Chapter 302: Chapter 288: Assistant

Now, having gone through the Ancient River Trial, I proceed with the first cultivation of the Undying Star Body.

Zhou Leng squeezes hard.

The grip strengthener directly elevates to 3.5 tons.

In just one month, it increased by a full 30%.

During the Vitality Stage, the focus is on enhancing force; growth in Qi Blood and physical aspects are typically modest.

This growth speed is nothing short of miraculous.

Zhou Leng takes out some shiny steel balls from the Magic Spirit Bag, the size of peas, originating from spoils of battle, used for Martial Artist cultivation.

Without using any True Qi, he pinches them with two fingers, applying pressure slowly.

The steel balls slowly flatten down, like small dough, pressed into small, flat steel discs.

Pinching steel into discs.

Feeling the growth, his body seems like a greedy beast, even hungrier.

“Since Hundred Peaks Valley is prepared for Ancient River Sect disciples, all the herbs here must be targeted at the Ancient River Sect Technique, even stronger than those in the Fierce Beast World, must try to acquire them as much as possible…”

Zhou Leng rummages through the Magic Spirit Bag, placing all saleable items into the Small Magic Spirit Bag.

Later, when encountering Ancient River Sect herbs, he would use the items inside to exchange.

Having bought medicines twice already, there’s little left, the total value of saleable items is only about thirty million.

Treasures like Blue Dragon Meat and Black Dragon Head are even more valuable but must be used personally.

“I need to find a way to earn money to buy Hundred Peaks Valley’s herbs; surely some teammates still have them.”

“If waiting to purchase after leaving the valley, the cost would be multiple times higher, even unaffordable.”

Zhou Leng is pondering when the voice of Cyan Flame comes from outside.

“Zhou Leng, can we have a chat?”

Zhou Leng steps out of the tent, and the two walk a bit away from the camp.

Zhou Leng looks at Cyan Flame.

He’s a typical Demon Spirit World person, black curly hair, shallow blue eyes, high nose, large eyes, features of both East and West, very handsome.

The edges of his eyebrows shimmer with a faint golden red, like flames burning.

On his left shoulder, a red Demon Spirit Ball hovers.

Upon seeing this Demon Spirit Light Ball for the first time, Zhou Leng felt it contained very strong power.

The two first talk about the Celestial Ladder, then Molten Hammer, and finally about the Youth Battle.

Finally, Cyan Flame says, “I’ve noticed that your spiritual sensing is very strong.”

“How do you know?” Zhou Leng asks.

“I still remember when we first met at the Shuizhou Demon City base, you deliberately glanced at me, of course, at the Demon Spirit Light Ball on me. You should have sensed that my Demon Spirit is more powerful than average, right?”

Zhou Leng smiles without answering.

Cyan Flame continues, “This time I’m here to invite you to be my ’Demon Spirit Assistant,’ to join me in one of our Demon Spirit Master’s most important Innate trials.”

“Don’t refuse yet; let me explain in detail.”

“Firstly, don’t think this trial benefits only our Demon Spirit Masters. Although it comprises many test items, the most crucial aspect is testing Spiritual Power, which is equivalent to your Martial Arts Will.”

“Moreover, it will form Martial Arts Will rewards, these rewards, not just on Blue Star, even in High-Level Civilizations’ Martial Arts World, cannot be found, exclusive to our Demon Spirit system.”

“You can ask your seniors; many Martial Artists compete to participate in such trials. Just entering will bring some level of growth in Martial Arts Will.”

“Reportedly, with good fortune, Martial Arts Will can directly devour Demon Spirit, gaining unimaginable benefits. Currently, only one has succeeded—Blood of Tyranny.”

Zhou Leng didn’t expect to hear Blood of Tyranny’s name here.

“Why did you choose me?” Zhou Leng asks.

Cyan Flame sighs, “First, I can’t choose a Demon Spirit Master because they would compete with me for ranking. This trial requires being in the top ten; otherwise, the gains won’t be significant for me. Top ten is challenging, fewer competitors is better.”

“Secondly, I must compete with all Innate beings in the Demon Spirit World, everyone will go all out. Demons or Giant Dragons are strong, but their disposition is notorious; they might be bought by opponents.”

“Giants and Dwarfs have good personalities, but intelligence… you understand. In the Demon Spirit trial, they are more prone to messing up.”

“So we all know, human Martial Artists are the best choice.”

“Martial Artists with both strength and benevolence are scarce.”

“You are fearless on the Celestial Ladder, still willing to aid allies here, yet possessing adequate strength without competing with me. We have mutual friend Molten Hammer, considered having rapport, basic trust between us, making you my best choice.”

Zhou Leng says, “I’m planning to visit the Demon Spirit World soon, so it’s convenient. But, what do you offer?”

The Ice Snow Divine Sect keeps sending benefits, not visiting doesn’t feel right.

“Firstly, I’m a very skilled Demon Spirit Master; this Demon Spirit trial, I assure you to reach the end, gaining all basic rewards. Though you won’t obtain the final ’Demon Spirit Divine Gift,’ you can choose any tradeable item from my gains.”

“Secondly, you mentioned needing medicine from the Youth Battlefield, right?”

Zhou Leng nods.

Cyan Flame taps the Magic Spirit Bag, light pulses, weaving the image inside the Magic Spirit Bag.

Eight kinds of Hundred Peaks Valley medicines are displayed.

“Along the way, I used spells to find and purchase some from others, achieving slightly better results than others.” Cyan Flame smiles.

Zhou Leng thinks no wonder this guy ranks over 100 on the youth list.

These eight medicines, outside, are worth no less than 300 million.

