Congyun Mountains.
This vast mountain range, spanning across Linjiang Prefecture and Tainnan Prefecture, is a dangerous place where demon beasts have truly appeared.
However, danger is often accompanied by opportunity; there are numerous types of exotic beasts and poisonous insects, not countless, but nearly so, and these exotic beasts and poisonous insects themselves hold considerable value, not to mention that there are also some quite rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures in the Congyun Mountains.
Therefore, naturally, many skilled and daring individuals enter and exit the Congyun Mountains, whether to gather medicinal treasures or hunt exotic beasts; in short, there are plenty of them.
But the Congyun Mountains cover a vast area, and these people are merely a drop in the ocean within the Congyun Mountains.
In the eastern part of the mountain range, in the outer area, there is a mountain hollow with dense vegetation.
An open space several hundred meters square has been cleared, and several houses built from rocks or trees have risen from the ground.
Men and women with strong vital energy are moving around within it, building stone walls at the edge of the open space.
In the center of the open space, a bonfire is burning, from which hangs a plump mountain pig that is being roasted, and an enticing aroma of meat fills the air.
“This location is excellent. It's a long distance from the nearest Qingquan Town, and the surroundings are all mountain forests and barren land, so there should be few people coming here on weekdays. It's a good base.”
On a rock outside the open space, Yuan Zhongfei examined the mountain hollow and couldn't help but nod.
“However, the Congyun Mountains are indeed dangerous. This is just the outer area, yet it has already attracted two Pseudo-Spirit Beasts. We still need to be extra careful to avoid increasing casualties.”
Xie Qingyun, who was nearby, scanned the surrounding dense forest with her gaze and said slowly.
“That's not a big problem. Spirit Beasts are very intelligent. As long as they understand we're not easy to deal with, they generally won't come over on their own initiative.”
Lin Sheng said calmly.
This mountain hollow was a hidden spot he found after multiple explorations using his high perception.
Originally, a Pseudo-Spirit Beast level mountain pig lived in this mountain hollow.
But now that mountain pig is roasting over the fire and will be ready to eat soon.
Although he had always heard of the Congyun Mountains, after truly entering this mountain range, Lin Sheng had to admit that there were indeed many dangers within it.
Not to mention various exotic beasts and poisonous insects, the environment in the forest is also quite harsh, with many hidden swamps and poisonous miasma.
It's just that the remaining people from the Seven Forms Sect are not weak in strength; otherwise, surviving would not be an easy task.
“Sheng'er, you're not wrong, but we still need to be careful in the next few days.”
Regarding Lin Sheng's words, Xie Qingyun nodded slightly.
“As for food, there are many exotic beasts here, so we don't need to worry for a short time. It's just some daily necessities that are a problem.”
“We can buy those from the villages and towns outside when the time comes. We can also make a list of the medicinal herbs needed for cultivation and buy them all together then.”
Lin Sheng said calmly.
After the three of them discussed and finished handling the trivial matters, Lin Sheng had no intention of delaying and returned to his stone room.
He didn't choose the built houses but instead directly hollowed out a large hole in the side of the mountain wall to serve as his cultivation residence.
After all, if the area of the cave is not enough, it can be directly expanded, which is undoubtedly much more convenient.
Although he was not clear about the current situation outside, it was not difficult to guess that many people in Linjiang Prefecture had already set their sights on him.
Hiding in the Congyun Mountains, although extremely hidden and unlikely to be exposed in a short time, it's always better to be prepared, and improving one's strength as much as possible is never wrong.
And what can maximize the leap in his strength now is undoubtedly integrating with the Scarlet Eye Flame Dragon.
Suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his heart, he calmed his mind and body.
Holding the Lengshuang Sword, he used it as a carving knife and directly carved on the stone wall on one side.
This carving took half a day. As the sun set in the west, Lin Sheng sat cross-legged in the cave again.
He took out some Star Dew Grass and consumed it, while also activating his Heart Monkey Talent to temper his spirit.
These Star Dew Grass were what he carried with him. Unfortunately, most of the rest were left in Wanhua City.
Fortunately, when he sent Lin Hong and others away, he also sent word to Lao Zhou and Wang Dehai, who were staying in Wanhua City.
Presumably, they have already left Wanhua City by now. Calculating the time, they might have already rendezvoused with Xiao Shi and others.
Lin Sheng only stopped cultivating until late at night.
After notifying Xie Qingyun, his figure had already left the mountain hollow and sped down the mountain.
After switching to integrating with high-agility exotic beasts like the Green-Eyed Fierce Eagle, his speed reached its extreme.
However, after three hours, he had already crossed a distance of ten thousand li.
When he reached Changhe County Town, the sky had already begun to slightly brighten.
When he entered the County Town, he had already switched to integrating with high-perception exotic beasts like Big Yellow.
At this moment, his appearance had drastically changed. His Physique was strong and tall, more than a size larger than before. No one standing in front of him would be able to recognize his identity.
This is also the benefit after integrating with a Spirit Beast. As long as some restrictions are slightly released, it is the best way to change one's appearance.
