Starry Sky Professional

It was deep into the night.

A second-level Mo Yu Python stretching tens of meters had taken the place of the original Golden-Feathered Vulture, coiled atop the spiritual vein, its thick neck raised as it flicked a purple-black tongue towards the bright moon.

Hiss hiss!

Amidst the terrifying hissing of the snake, the power of the moonlight drizzled down continuously, refining its physique and bloodline, pushing it towards a higher realm.

At the same time, a layer of pitch-black poisonous mist expanded outward from this beast, spreading in all directions around the marketplace.

This was second-level venom, potent enough to erode the earth's veins and even transform the environment!

If this Mo Yu Python remained entrenched here, in several decades or centuries, this place might turn into a deadly poisonous wasteland.

Beyond the marketplace, on the branch of an ancient cypress tree, perched a yellow sparrow with no signs of life, tilting its head as it observed this scene.

Suddenly!

A hand reached out from thin air, grasping the sparrow: "Oh? This is rather ingenious..."

The hand was skeletal, yet like a steel claw, rendering the sparrow utterly immovable.

Boom!

The sparrow suddenly burst into flames, its self-destruct mechanism having been triggered.

"Hmm?"

The hand appeared unscathed, not even blackened in the slightest.

The owner of the hand was an old Taoist in black robes, his eyes bright, yet he was short and slender, with distinct features, a goatee, dressed in a black Taoist robe, and his hair simply pinned with an ebony hairpin.

"There was no fluctuation of spiritual energy, which caught this old Taoist by surprise. Interesting!"

The wizened and thin Taoist nodded, collected the remnants of the sparrow's self-destruction, and transformed into a streak of light, ascending swiftly to the heavens!

High in the sky, the fierce winds howled.

But none of this caused his robe to flutter in the slightest.

The old Taoist waited for a moment, soon joined by two other streaks of light.

One of them was a beautiful woman with silver hair, the very picture of a peach-flowered visage, the Grand Elder of the Azure Sect — Nie Feifeng!

The other was a robust man, clad in animal skins, his body adorned with various beast tattoos, exuding an intimidating aura.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, why are you so tardy? Is there a change in the marketplace?"

Nie Feifeng inquired as soon as she saw the black-robed Taoist.

"It's not a change, just encountered a rather intriguing puppet, which delayed me a bit... That puppet had no trace of spiritual energy. If this old Taoist hadn't scanned the marketplace with divine sense beforehand, I might have missed it... It even had a self-destruct mechanism, which I failed to detect..."

Old Daoist Wu stroked his goatee, appearing somewhat surprised: "It seems Fellow Daoist Nie's marketplace is truly a place where a phoenix might perch... To have such a puppeteer lurking."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Wu. At this time, perhaps there are not many rogue cultivators left in the marketplace."

Nie Feifeng remarked indifferently, "I'm more intrigued by that second-tier high-grade Mo Yu Python. It swallows and exhales moonlight, refining its demonic aura, and must have already formed a demonic core. This Mo Yu Python is remarkably prominent, and it might even carry a trace of dragon blood. If its demonic core were consumed by Lian's spirit pet, it would likely boost its level a notch."

Before he could finish, a rugged man clad in animal skins stirred, reaching for the spirit beast pouch at his waist.

He was the Supreme Elder of the 'Beast Master Sect,' adept at raising various spirit pets.

Among them was a 'Horned Serpent' with dragon lineage, possessing a commendable bloodline of a mere second-tier low-grade. If it could procure this kindred core, it could indeed advance a small grade.

Yet, his expression remained unchanged, "Our primary objective remains the Myriad Laws Mystic Realm... the matter of my spirit pet is a minor affair."

"Lian, you're too modest. Who among us doesn't recognize one another? If your 'Horned Serpent' rises to second-tier mid-grade, it would surely be powerful enough to assist in performing that particular mystical art, correct?"

Old Daoist Wu chuckled, "The Beast Master Sect’s mystical arts are renowned, especially the 'Spirit Enchantment Technique.' The purer the dragon blood, the more astonishing the power... Along with your cultivation, it could likely pose a threat to mid-to-late Core Formation cultivators, wouldn't you agree?"

"Not at all... Old Ghost Wu, shouldn't you be guarding your 'Black Sky Temple' rather than prying into my sect's secret arts?"

Lian's demeanor remained calm, yet the tattoos on his body seemed to come alive, echoing the roars of myriad beasts.

Old Daoist Wu hastily waved his hand, "Don't unleash your wrath, Lian. This old frame of mine can't endure your mystical arts... I'm merely concerned that if we recklessly slay this second-tier high-grade demonic beast, we might attract third-tier beasts or even provoke a beast tide like last time. Such outcomes would be more loss than gain... After all, the three of us have ventured here alone, fraught with peril."

"Hmph, had Fellow Daoist Nie informed us of these secrets earlier, we could have arranged for a great army to clear the land sooner, avoiding such a passive stance..."

