Spiritual light soared.
Lei Jun unfurled the Breath-Taking Flag, and his figure rose upwards.
In light of the previous ambush by the Gao Family and De Xiang, Lei Jun was now even more cautious when navigating deep valley terrain.
Although he tried to remain inconspicuous in his actions, as his cultivation level grew stronger, there were signs that the "big tree attracts the wind."
Before leaving the valley, he carefully scouted the area. Then, using a Wind Thunder Talisman to transform into the Night Wind, he slipped out quietly.
Fortunately, no one was lying in wait for him this time.
“As long as my whereabouts aren’t leaked, things should go smoothly,” Lei Jun nodded slightly.
Without lingering, he left the Solitary Source Peak area.
He surmised that Cangling River likely had similar terrain to Nine Stream Valley. Therefore, related Opportunities were probably hidden in deep valley fissures, flowing along with the Earth Vein Spiritual Energy.
By now, heading to Cangling River wouldn’t yield anything.
Though a bit regretful, Lei Jun soon let it go. He began examining the items he obtained from Solitary Source Peak.
Finding a secure spot, Lei Jun took out the Breath-Taking Flag.
A hazy spiritual light unfolded layers of Spiritual Earth, burying Lei Jun underground, providing a safe and hidden space undetectable from the outside.
Spreading out the Breath-Taking Flag, he placed a peculiar-looking spirit stone on the ground.
The spirit stone was an eerie pale white with dense green veins covering its surface.
From appearance alone, Lei Jun couldn’t detect abundant spiritual energy within. But as he gradually channeled his Mana to probe the stone, his eyes lit up.
Lei Jun felt his Mana circulate through the stone and return to him, becoming even more refined—an immediate and obvious effect.
However, one of the fine green veins on the stone's surface seemed to have vanished.
Given his current cultivation, Lei Jun’s eyesight was far superior to ordinary people.
Though the green veins still looked dense, he was sure one had disappeared.
“Purifying Spirit Rock.”
The name suddenly flashed in Lei Jun’s mind.
Thanks to the rich heritage and extensive library of Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, he had read about this in the sect’s records.
As its name suggested, the Purifying Spirit Rock could purify spiritual energy. More than that, it could refine a cultivator's Mana, making it purer and more condensed.
This process could accelerate a cultivator's progress, allowing faster improvements in cultivation.
“This is just the treasure I need right now...” Lei Jun nodded in satisfaction and stored the Purifying Spirit Rock.
When he returned to Mount Longhu and refined the Azure Divine Thunder Fiend, he could use the Purifying Spirit Rock to quickly create his second or even third Primal Talisman.
He wondered when he’d obtain a True Yin Spiritual Item to pair with his True Yang Mystic Flower.
Lei Jun shook his hand, and the branch carried by the Spiritual Earth reappeared.
The pristine white spirit flower bloomed brilliantly, glowing warmly and soothingly.
After nurturing it with the Nine Saints Frost, the True Yang Mystic Flower finally met Lei Jun’s requirements.
The True-One Altar and the True Yang Mystic Flower were ready.
All that remained was acquiring a True Yin Spiritual Item. With these three combined, he could attempt to upgrade his Bone Structure again.
If he succeeded in reaching a Sacred Physique, coupled with his Illuminated Comprehension, his cultivation progress would surely accelerate further... Lei Jun nodded slightly.
The Spiritual Earth parted quietly.
Lei Jun looked out at the shadowy forest and set off again.
It was shortly after sunset, and with time left before his usual rest, he decided to continue traveling.
Despite the quiet night, Lei Jun avoided flying through the sky and instead moved through the forest.
He preferred making the most of his time.
As he traveled, Lei Jun practiced his Wind Thunder Talisman, refining his technique through real-world application and seeking constant improvement.
Mid-step, Lei Jun suddenly paused. Hidden in the night, he peered toward the distant hills.
There was a flicker of firelight.
If it was just someone making a fire, he wouldn’t care. But he faintly heard voices—familiar ones.
“Is that Zhang Yuan and the others?” Lei Jun wondered.
He didn’t rush forward. He sensed that others were there too, and the situation wasn’t friendly.
On the contrary, it was a battle!
Lei Jun frowned slightly.
If two unrelated groups were fighting, he’d usually ignore it and move on.
But since it was Zhang Yuan and other fellow disciples, whom he had met a few times, Lei Jun slowed down to assess the situation.
About ten disciples of Tianshi Mansion were trapped in a mountain hollow, besieged by more numerous enemies.
The good news was that even though Zhang Yuan and the others had joined recently, as True Disciples, they handled the situation calmly.
The bad news was that the two Talismanic Daoists, Zuo Li and Li Yucheng, were nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, the attackers had some strong fighters, pressing Zhang Yuan’s group into a desperate struggle.
The enemy’s attire was familiar—disciples of the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, old rivals of Tianshi Mansion.
Although the two sides had temporarily ceased large-scale conflicts, their thousand-year feud was deep.
In these remote mountains, with the Earth Vein Spiritual Energy in chaos, any encounter between Lin Clan and Tianshi Mansion disciples could only end one way.
“Not sure whether this trip is lucky or unlucky.”
The leader of the Lin Clan group, a young noble, ordered, “Finish them quickly. We need to meet up with Zhen.”
He shivered, imagining Lin Zhen’s stern face.
A younger Lin disciple smirked, “We’re lucky. We get a treasure and rid ourselves of these Daoists.”
The young noble took out a mirror-like stone, infused with spiritual light. He traced symbols midair, the mirror glowing, extending his vision and perception.
Lei Jun crept closer, wary of the mirror’s light exposing him.
“Good treasure. Useful for archery, chanting, or even scholars,” the noble sighed. “Let’s gift it to Zhen and hope he likes it.”
“Who knows?” the younger disciple shrugged. “Zhen’s seen better. Plus, it’s stained with blood.”
“Hmph. Who knew Cangling River was so deadly?” the noble muttered. “Three men died for this.”
The Fifth-Grade Opportunity from Cangling River? Lei Jun mused.
For him, it was manageable. For others, it was deadly.
“Don’t waste time. No survivors!” the noble commanded.
A dull sound—he collapsed forward.
His companions gawked as Lei Jun appeared, holding a Golden Bamboo Rod, eyes calm.
Everyone looked like a walnut.