He slightly closed his eyes, carefully sensing the situation in Changhe Town. In just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he found familiar presences among countless auras.
Before long, he arrived in a secluded narrow alley within the city and leaped into a courtyard.
“Who's there!?”
Soon, a low shout came from the courtyard. He saw Lao Zhou looking at him with a wary expression, his steel saber already drawn.
“It's me.”
A smile appeared on Lin Sheng's face, and his appearance returned to normal in a breath's time.
“Gongzi!”
After seeing the appearance of the person who came, Lao Zhou finally breathed a sigh of relief, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
The commotion in the courtyard quickly attracted the attention of the people inside, and soon everyone came out.
Lin Hong, Xie Guilan, Xiao Shi, Wang Dehai, and even Cao Ying and Cao Luan were there.
Seeing that everyone was safe, Lin Sheng also felt relieved.
After talking with everyone for a while, he didn't stay long either.
He came to Changhe County Town, firstly to ensure everyone's safety, and at the same time to take away the Star Dew Grass and other things needed for cultivation.
The second reason was to go to the Dark Star base. There is a Dark Star base in Changhe County Town, which is why he chose to have everyone come here in the first place.
Soon, he arrived at an unremarkable general store in Changhe County Town.
Lin Sheng was startled as soon as he entered the door.
He saw a thin old man smoking a pipe in the general store, puffing out smoke. One hand was even stuck in the gaps between his toes, constantly scratching. Besides the smell of smoke, there was also a faint sour odor in the air, the source of which was self-evident.
And this thin old man was none other than Huang Quan.
Speaking of which, ever since he dragged Huang Quan all the way to Linjiang Prefecture City, this old fellow seemed to have disappeared. He didn't expect him to appear here.
Besides this thin old man, a somewhat obese middle-aged man was standing behind him.
The middle-aged man had a fawning smile on his face. With one hand, he held a plate of grapes, and with the other, he held a fan, gently fanning beside Huang Quan.
“If there's anything you want, just look around yourself.”
Seeing Lin Sheng's appearance, the middle-aged man said perfunctorily without even lifting his eyelids.
Huang Quan, however, glanced at Lin Sheng, then withdrew his gaze indifferently. He raised the hand that had just scratched his foot, took a grape from the plate next to him, threw it into his mouth, and chewed with relish.
“It's me, Huang Quan.”
Lin Sheng frowned. The next moment, his figure changed, revealing his original appearance.
“Lin Sheng!”
Only then did Huang Quan recognize Lin Sheng and immediately stood up.
He put down the pipe in his hand and looked Lin Sheng up and down.
“Who would have thought, who would have thought? It hasn't been long since we last met, and you've even beaten up the Tianxiang Sword Sect Jianzi…”
He clicked his tongue, and while speaking, he walked forward and extended his palm.
Lin Sheng turned sideways, avoiding the other party's attempt to pat his shoulder.
“Was it you who escorted my parents here?”
“Of course. I was originally enjoying myself at Lichun Courtyard. The Blazing Star Envoy wasn't here, and the message was sent to me, so naturally, I couldn't just ignore it.”
Huang Quan grinned, showing his full set of yellow teeth, and said with a chuckle.
“Those people from the Tianxiang Sword Sect are all arrogant. I can only say you did a great job, kid.”
“Thank you very much,” Lin Sheng said seriously.
From the moment he saw Huang Quan here, he guessed that it might have been him who secretly escorted Xiao Shi and others here.
“You're welcome. I've received your 200 points of merit.”
Huang Quan clicked his teeth and waved his hand.
“I knew you would come, kid. You came much faster than I expected.”
Saying this, he beckoned, and the middle-aged man quickly walked over, his eyes carrying a hint of curiosity as he glanced at Lin Sheng.
“Old Five, tell Lin Sheng about the recent intelligence from Linjiang Prefecture, make it as detailed as possible.”
“Okay, Senior Huang Quan.”
The middle-aged man immediately responded and cupped his hands towards Lin Sheng.
“My name is Wu Changhu, code-named Tiger in the organization. Lin Sheng can just call me Old Five.”
Having just heard their conversation, Old Five had already guessed the identity of the young man before him.
He truly didn't expect that Lin Sheng, who was currently at the center of attention in Linjiang Prefecture, was also a member of the Dark Star Organization.
Moreover, he seemed to have a quite good relationship with Huang Quan.
He immediately revealed all the information he knew.
After a while.
“Tianxiang Sword Sect, Yuanyang Beast Sect, Prefecture Yamen, and Situ Family have all mobilized…”
After listening to what Old Five said, Lin Sheng sighed softly.
Although he had long anticipated this situation, hearing it truly still moved him.
However, fortunately, no God-Form martial artists took action, which was a blessing in disguise.
With his current strength, even against top masters in the Bone Transformation Realm, even if he wasn't an opponent, he had the ability to protect himself. At the very least, escaping safely wasn't difficult. Only when facing masters at the Divine Transformation Realm level did he have no confidence at all.