Lian was somewhat displeased with Nie Feifeng.

By the customs of local cultivators developing a mystic realm, a great army should first clear the area to prevent others from reaping the fruits of their labor. Then, formation masters are summoned to study weaknesses, using lives to fill gaps, ultimately breaking the mystic realm's barriers and claiming all the benefits, ensuring nothing remains.

Yet now, even the Azure Rock Market is gone.

Low-tier cultivators don't escape as swiftly as we Core Formation ancestors, to say nothing of the dangers along the way.

Reestablishing control here is impossible without several years.

"Summoning cultivators also risks attracting a beast disaster..."

Nie Feifeng shook his head, "I already understand the general situation within the mystic realm after several investigations... This time, I've brought a few third-tier 'Barrier Shattering Talismans' from our sect's treasures. Old Ghost Wu, you likely hold a 'Vein Severing Pearl' as well. Together, we can create a momentary flaw in the mystic realm's formation, sufficient for us to seize the treasures..."

Barrier Shattering Talismans are special talismans able to disrupt formation operations.

Generally, a first-tier talisman can disrupt a first-tier formation for mere moments or create a temporary escape route.

However, if a formation master is in charge or the user is adept in formations, the effects vary. At best, it can temporarily delay a same-tier grand formation or weaken its power by a few degrees.

Vein Severing Pearls sever the connection between earth veins and formations, serving as a powerful tool against formations.

Third-tier Barrier Shattering Talismans and Vein Severing Pearls are strategic resources in desolate lands, rare even at major auctions.

"Nie, you seem well-acquainted with my possessions..."

Old Daoist Wu's expression shifted.

"Why else would I seek you out rather than other Daoist friends?" Nie Feifeng replied unconcernedly, "Lian, you must also have a 'Treasure Seeking Mouse' spirit pet, which would prove invaluable in the mystic realm... Otherwise, why wouldn't I go directly to the Heavenly Sword Sect for assistance?"

Upon hearing the name of the Heavenly Sword Sect, both the cultivator surnamed Lian and Old Daoist Wu fell silent.

"In that case, let's make this swift... We shall head to the Myriad Secret Realm at once."

The cultivator surnamed Lian took a deep breath. "The secret left by the Master of Myriad Laws has tempted me for a long time..."

"Hehe, this person, with mediocre spiritual roots, managed to reach Foundation Establishment, Core Formation... even having a chance to form a Nascent Soul. He must be incredibly fortunate, and surely has many treasures... I, this old man, am not greedy. As long as I find heavenly materials and earthly treasures that can enhance the quality of my Core, I'll be satisfied," Old Daoist Wu chuckled.

"Core formation is without regrets... Old Daoist Wu, you're quite ambitious," Nie Feifeng chuckled. "I only seek a treasure to aid in Core Formation, no fighting over it from any of you..."

"Hmph, such small ambitions," the cultivator surnamed Lian laughed heartily. "Then it's settled. I only want opportunities to increase my cultivation and break through my current realm... Beyond that, if there's a chance to form a Nascent Soul, we rely on our own skills... As for the secrets of Myriad Laws, if they are techniques or secret arts, everyone can make a copy. If it's something else, it's every person for themselves!"

"Agreed!"

The three Core Formation cultivators turned into streams of light of varied colors, heading towards the Valley of Five Scorpions...

...

In the Happy Home Residential Complex, Inside a practice room, Fang Xing was sweating profusely, his skin emitting a faint golden glow with illusionary patterns forming.

He was fairly satisfied with his current lifestyle; Lan Fei was an excellent personal secretary, respectful of privacy.

With a representative from the Titan Corporation present, no other forces dared approach him.

As for recruitment officers?

Fang Xing had only met with a teacher from Mount Wu University and had practically decided.

If he couldn't get into a top university in the future, he planned to attend Mount Wu University.

With a fallback plan established, he could focus all his energy on martial arts practice. He had even arranged a leave of absence, officially declaring full commitment to preparing for the college entrance exams.

Currently, Talent-Cultivating High School was no longer beneficial to him.

Only Headmaster Lu Guangming, a Martial Dao Core Formation, couldn't possibly teach him daily.

However, when the opportunity arose, Fang Xing still attended school to catch this Martial Dao Core Formation teacher's tailored sessions.

Bang bang!

During this martial arts training session, Fang Xing suddenly had a moment of realization.

Bow Stance Cannon Fist, Half-Step Crash Fist, Battle Axe Kick...

Various military martial arts moves came naturally to him, as if every part of his body transformed into a killing machine.

With the last punch, his martial intent suddenly shifted, and a wave of killing intent surged within him!

It was as if a mighty army was advancing to exterminate every last enemy with its killing intent!

"The essence of the Military Path’s Killing Fist..."

Fang Xing muttered, glancing at his attribute panel. Sure enough, his Military Body Fist had broken through:

【Military Body Fist Twelve Forms: 1/400】

...