Cyan Flame says, “As long as you agree to be my Demon Spirit Assistant, these and all future treasures I obtain here are yours. Additionally, if needed, I can lend you money interest-free for purchasing treasures, even…”

Cyan Flame retracts the image, “I can assist you in acquiring treasures from other Demon Spirit Masters. As you’ve seen the materials, for us Demon Spirit Masters, these medicines have limited effects, better suited for you Martial Cultivators; I can acquire treasures you can’t.”

Zhou Leng’s heart skips.

Hundred Peaks Valley is the trial ground for nurturing Ancient River Sect disciples.

Critical to the growth of every Ancient River Sect disciple.

I was late, coupled with the powerful Exotic Beasts occupying summit treasures; my current growth lags far behind ancient Ancient River Sect disciples.

If I can truly gain the help of Cang Fei’s Flame, I might catch up with the ancient disciples of the Ancient River Sect.

Zhou Leng was silent for a moment and then asked, “What are the risks of the Trial of Magical Spirits?”

Cang Fei’s Flame replied, “Shameless Demon Spirit Masters.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Trial of Magical Spirits I want to attend offers extraordinary benefits; it can greatly enhance the potential to advance one’s Demon Spirit to a Demigod.”

“However, some Great Innate Demon Spirit Masters who were unable to complete their Demon Spirit’s enhancement in the past will use magic to temporarily exchange their Demon Spirits with those of the trial takers just for the enhancement.”

“In the terms of you Martial Artists, we might only be True Liquid Innate or Blood Shocking Innate, but we’ll encounter Bone Forger Innate or Muscle Innate.”

“Of course, it’s not their full power, but even part of it is extremely strong.”

Zhou Leng asked, “In your Demon Spirit World, does this kind of thing happen often?”

“Doesn’t it happen often in your Human Race world?”

Zhou Leng was left speechless.

“I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll keep it for you,” Cang Fei’s Flame patted the Magic Spirit Bag and turned to leave.

The next day, the team continued on their journey.

The seven who didn’t assist earlier shamelessly joined, and while no one rejected them, they weren’t considered teammates either.

Along the way, they occasionally came across trial takers from various races; some joined, while others left.

Two days later, the entire team exceeded fifty people.

As they approached the agreed gathering point of Green Shade Mountain of the Human Race, the humans among them began to discuss.

Nearing noon, all the humans explained their reasons and separated from the team, heading towards Green Shade Mountain.

Before parting, Cang Fei’s Flame gave Zhou Leng a Magic Badge, which would allow him to know his location for collaboration when activated.

Six hours later, Zhou Leng and his human teammates arrived at Green Shade Mountain.

Over a hundred people had already gathered there.

Among them were a few Ancient River Sect disciples.

Everyone exchanged information, and the newcomers like Zhou Leng immediately felt uneasy.

It turned out that many Giant Dragons and Demons had allied and were slaughtering everywhere to vie for rankings.

Especially Deep Dark Fury, who would even kill Demons if they didn’t follow him.

He firmly held the first position, and if scores were displayed, his points would likely surpass the sum of the next nine.

This year coincidentally marked the five-year ranking event, where a higher rank could earn more treasures.

Deep Dark Fury declared that he would stop at nothing for the top-ranking Dragon Scale Vermilion Fruit.

As a result, humans constantly avoided the Demon Alliance, fearing being killed by Deep Dark Fury.

Under his threat, many people stayed away from the highest mountain area, trying their luck to find treasures elsewhere.

As for rushing to the mountain top to battle for treasures, they didn’t even dare to think about it.

Some people set up stalls at the gathering place, offering treasures of the Alien Race, various broken stones, and herbs found there.

Prices were exorbitant, and Zhou Leng opted not to buy anything.

At night, he continued cultivating the Undying Star Body.

The next day, after much consideration, Zhou Leng decided to venture out and try his luck, as staying there was a waste of time.

So, Zhou Leng bid farewell to everyone and went alone in search of a target.

Everyone watched Zhou Leng leave alone, puzzled.

“Hunting alone?”

“He must have other matters. This place isn’t suitable for solo ventures; everyone is in groups.”

Only the Ancient River Sect disciples and old team members understood that ordinary trial takers were just burdens to Zhou Leng.

Zhou Leng put on a mask and covered his head, not wanting his identity to be revealed.

He first quietly ascended Green Shade Mountain, quickly nearing the top with his formidable physique.

From a distance, he saw hundreds of caves beneath the summit.

On the flat ground in front of the caves, many young tiger-headed lions chased, lunged, and played, surrounded by small tufts of white clouds at their ankles.

In some areas of the caves, giant tiger-headed lions lazily stood guard, each with a white cloud at its ankles.

Zhou Leng carefully estimated these adult tiger-headed lions; their realm was only at the Late Stage of Vitality, but each had the strength of a True Liquid Innate.

No surprises, the leader was at least a Blood Shocking Innate.

To take this place with minimal losses, they’d need at least a thousand trial takers.

Zhou Leng shook his head.

This place was not suitable for a prolonged stay.

He turned and quietly left.

From a high vantage point, an elderly tiger-headed lion glanced in Zhou Leng’s direction as he departed, snorting softly, its whiskers trembling.

Zhou Leng released the Demonized Drone, sending it high into the sky to start searching for targets.

At first, he saw nothing, but slowly began to spot trial takers.

A few Giants—forget it.

A group of Dwarves—not worth it.

A Giant Dragon, a Silver Dragon, relatively friendly—not dealing with it.

“A group of Beastmen?”

Zhou Leng retracted the Demonized Drone, set his direction, and moved swiftly forward.

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