Vol 2 Chapter 3: Qi Refining vs. Foundation Establishment
For Lin Jing and the Pine Leaf Mouse, the easiest targets were undoubtedly cultivators specializing in wood-based techniques.
The Everlasting Emperor’s Longevity Art practiced by the Pine Leaf Mouse had a powerful suppressive effect on wood-based creatures and techniques. Thanks to the mouse’s “special” cultivation methods, the technique’s potency had reached incredible depths.
According to Elder Divine Pine, even the entry-level mastery of this art could completely suppress Qi Refining-level wood-element creatures. At the Small Success stage, it would dominate Foundation Establishment-level beings.
Given its nature, it not only absorbed the essence of its kind but also rendered ordinary wood-element spiritual plants, aggressive vegetation, and wood-based spells virtually powerless.
Normally, such a powerful art was impossible for a Qi Refining wood-element beast to master to this degree. But with Lin Jing’s resources—and his Longevity Body—it had become reality.
“Let’s wait a bit longer. Let the situation heat up,” Lin Jing said, showing no rush to head to the southern part of the city. Instead, he leisurely ordered more dishes, keeping a keen eye on the rumors spreading.
The Hidden Dragon Arts weren’t about victory or defeat—they were about recognition and exposure. Even if Lin Jing defeated a Nascent Soul elder in secret, it wouldn’t matter much if no one knew. On the other hand, if a reputable figure vouched for his skills, his Hidden Dragon Arts would likely progress without a single fight.
“Exposing my connection to the Ten Great Gu could probably skyrocket my Hidden Dragon Arts,” Lin Jing mused. “But it would also get me killed just as quickly.”
At the southern edge of Hidden Dragon City, near a vibrant maple forest ablaze with autumn hues, a large crowd had gathered.
At the forest’s edge, a green-robed young man reclined on a wooden chair, radiating an air of self-assured dominance. Nearby, a Foundation Establishment cultivator lay collapsed, bound tightly by vine-like tendrils.
“I... concede...” the defeated cultivator gasped, his face pale and his breathing labored. The vines released him, and he fell to the ground, gulping for air.
“Who else dares to challenge me? Any Foundation Establishment cultivator may step forward. Defeat Fang Shilin, and I’ll pay you 100 Spirit Stones. If you’re stronger than Foundation Establishment, you’re still welcome—Spirit Stones guaranteed!”
Fang Shilin, the Young Valley Master of Everlasting Spring Valley, exuded calm confidence. Despite facing multiple challengers in quick succession, he showed no signs of fatigue.
Using Spirit Stones as bait, he lured competitors of all levels. For him, losing to higher-stage opponents wouldn’t harm his reputation or Hidden Dragon Arts progress. Meanwhile, weaker challengers only added to his winning streak.
In his mind, the truly powerful academy cultivators wouldn’t bother with his meager fame or Spirit Stones. His strategy was nearly foolproof.
Victory after victory, his reputation was building—aiming for the elusive feat of 100 consecutive wins against peers.
Lin Jing arrived with the Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp, observing the commotion from the crowd.
“Eleven straight wins! He’s got real skill!”
“Absolutely. He’s taken down eleven Foundation Establishment cultivators, including two mid-stage ones. Fang Shilin is as impressive as they say, with immense true essence reserves and solid fundamentals,” murmured two nearby cultivators.
“That’s just his fancy artifact—a wood-element fan,” scoffed a well-dressed young man. “Without it, his spells would be half as strong.”
“Young man, you’re mistaken,” interjected an old beggar. “Using artifacts is part of cultivation mastery. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators can’t even activate an offensive artifact properly. Fang’s artifact is formidable, but it’s his Everlasting Spring Valley techniques—renowned for their inexhaustible true essence—that allow him to wield it effortlessly. If someone else tried, they’d run out of energy after one use.”
The crowd nodded in agreement. Hidden Dragon City was full of cultivators, where even beggars spouted wisdom.
“Let me have a go!” A burly, black-clad man with twin sabers stepped forward, his booming voice cutting through the chatter.
“And you are?” Fang Shilin asked, unfazed.
“Ma Wushuang, mid-Foundation Establishment, a Lotus Chamber of Commerce bodyguard,” the man declared. “I’d be a fool to pass up those Spirit Stones.”
The crowd buzzed. The Lotus Chamber of Commerce was not only the Celestial Kingdom’s largest merchant guild but also operated a prestigious escort service. Their bodyguards were experienced and skilled, especially in dangerous territories beyond the kingdom.
“Please.” Fang Shilin folded his fan and waited, still seated.
Without hesitation, Ma Wushuang crossed his sabers, sending twin arcs of blazing fire roaring toward Fang. The fiery blade energy scorched the fallen leaves, igniting them into a glowing inferno that lit up the battlefield.
Fang Shilin remained composed. With a flick of his fan, two verdant vines burst forth, coiling into dragon-like forms.
The vine dragons spiraled through the air, unaffected by the flames or blade energy. Their tenacity was astonishing—they crushed the fiery attacks mid-air and surged toward the stunned Ma Wushuang.
“Hah!” Ma Wushuang roared, slashing at the vines with his sabers. But his weapons barely left a mark. Within seconds, the vines coiled around him, flinging him dozens of meters away.
“Another one bites the dust,” the crowd murmured. Fang’s artifact-enhanced vine technique was unyielding—fireproof, unbreakable, and imbued with overwhelming strength.
“Who’s next?” Fang Shilin asked, brimming with confidence.
“Can a Qi Refining cultivator challenge you?”
The voice was calm yet clear. A young man in white, holding a meditation staff with a dragon carp and a robed squirrel perched on his shoulder, stepped forward.
The crowd fell silent, turning to stare at the peculiar trio.
Fang Shilin raised an eyebrow. “Who are you? Qi Refining? Don’t waste my time. Go home and train!”