"The heavens reward diligence; hard work surely pays off. The ancients did not deceive me!"

A delighted expression appeared on his face as he looked at his cultivation state:

【Fourth Realm: Courage and Spirit】

"The baptism of the Military Path’s Killing Fist's essence has propelled my cultivation in the Courage and Spirit Realm, resulting in a significant leap forward..."

"By now, the progress has already surpassed half... Meaning that my cultivation in the Courage and Spirit Realm is nearly halfway complete."

Fang Xing realized that his cultivation speed was unusual.

Generally, martial artists in the Courage and Spirit Realm either go to the battlefield for life-or-death fights, constantly honing their martial will, or they shut themselves in for bitter cultivation while taking rare spirit-enhancing elixirs to make rapid advancements.

They wouldn't purposely train in other martial arts to accumulate different martial essences.

After all, not everyone could grasp martial essences as easily as Fang Xing, as natural as eating or drinking.

Due to the attribute panel, once he reached the 'Master' level, he could naturally perceive a trace of essence power.

For others, such a convenient benefit was out of reach.

This was precisely why Fang Xing attempted to continuously layer essence powers, proving beneficial to his cultivation in the Courage and Spirit Realm.

"Though learning other martial arts is quite troublesome... With my current foundation in comprehending four major essences, even if I idle my days away, the spiritual alien power in my Mud Pill Palace would grow rapidly..."

He picked up a towel, wiped the sweat off his body, and walked into the bathroom, casually locking the door and pasting a 'Home Protection Talisman' on it.

With a flash of silver light, Fang Xing arrived at the underground camp.

"Hmm?"

In front of the screen, as he routinely checked the surveillance, Fang Xing was stunned.

"Here again? Another expert has arrived?”

“To detect my drone with spiritual perception, they must at least be a Foundation Establishment cultivator..."

"Only a foolish ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator would venture deep into this wild land only to court death, unless they’re... a Core Formation cultivator?"

"If they've come, their sole target must be the Myriad Secret Realm in the Five Scorpions Valley."

...

Fang Xing was shocked, quickly turning to the surveillance of the Five Scorpions Valley, only to find that most of it had self-destructed according to its programming.

Only a few miles away, a few cameras barely captured three glimmers of light falling into the canyon, followed by earth-shattering roars. It seemed the unicorn lion beast in the canyon had met its demise.

"The range of perception for a Core Formation cultivator might extend several miles... Fortunately, they didn't pass through here, which is quite lucky for me... Or perhaps they did pass by but failed to detect any life signs and moved on?"

Fang Xing pondered for a moment before shaking his head with resignation.

Regardless, he was forced to admit that as of now, he needed to be close to pose any threat to even Foundation Establishment cultivators, let alone those at the Core Formation level... Not even a laser gun could threaten them...

The best course of action was, naturally, to avoid confrontation!

He immediately got to work, relocating his underground base and dismantling modern equipment, burying items like laser guns in separate locations.

Luckily, these items lacked spiritual essence and were not particularly conspicuous.

As for the warehouse, it could be left behind.

The local solitary cultivators were like marmots, having a few cellars or warehouses outside wasn't unusual for them.

In fact, most of the secret realms and relics in the current cultivation world were essentially upgraded versions of warehouses left by predecessors, continually drawing cultivators to explore them.

"Let's go... This place is dangerous. It's best to return during the winter break."

Although a Core Formation cultivator could explore a secret realm in just a few days, Fang Xing decided to lay low on the fledgling Eagle Star for a while.

...

As Fang Xing was leaving... In the Myriad Laws Secret Realm... Heavenly aura surrounded the resplendent palace structures, with countless pavilions and terraces looming indistinctly like mirages.

The air was thick with the fragrance of medicinal herbs, and several spiritual herb gardens shimmered in a dazzling array of colors.

One could glimpse through the heavy enchantments, seeing spirit blossoms, exotic fruits, celestial fungus, and mythical ginseng... It was a veritable cornucopia.

Boom!

In front of one particular palace, Nie Feifeng and his two companions relentlessly attacked a multicolored enchantment on the grand entrance using their magical treasures.

The light from the three magical tools danced incessantly, emanating a pulse of power that would send even Foundation Establishment cultivators fleeing in dread.

Every fragment of shattered enchantment trembled with energy potent enough to obliterate them without a trace.

Amidst this turmoil, in an obscure subterranean space, a bronze oil lamp suddenly flickered alight, casting a gentle glow.

By this faint light, one could see that the space was not large, with a freshly polished wooden table beneath the lamp.

The lamp's glow seemed to struggle to ignite the wick fully.

The most prominent feature in the space, however, was not the table, but a nearby sarcophagus.

This sarcophagus was made entirely of white jade, exuding a chilling aura. Lacking a lid, one could see a thick layer of mystical ice inside.

And within that ice, there seemed to be a quietly resting figure...

]

(End of Chapter)