Chapter 395: Creepy (I)

"

Haha

, it is just an ordinary dharma artifact. Nothing special. It simply has formation patterns inscribed upon it. When true strength is infused into it, the formations are activated, making it sharper and more effective against yaos and demons," Jiang Jun said with a smile as he handed over the treasured saber.

Chen Ding and the others could not help but gather around and reach out to touch the blade. Intricate formation patterns were inscribed upon it, arranged in a unique order that gave the weapon a distinct beauty.

"What a fine blade!" Lin Zheyu praised as he examined the saber.

Though he was not deeply versed in weaponry, he could tell at a glance that this was an exceptional blade. It was far superior to the Purple Thunder Demon-Slaying Saber Jiang Jun had given him.

"The Purple Thunder Demon-Slaying Saber was originally forged as a dharma artifact. Unfortunately, something went wrong during the inscription of the formations, leaving it as an incomplete artifact. With enough contribution points, you could go to the Directorate of Celestial Observation and have formation patterns inscribed on it to make it a true dharma artifact," Jiang Jun explained.

He paused briefly before continuing, "By the way, are you not ranked twenty-fourth on the Hidden Dragon List? I heard that entering the top ten will earn you a dharma artifact as a reward."

"Senior Brother, here you go. As for the top ten of the Hidden Dragon List, it is still too early for me to compete at that level," Lin Zheyu said with a smile as he returned the saber.

He was trying to get off the Hidden Dragon List at the moment. There was no way he would aim to climb higher.

Jiang Jun was talkative and outgoing. Chen Ding and the others were close to him, and after years apart, they seemed to have endless things to say. Lin Zheyu sat quietly at the side, listening with a faint smile and occasionally adding a comment.

***

By the time they returned to the sect, it was already late at night.

Back in the courtyard, Lin Zheyu removed his outer garments and began his nightly cultivation bare-chested, dressed only in short trousers. During his last visit to the black market, he had obtained several life-preserving techniques, including the Great Void Evergreen Art and Withered Wood Rebirth Art. None of them was much weaker than the Tortoise Breath True Technique. They simply differed in how they prolonged life.

Under the clear moonlight, his movements were slow and graceful. His breathing was long and steady, and a sense of vibrant life, like withered wood returning to spring, emanated from him. After cultivating for more than two hours, he stopped as the night deepened.

[Heaven Rewards the Diligent]

[Name: Lin Zheyu]

[Origin Force: 1]

𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

[Skills: Withered Wood Rebirth Art (Second Stage: 18%), Sacred Evolution Spirit Nurturing Art (Second Stage: 0%), Primordial Wuji True Technique (Third Stage: 0%)]

"This Withered Wood Rebirth Art is quite something. Even when it is only at the second stage, I can already sense my physique's life force growing stronger," Lin Zheyu remarked with satisfaction.

This technique was stronger than the Tortoise Breath True Technique, but it was also harder to cultivate. As a result, fewer people chose it.

These five life-preserving techniques each worked differently yet shared a common principle. They could be merged into a more powerful method,

Lin Zheyu thought.

The Primordial Wuji True Technique was a top-tier technique across the martial cultivation world. Lin Zheyu could not yet integrate other techniques into it to create something stronger and more complete. However, extracting the essence of the life-preserving techniques and removing their flaws to forge a superior nurturing method was possible. He could even incorporate concealment techniques such as the Evernight Slumber Secret Art and the Ninefold Origin Lock Art into it.

***

On the third day, in the early morning, loud shouts rang out across the sect plaza.

"Junior Brother, be careful during this mission. If you encounter people from the Northern Heavenly Sect, the Northern Yin Hall, or the Deng Family of Wuling City, stay on full alert," Guo Wenzi reminded him before she left. These forces were all enemies of the Wuji Sect or Huang Baizhong in Wuling City, and Lin Zheyu had heard of them.

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. I will be careful," Lin Zheyu replied.

