Northmont Fox's Threat

Violet Palace Cultivators are adept at multitasking.

The Wanxiang Adept, having awakened his Divine Sense, can control objects with his Divine Sense.

The Primordial Spirit Daoist Heaven Opening Eye and manifested his Divine Consciousness.

The refinement of the soul has always been the most challenging hurdle on the path of cultivation, yet it is also an indispensable foundation.

Only when the soul is tempered to be sufficiently resilient can it harness the ever-growing and surging primordial energy.

Imagine if an ordinary person suddenly possessed immortal-level Yuan Power. The outcome would be that they would be completely unable to tame this power, which far exceeded their own capacity. In the end, the chaotic Yuan Power would destroy their meridians and shatter their bones, resulting in a tragic end where they would perish both in body and soul.

Ji An reached the "Divine Sense" level very early on, and ever since he obtained the visualization diagram from the Water Manor, he has been practicing diligently.

Later, he even comprehended the True Meaning of the Grand Dao of Sharp Metal: "Dao Domain and the Heaven and Earth".

Four years later, while cultivating the Blood God Body, he finally reached the realm of "Heaven Opening Eye and manifesting Divine Consciousness" through tempering.

Before he could think any further, Ji An quickly calmed himself and began to refine the Primordial Spirit essence that had entered his body.

Now that his soul has entered the level of Divine Consciousness, the Will Impact that previously troubled Ji An no longer pose much of a threat to him.

Soon--

An even more vast and powerful aura than before surged into the sky from Ji An's body!

Even the protective light barrier inside the cave was fluctuating violently!

The dark golden light on his body suddenly subsided, and his skin revealed a warm, jade-like color.

With every gesture, the space seemed to thicken, and an invisible force field naturally emanated.

Blood God Body, third level - Fusion of Divine Power and Shaping of Meridians, breakthrough successful!

Ji An opened his eyes, a faint crimson light flickering deep within his pupils.

He spread his five fingers, then clenched them tightly!

Without using the Crimsonbright divine power, relying solely on pure physical strength, a white energy wave was formed in the quiet room. The energy wave crashed into the cave's protective barrier, producing a booming sound.

If this weren't in Heavenly Treasure Mountain, but rather a cave dwelling built by some minor forces, it would probably be destroyed directly.

"A physical body at the level of Heaven Rank Magic Treasure!" Ji An felt the changes brought about by the Blood God Body, and a powerful sense of confidence welled up in his heart.

At this moment, with just his physical body, which has cultivated the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram" and the "Blood God Body," he is more than capable of roaming freely in the Myriad Phenomena Realm!

If combined with his numerous supernatural abilities and profound understanding of the Dao, his strength has soared to a whole new level.

If before he could only barely hold his own against Primordial Spirit Daoist, now it's uncertain who would win in a fight against Primordial Spirit Daoist.

Moreover, this "Blood God Body" is not simply a physical body like a magical artifact.

"Now, going into seclusion isn't very useful anymore; it's time to go get a mission."

As soon as Ji An stepped out of the Jia Character No. 3 Grotto, he was stopped in front of the corridor by a mid-stage Myriad Phenomena cultivator dressed in brocade robes.

The man had an arrogant expression and looked at Ji An, saying, "Are you Ji An? My young master invites you to come with me."

Ji An didn't stop walking, nor did he even glance at the other person. "No time."

"Insolence!" The brocade-robed cultivator's face darkened, and he blocked the way again, his voice laced with threat, "In Anchan Commandery, few dare to defy my young master! Don't be so stubborn!"

Ji An finally stopped, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Now that he has just completed the third level of the Blood God Body, his physical body alone is comparable to Heaven Rank Magic Treasure, and his Divine Consciousness has also broken through to the Primordial Spirit level. Why would he care about the threat of a mere mid-stage Myriad Phenomena Realm cultivator?

But this arrogant attitude piqued his interest. Anyone who dared to be so arrogant and domineering in Anchan City must have a powerful background.

"Lead the way," Ji An said calmly.

The cultivator in brocade robes snorted coldly, assuming Ji An had given in, and turned to lead the way.

The two walked through the Flowing Light corridor, and the cultivators along the way gave way when they saw the ferocious black dragon pattern embroidered on the hem of the brocade-robed cultivator's clothes.

Ji An observed coldly, but understood perfectly: the black dragon totem was the symbol of the core members of the Northmont Clan, the clan of Marquis of Anch’an.

No wonder this person is so arrogant; the Northmont Clan is indeed like a local emperor in Anchan Commandery.

The two arrived at a suspended jade platform on the third floor of Heavenly Treasure Mountain. This place was isolated from noise by an array, but it offered a view of the battle in the Martial Arena below.

Inside the elegant room, a burly young man in fine clothes, with a full beard, leaned against a jade couch, embracing two charming female cultivators.