Another point worth mentioning is that he has now also been put on the Black Rank by the Prefecture Yamen, and he is ranked first on the Black Rank.
The original Reverse Sword Wan Yanbei has already been removed from the Black Rank.
“Lin Sheng, you've become famous overnight. The top forces in the entire Linjiang Prefecture are searching for your whereabouts. The Tianxiang Sword Sect has even offered a high reward of a million taels of silver for information about you.”
Huang Quan said, shaking his head, his eyes filled with regret when he mentioned the million taels of silver.
This was because he felt it was a pity that this million taels of silver had nothing to do with him.
“Thousand Faces Blazing Star Envoy asked me to tell you to keep a low profile during this time and try not to expose yourself. She is not in Linjiang Prefecture at the moment and will need some time before she can return.”
“She's not here? I understand,” Lin Sheng nodded.
Although he had the connection with Qi Ning, he didn't plan to rely on her to solve the current troubles unless it was absolutely necessary.
After all, as a God-Form martial artist, solving these current troubles is naturally very simple for Qi Ning.
However, if a God-Form martial artist enters the fray, then the Tianxiang Sword Sect, Yuanyang Beast Sect, and Prefecture Yamen, these major forces, all have God-Form martial artists.
If Qi Ning takes action, it is very likely to draw out the God-Form martial artists from these major forces.
Even if Qi Ning's strength is not weak, facing multiple masters of the same level, she probably won't gain any advantage.
Therefore, he doesn't plan to reveal his Dark Star connection until the last moment. Moreover, relatively speaking, he prefers to solve things himself.
“What, do you need me to help you find a hidden location?”
Huang Quan said suddenly.
“No need, I've already found one. It's just that my parents still need you to look after them a bit.”
Lin Sheng shook his head slightly. He didn't plan to take Lin Hong, Xie Guilan, and others back to the Congyun Mountains. Their strength isn't high, and Changhe County Town is more suitable than the dangerous Congyun Mountains.
“Okay, leave it to me.”
Huang Quan nodded.
After the two talked for a few more sentences, Lin Sheng said goodbye and left.
When he returned to the Congyun Mountains, he once again immersed himself in cultivation.
Seven days passed in a flash.
In the Congyun Mountains, on a mountain peak.
Lin Sheng sat cross-legged within it, his eyes slightly closed. Upon closer inspection, his entire body was vibrating slightly at an extremely fast frequency.
At the same time, sounds like elephant trumpeting emanated from his body.
After a while, the sound stopped abruptly, and his eyes suddenly opened.
“The first layer of Bai Xiang Zhen Yue Gong (White Elephant Mountain-Suppressing Skill) is complete.”
Carefully sensing the subtle changes in his body, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
After realizing that spending most of his time on condensing his spirit hadn't been very useful, he returned to his previous cultivation mode, practicing martial arts techniques during the day and only condensing his spiritual will at night.
In addition to cultivating the main Qingniao Chasing Star Finger, he also set aside some time to cultivate other martial arts.
And the first martial arts technique he chose to cultivate was the Bai Xiang Zhen Yue Gong (White Elephant Mountain-Suppressing Skill) from the White Elephant Courtyard.
This technique is known for its defense and strength, and its power is considerable.
In terms of the actual grade of the technique, it might even be half a notch higher than the Qingniao Chasing Star Finger.
The White Elephant Courtyard being among the top three of the seven major courtyards is not without this reason.
Qingniao Chasing Star Finger is characterized by speed and burst power, while defense and endurance are its shortcomings.
Cultivating Bai Xiang Zhen Yue Gong (White Elephant Mountain-Suppressing Skill) is undoubtedly quite complementary.
For example, Xie Qingyun mainly cultivates Chasing Star Finger and supplements it with Zhen Yue Gong.
It's just that compared to Qingniao Chasing Star Finger, the cultivation difficulty of Bai Xiang Zhen Yue Gong (White Elephant Mountain-Suppressing Skill) is a bit higher.
Besides the requirement for comprehension, the requirement for the cultivator's Bloodline is slightly higher than that for Chasing Star Finger.
Therefore, Xie Qingyun's Zhen Yue Gong has only just broken through the fourth layer.
After all, Xie Qingyun's Bloodline talent is quite compatible with Chasing Star Finger, but it is not suitable for Zhen Yue Gong, which focuses on defense, so her cultivation speed will undoubtedly be much slower.
However, this point is not a problem for Lin Sheng.
Although he hasn't integrated with an elephant-type Spirit Beast, his high Physique increase provides a very good enhancement effect when cultivating this technique. Therefore, even though he only spent one hour cultivating each day, in just 7 days, he has already passed the introductory phase and entered the first layer.
Following this progress, he might be able to break through to the third layer within a month.
This cultivation speed is not much slower than that of Qingniao Chasing Star Finger.
However, the deeper the cultivation of a true technique, the greater the difficulty. In the future, he will still need to find an elephant-type Spirit Beast to integrate with.
Now that he is in the Congyun Mountains, finding an elephant-type Spirit Beast should not be a difficult task.