After bidding farewell to his senior sister and taking the Purple Thunder Demon-Slaying Saber gifted by Jiang Jun, Lin Zheyu left the sect and headed to report to the City Guard outside Wuling City. This operation was organized by the Great Wei authorities, and all sects in Wuling City were required to participate. Upon arriving at the registration point, Lin Zheyu handed over his identity token.

"Lord Lin of the Wuji Sect, please have a seat while I register you. The military has issued a bounty. Each demon puppet above the Blood Qi realm you kill earns one contribution point. The stronger the demon puppet, the more contribution points you will gain. Here is the exchange list for contribution points. You may review it first," the soldier said respectfully.

He was only a minor leader in the City Guard, with strength around the third transformation of blood qi. When facing someone stronger and from a top sect, he naturally showed proper respect. While waiting, Lin Zheyu examined the exchange list with curiosity.

Third-grade spirit liquid, second-grade spirit liquid, first-grade spirit liquid... Spirit Nurturing Pill, Dustless Pill... Demon-Slaying Axe, Ghost Sword, Glazed Binding Rope... There really are many good items here,

Lin Zheyu thought as he looked over the exchange list.

Some of these were difficult to obtain even within the Wuji Sect. Aside from valuable spirit liquids, medicinal pills, weapons, and rare treasures, techniques were also available for exchange. It was truly comprehensive.

So, spirit liquid is divided into so many grades. The spirit liquid I obtained from that unknown martial artist must have been the lowest third-grade

.

"Lord Lin, your registration is complete. Here is your talisman token. Please keep it with you during the mission. If you encounter danger, you can crush it to call for assistance. If you see the token emit a red light, it means someone nearby is in danger and requires urgent rescue," the soldier explained respectfully as he handed it over.

"Understood." Lin Zheyu nodded.

From the soldier's explanation, he understood his responsibilities. The City Guard placed a few restrictions on martial experts like them. Several people were assigned to each area to eliminate demon puppets. Lin Zheyu only needed to patrol his designated zone and prevent them from breaching the defenses and entering civilian areas. There was no strict requirement on the number of kills, though many martial artists hunted as many demon puppets as possible to earn contribution points.

This time, the Great Wei authorities had made a significant investment. The rewards and exchange rates were highly attractive, even tempting Lin Zheyu. As long as one was strong enough, they could accumulate contribution points by hunting demon puppets and exchange them for desired items. Earning contribution points within the sect was far more difficult.

After leaving the registration office, Lin Zheyu spotted a familiar figure—Wild Man Luo, whom he had previously fought.

"Brother Lin, you are here as well. Which area are you assigned to?" Luo Mang asked with a smile.

"East Zone Three in the northwest," Lin Zheyu replied with a smile. "And you?"

"That is unfortunate. I am assigned to the northeast. You're truly impressive to have reached twenty-fourth on the Hidden Dragon List. In the challenge a few months from now, you will surely shine," Luo Mang said with a smile.

"I appreciate your kind words," Lin Zheyu replied with a smile.

After parting with Wild Man Luo, Lin Zheyu headed toward the northwest of Wuling City. Wuling City was vast, with military camps stationed on all sides. The western sector was overseen by a burly man with a full beard. His name was Wei Yun, a martial artist at the Marrow Refining realm.

"

Haha!

I have long heard of your name, Brother Lin. I did not expect you to be assigned to this area. I will be relying on your support in the days to come," Wei Yun said with a hearty laugh upon seeing Lin Zheyu.

"It is only a reputation. General Wei is battle-hardened and powerful. How could someone like me compare?" Lin Zheyu replied modestly.

He could sense that Wei Yun's strength was near the peak of the Marrow Refining realm. The terrifying blood qi within him had almost condensed into a tangible Slaughter true intent, far more intimidating than many of the geniuses on the Hidden Dragon List. The list had an age limit, and those over sixty could not qualify. Though Wei Yun lacked the aptitude to advance into the Force Transformation realm, his countless battles in the army had honed him.