Beneath his seemingly bold appearance, his triangular eyes were as cold and venomous as a snake's, and he was currently scrutinizing Ji An with a half-smile.

"Young master, the person has been brought." The monk in brocade robes bowed and stepped aside.

The elegantly dressed young man, leaning against the jade couch, lingered his gaze on Ji An.

He slowly pushed away the charming female cultivator in his arms, sat up straight, but he couldn't hide the arrogance in his bones.

"You are Ji An?" The young man's voice was deep and resonant, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Ji An remained calm and composed, saying neither servilely nor arrogantly, "It is I. And you are?"

"Northmont Fox." The young man's lips curled into a smile as he emphasized, "The Anchan Marquisate, the Northmont Fox."

It really was him.

Ji An had a guess when he first saw the young man's appearance, and now it seems he was right.

Ji An stirred slightly, and he immediately matched the newcomer with the spoiled brat from the original story who had been humiliated by Ji Ning.

Northmont Fox, son of Northmont Yin, is a true second-generation immortal from Anchan Commandery.

However, Ji An, who had read the original novel, knew that Northmont Fox was nothing but a good-for-nothing.

"So it's Young Master Beishan." Ji An said calmly, "May I ask what brings you here, Young Master?"

For Ji An, the truly influential figures in Anchan City were people like Northmont Blacktiger and Northmont Yin. As for Northmont Fox?

He's not qualified yet.

Northmont Fox seemed somewhat surprised by Ji An's reaction, a barely perceptible shadow flashing in his eyes.

Ordinary cultivators, even those who are Wanxiang Adept, would rarely fail to change their expressions upon hearing the words "Northern Mountain".

The young man before me was unusually calm.

He waved his hand, signaling the female cultivator beside him and the brocade-robed cultivator who had led the way to step back.

The two of them were suddenly left alone in the elegant room.

Northmont Fox picked up the jade cup on the jade table, took a sip of the spiritual wine, and spoke with a tone of recruitment, "I invited Brother Ji An here this time because I heard that you, Brother Ji, used Thunder methods to kill the Blood Fiend Adept who was causing havoc in the Blackwater Land," ridding the people of a scourge, truly a young hero.

The Blackwater City's garrison commander, Shi Feng, was a Ten Thousand Elephant cultivator who had defected to his father.

After Ji An killed Blood Fiend Adept, Shi Feng sent someone to inform Northmont Yin, but unexpectedly Northmont Fox overheard it first.

After learning about Ji An, Northmont Fox then came directly to recruit him.

He stared intently at Ji An: "To become Yinglong Guard with the body of the Violet Palace God-Demon, and now to be able to kill a major sinner in the late stage of the Myriad Phenomena realm, such combat power is extremely rare among the younger generation of the entire Anchan Commandery."

Ji An immediately; the Northmont Clan was indeed very well-informed.

He remained expressionless, simply saying, "You flatter me. It was just luck."

"Just luck?" Northmont Fox laughed heartily, his voice deep and resonant. "Excessive modesty is nothing but hypocrisy. Brother Ji cultivates the Legend 'Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram,' the undisputed number one body-refining method of the God and Demon Era, obtainable only by those with immense perseverance and great fortune. Your achievements at such a young age cannot be summed up by mere luck."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone seductive. "Brother Ji, Yinglong Guard certainly offers many advantages to the Great Xia Dynasty, it also comes with numerous rules and regulations, and many top-tier inheritances are subject to layers of restrictions. To obtain truly great opportunities and Creation, it will be difficult simply by virtue of being One-Clawed Yinglong Guard."

"Oh?" Ji An raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued. "Then what does Young Master Beishan mean by that?"

Seeing that Ji An finally reacted, Northmont Fox's eyes flashed with joy. "I, Northmont Fox, am a direct descendant of the Anchan Marquisate's family. My father, Northmont Yin, is a strong contender for the next Marquis of Anch’an, and Brother Ji knows that in Anchan Commandery, the Northmont Clan is the supreme authority!"

He put down his wine cup and said earnestly, "Brother Ji is exceptionally talented and has boundless potential. He is exactly the kind of talent my Northmont Clan has been longing for! If Brother Ji is willing to submit to my command and serve me—I will certainly do my utmost to find you cultivation techniques, secret arts, magical treasures, and cultivation resources."

He has never had Yinglong Guards loyal to him before. If he could gain Ji An's loyalty, it would be a great thing, whether to his father or to the Beishan Baiwei!

Moreover, Ji An comes from a small family; what kind of insight could he possibly have?

Thinking of this, a fleeting glint of jealousy crossed his eyes.

Ji An listened quietly, her face remaining expressionless.

The conditions offered by Northmont Fox were undeniably generous; anyone else might have been tempted.

But even if Ji An didn't know the plot, his cultivation level was still incredibly high— Wanxiang Adept, and even in terms of combat power, he was at the level of Primordial Spirit Daoist. This Northmont Fox wasn't qualified to recruit him!

