Replenish!

The moment those words were spoken, Master Huang could no longer remain composed. A blazing light abruptly burst from his eyes.

He stared at Ouyang Zhentian with utmost seriousness, as though examining a rare treasure, his gaze filled with caution and confusion.

"Patriarch Ouyang, by revealing these details to me, aren't you afraid they'll spread and become detrimental to you?"

Ouyang Zhentian slowly sat down, his expression calm and detached, carrying an air of ethereal self-possession.

He took a light sip of water, becoming even more tranquil. Lifting his eyes slightly, he said at an unhurried pace:

"Master Huang, everyone in town knows your character. I trust you. Besides, after our battle today, you must have sensed that my strength has declined."

Master Huang smiled faintly.

"Thank you for holding me in such high regard, Patriarch. But given enough benefits, a mere reputation is hardly something many people at our level would value too greatly."

Ouyang Zhentian nodded lightly. "Naturally."

"However, Master Huang, your Martial Dao strength has already far surpassed what it once was. With such an opportunity laid before you, could you truly remain unmoved?"

Master Huang stirred slightly, his voice low.

"You wish to form an alliance with me."

Ouyang Zhentian nodded, then shook his head.

"No. So long as Master Huang does not interfere... I will tell you everything—the location we learned of, as well as the research notes left behind by Uncle Dongli."

Master Huang's hand holding the cup trembled. "Good!"

"Hahaha!" Ouyang Zhentian laughed heartily. "With Master Huang's support, I believe not only can I halt the decline of my Martial Dao, I may even advance further—perhaps even break through to Hidden Force."

The two began discussing matters in detail, including how they could take the first step toward finding a path into Hidden Force.

It was virtually impossible to keep the other Lineages from discovering this. Their only option was to stay ahead and reach a higher level of Martial Dao before the others did.

Meanwhile, deep within the cave, the drawn-sword, bent-bow tension had vanished. In its place was a faint sense of harmony.

As they traveled deeper, whenever they encountered abandoned mineral veins or medicinal herbs that had been planted there, Ouyang Nianci would briefly explain a thing or two.

This gave Lin Xiaotian enormous gains.

Truthfully speaking, if not for the influence of her Lineage, this young lady would genuinely make quite a good companion.

The four men known as A, B, C, and D no longer spoke. They merely led the way, remained suitably vigilant, and dealt with the wild beasts that occasionally sprang out.

Of course, at Lin Xiaotian's request, those beasts were released in an orderly fashion for him to practice his blade techniques on.

His Blood-Qi Resonance grew increasingly refined, while "Eightfold Mountain-Shattering Force" underwent a qualitative improvement through this stretch of actual combat.

It had advanced from minor accomplishment to intermediate accomplishment.

Now, he could break through into Blood Tempering at any time.

However, Lin Xiaotian still held himself back. Breaking through would cause quite a commotion, and he would also lose another trump card.

"Alright, Junior Brother Lin. This is the medicinal field we came here to harvest."

"This medicinal field is far too precious. There are some unusually powerful wild beasts guarding the area, so all of us must stay alert."

"In previous years, quite a few descendants of the Lineage have died here. Even External Force practitioners could die if they were careless."

Upon hearing that, Lin Xiaotian became even more serious.

He looked into the distance. The medicinal field stretched for roughly a hundred meters, with a layer of purple mist tinged with red drifting over it, making it seem exceptionally mysterious.

Yet no particularly large beasts could be seen nearby, which surprised him slightly.

But... wait a moment!

Why was his Blood Qi churning? It was similar to what had happened in the Rift World last time.

His blood flowed as usual, but within him, it was already like rivers and seas overturning, surging without end.

Could it be that these herbs were a tremendous tonic for me?

Lin Xiaotian's eyes shone, and an eager impulse stirred within him.

He wondered whether these could evolve his Blood Qi once again.

The Rift Mist from last time had given his Blood Qi restorative effects and the ability to devour abnormalities. Then, the Formation Inscription created by his demonized sister's scheme had caused it to evolve again, granting it a nourishing function.

He wondered what miraculous effect it would have this time.

Hm, what was going on? That drifting mist was formed from medicinal particles emitted by the herbs.

Good heavens, these herbs were truly extraordinary.

However, beneath the herbs enveloped in that mist, something seemed to be stirring.

Hm! Those were wild beasts!

If not for the difference in his Blood Qi, they would have been difficult to detect. They were nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye.

He had to pretend he had not noticed them. Otherwise, these people might grow wary of him.

Just as he was about to speak, Ouyang Nianci's voice came over.

"Junior Brother Lin, these herbs are too valuable. It's not that I won't let you take any, but you may take at most two."

"Alright, Senior Sister."

"Ah!" Ouyang Nianci was startled, her eyes filling with bewilderment. She looked at Lin Xiaotian, astonished that he had agreed so readily, almost suspecting that she had misheard him.

Yet that "Senior Sister" made her cheeks flush slightly. Her voice unconsciously softened. "Why are you calling me Senior Sister now?"

"And you agreed far too quickly. It doesn't seem like your usual style."

Lin Xiaotian smiled. If these herbs could truly be absorbed, then not taking them away was perfectly fine. As for being given two plants, that would merely be an extra gain. Why would he care about that?

However, seeing Ouyang Nianci's somewhat bashful appearance, his urge to tease her surged.

"I call you Senior Sister because you've treated me well along the way. Calling you Young Miss feels too distant, while Senior Sister rolls off the tongue more naturally."

"Besides..."

Lin Xiaotian revealed an innocent smile. "You're going to become my wife anyway, so why should we be so distant?"

Ouyang Nianci's eyes widened. This fellow really had thick skin. Though it sounded a little sweet, she knew he was deliberately teasing her.

"Fine, call me Senior Sister if you want. Why do you need so many explanations?"

Upon hearing his words, A, B, C, and D had long since revealed looks of disgust. If the young miss had not warned them beforehand, they would have beaten this brat already.

This brat was plainly flirting with her.

"There are wild beasts beneath the herb roots, so be especially careful. We'll clear out a batch first. Then we can pick one or two plants and bring them back. That will count as completing this mission."

"Why are we in such a hurry to return?" Lin Xiaotian asked after hearing Nianci's words.

Ouyang Nianci rolled her eyes at him. "These wild beasts can't be completely exterminated. We can only kill a batch temporarily. Before long, they'll sweep back like a returning tide."

"Unless we need a large quantity of herbs and bring many External Force practitioners to clear them out, going too deep could easily get us killed."

Lin Xiaotian caught something in her words and asked again:

"Senior Sister, we can't take too many herbs each time. Does that mean these herbs are highly effective?"

Ouyang Nianci nodded approvingly.

"These herbs are specifically wanted by the county city. We know they are extraordinary, but we have no idea exactly what they are used for."

"Oh, Junior Brother Lin, the beasts here can be killed, but they are extremely agile, and their hides are thick. They are stronger than the beasts outside and difficult to pierce through."

"Once we clear a small area, we must not linger. We take one or two plants, then leave."

Lin Xiaotian nodded.

"Alright, Senior Sister, I understand."

"Since this has been treated as the final place for our training, it surely can't be that simple."

The group began heading toward the medicinal field.

Swish!

A faint sound immediately came from beneath the herbs, as though some creature had been awakened. Even the air became noticeably denser.

Everyone tensed.

Yet Lin Xiaotian's heartbeat inexplicably quickened.

It was not because he was nervous. Rather, the drifting medicinal mist was rushing toward him... and being absorbed by his Blood Qi!