level 1 Yao Core, and tried to guide his Qi and blood to wash through it using [Source Martial Spiritual Energy]. Wisps of weak but pure scorching energy were slowly extracted and integrated into his own circulation, accelerating his recovery. The Evil Qi within the Yao Core had a negligible effect on his rock-solid will.

Soon, Su Qingyue directed everyone to collect the most precious spoils—the Flame-Claw Demon Bear's Yao Core (Level 2), the bear gall, and the most valuable pair of Flame Claws. Holding the fist-sized, fiery-red Level 2 Yao Core, she walked up to Lin Xuan and said solemnly: "Lin Xuan, you deserve the greatest credit for slaying this monster today. This Level 2 Yao Core should rightfully belong to you. You may choose one of these Flame Claws. After returning to the town, I will request a commendation for you from Deacon Wang."

This was a tangible and generous reward and recognition.

Lin Xuan did not refuse, taking the heavy Level 2 Yao Core that radiated immense scorching energy. The moment he held it, he could feel that the power contained within it far exceeded that of a Level 1 Yao Core. "The Flame Claws are useless to me." He shook his head. "If it is convenient, could you give me more of those Level 1 Yao Cores?"

Su Qingyue felt slightly surprised, then agreed: "Very well. You may take one-third of all the Level 1 Yao Cores." Soon, Lin Xuan received over a dozen Level 1 Yao Cores, and combined with what he already had, the total exceeded twenty, plus one precious Level 2 Yao Core.

A bountiful harvest.

Everyone hastily treated their companions' injuries and, carrying the heavy spoils and even heavier hearts, quickly retreated from this dangerous place. In the depths of the dark red fog, it seemed as if an even more terrifying gaze was watching them.

On the return journey, the atmosphere was silent. But everyone, including Su Qingyue, looked at Lin Xuan with completely different eyes.

This "Martial Dao trash" who had no Spiritual Root and was once despised had used a fierce, world-turning battle to prove his worth, and in this cruel new world of Spiritual Qi recovery, he had cast a stone that no one could ignore again.

Lin Xuan was silently planning. With these Yao Cores, his Cultivate speed would accelerate significantly. Rule Adaptability, power unlocking... he had to close this "version gap" as soon as possible!

The root cause of the Black Wind Ridge beast tide might not be clear, but this trip was worth it.

(End of Volume 1, Chapter 3)

[Next Chapter Preview]: Black Wind Trial, Suppressing the Demon Bear with Fists! Lin Xuan fiercely turns the tide of battle and returns fully loaded with a large number of Yao Cores! Inside the Yunni Sect, how will the undercurrents surge? How will Deacon Wang report this shocking battle? Will the Sect higher-ups recruit, control, or fear and eliminate him? Su Qingyue's mind is shaken, how will she sort out her complex emotions? How will Zhao Long react when he learns of the results? And what secrets are hidden in the dark red fog of Black Wind Ridge? Is it connected to the root of Spiritual Qi recovery? Next Chapter: Yao Core Body Tempering, Breaking Through Like a Tide! Lin Xuan: "Using Yao Cores to temper my spirit, my Qi and blood are like a Dragon. I am determined to walk this path in the new world."