"I Ji An Young Master Beishan's kindness," Ji An, bowing slightly, his voice calm yet firm. "Ji An, I am accustomed to freedom and prefer to forge my own path in this Heaven and Earth with my sword. I regret that I cannot accept your Ji An."

Reject!

Clean and efficient, without any unnecessary delays!

The smile on Northmont Fox's face froze instantly, and the feigned appreciation and eagerness in his triangular eyes turned into a sinister look.

After a moment of deathly silence, Northmont Fox suddenly let out a low, enigmatic laugh, breaking the stillness. "Heh heh, very well done! To conquer the Heaven and Earth with just your sword! Brother Ji—you truly have ambition!"

He slowly stood up, his tall figure casting a shadow before Ji An. His voice was unreadable. "Since Brother Ji has made up his mind, I will not force you. However—"

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone turning sinister. "The path of the Yinglong Guard is not easy. Especially for someone like you, young friend, with no connections, you must be even more careful. The outside world is far more treacherous than Yan Mountain."

These words clearly carried a threatening tone.

Ji An seemed oblivious to the underlying meaning and calmly replied, "Thank you for the reminder, Ji An master. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

After saying that, he turned and left without waiting for Northmont Fox's response.

He could naturally understand what the Northmont Fox meant.

But what exactly is this Northmont Fox?

He only manages to act arrogantly and domineeringly in Ancheng because of his father's power.

But in the end, he's just a Violet Palace Cultivator; what threat could he possibly have?

Watching Ji An's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, the last trace of a smile on Northmont Fox's face vanished completely, leaving only gloomy anger and the embarrassment of being rejected.

He suddenly slammed the jade cup in his hand onto the ground!

"Smack!"

Sparkling jade dust flew everywhere.

"You ungrateful wretch!" Northmont Fox's voice was icy. "A mere One-Clawed Yinglong Guard dares to defy me, Northmont Fox? The Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram? Hmph! Genius? Aren't there plenty of geniuses who die young in this world?"

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Ji An's attitude and rejection were like a thorn piercing his heart.

No one in Anchan Commandery has ever dared to treat him so disrespectfully!

"Guards!" he shouted in a deep voice.

The monk in brocade robes who had just stepped back entered in response, bowing respectfully. "What are your orders, young master?"

Northmont Fox coldly said, "Go, investigate! Find out everything Ji An in Anchan City, and all the details about his Yan Mountain Ji Clan! Especially—what mission he might take on next, and where he might go!"

"Yes!" The brocade-robed cultivator felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the young master was truly angry, and quickly accepted the order and withdrew.

Ji An left the suspended jade platform where Northmont Fox was, his face calm and composed.

"Northmont Fox?" Ji An sneered inwardly.

In his eyes, the threat posed by a mere Wanxiu kid who relied on the power of his father and was no longer in the realm of the Zi Mansion was negligible in his eyes.

If his father, Northmont Yin, were to personally intervene, given his position in the Marquis of An's household and the resources he could mobilize, Ji An might still—

They became somewhat wary, but the maximum power that Northmont Fox could wield was at most that of an ordinary Myriad Wanxiang Adept, and he might even need to rely on his father's reputation.

For Ji An, whose physical body is now comparable to Heaven Rank Magic Treasure and whose combat power is approaching that of a Nascent Ji An Primordial Spirit Daoist, even if he hadn't broken through, he wouldn't have taken it to heart, let alone now.

"Just a clown, nothing to worry about."

Ji An remained unmoved, continuing his journey straight away from Heavenly Treasure Mountain.

We left Anchan City.

With Ji An, Ji An's silver-gray Void-Escaping Boat appeared out of thin air, and he stepped onto it.

The Void-Escaping Boat transformed into a streak of Flowing Light, flying towards its target— the Red Dragon Mountain Range! He stood at the bow, the strong wind whipping his silver-gold robes, making them flutter loudly, while the earth below rushed past him.

Feeling the immense power bestowed by the "Crimsonbright Nine Heavens Diagram" and the third level of the "Blood God Body," a sense of confidence welled up within him.

"Strength is fundamental. Ten thousand merit points, the 'Golden Origin Scripture,' and the Primordial Spirit demon blood needed for the subsequent cultivation of the 'Blood God Body' all need to be accumulated as soon as possible." Ji An's eyes were sharp, and his goal was crystal clear.

The incident with Northmont Fox did not affect his mood at all; on the contrary, it strengthened his determination to pursue power.

Only by becoming strong can one ignore the covetousness and threats of all evil spirits.

Soon the massive Red Dragon Mountain Range came into view.

Ji An retracted the Void-Escaping Boat and landed smoothly in the square in front of the Military Affairs Hall.

The hall was still filled with an atmosphere of iron-blooded ruthlessness.