Chapter 303 - 118: First Grade (2)

Chapter 303: Chapter 118: First Grade (2)

"Back when I was at the Second Grade, using my True Essence to tap into the Dragon Pearl Origin was like trying to pick up a block of steel with a flimsy willow branch—impossibly difficult. But now, my First Grade Gang Essence is like a pair of wooden chopsticks. While not as hard as steel, they can still use four taels to move a thousand catties, allowing me to finally lift the block."

In other words, his previous level was simply too low. He hadn’t even met the minimum requirement to draw upon the Dragon Pearl Origin.

As for the Zheng Family, Zhen Daoji, and Zhen Yi, they all used a Secret Technique as a shortcut. But how could such a contrivance ever compare to the proper, orthodox path, which is so much more direct, effortless, and clean?

"Now that I can truly utilize the Dragon Pearl and draw upon its Origin, I’ll have a virtually unlimited mana pool for a good long while. I can spam my ultimate abilities indefinitely."

Fang Rui’s heart stirred. ’Compared to the Zheng Family’s First Grade Yin Corpse from that day, I’m a super-upgraded version!’

Back then, time was short. The Zheng Family’s First Grade Yin Corpse, in reality, had only just barely crossed the threshold into the First Grade. Its Realm was unstable.

But Fang Rui’s breakthrough was fueled by Tribulation Points, making it instantly stable. His foundation was incredibly solid, on par with even veteran First Grade masters.

Furthermore, the Yin Corpse had no intelligence, only instinct. Fang Rui was different. He also possessed a Body Technique and several attack-type Martial Arts all at the Perfection Level.

Besides, the Yang Attribute Dragon Pearl in his hands was far superior to that damaged Yin Attribute Dragon Pearl.

"My Realm has broken through, my combat power has surged, and with the Dragon Pearl as a trump card allowing me to spam my ultimate moves, I finally have some confidence."

Fang Rui began to ponder his situation with Zhen Daoji. ’My Tribulation Points skyrocketed, which probably means we’ve completely thrown all pretenses to the wind. Even if I were willing to compromise and hand over the Dragon Pearl now, he most likely wouldn’t let me go.’

’As the saying goes, "Seek peace through struggle and peace shall live; seek peace through compromise and peace shall die." It seems a fight is inevitable if I want to protect the stable life I desire!’

’Fight! I must fight! And it has to be soon. The longer I delay, the more disadvantageous it becomes for me!’

Fang Rui’s thoughts were very clear.

Zhen Daoji hailed from a State Mansion Family, and the resources he could command were terrifyingly vast—far beyond Fang Rui’s own. If he allowed his opponent the time to calmly make arrangements, encircle him with a large force, and deploy various Secret Treasures, he would be in a completely passive position.

’Besides, hiding and being hunted like a rat by Zhen Daoji is just too humiliating. That’s not my style.’

’If a confrontation is coming, I’ll be the one to strike first!’

Fang Rui thought to himself, ’Zhen Daoji should have anticipated that I have the strength of a Second Grade master.’

’After all, without Second Grade strength, it would have been impossible to destroy the Yin Corpse that the Zheng Family ancestor had become and take the Dragon Pearl. He must have figured that much out.’

’However, he probably never expected that I would break through to the First Grade so quickly.’

’If I launch a surprise attack and catch Zhen Daoji off guard, it would be like an army appearing out of nowhere. The Divine Capture Bureau’s Secret Treasure, the Martial Extreme Sword, isn’t his personal property, so it’s impossible for him to be carrying it around. That’s one less trump card he can play.’

Fang Rui secretly calculated, ’If I attack first, my odds of winning are eighty to ninety percent. But if I wait for him to come to me, I’ll have less than a forty percent chance.’

’In that case, a blitzkrieg it is!’

He made up his mind. ’But before that, I need to make my preparations as thorough as possible! Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit, to say nothing of a life-and-death duel like this.’

He headed out.

Fang Rui went straight to find the Qing Yan Little Child.

...

「A short while later.」

SCREECH!

A white crane soared into the sky.

Spiritual Light flickered around Fang Rui as he stood firm on the white crane’s back, his robes whipping fiercely in the night wind.

That was right! In that short time, he had received the legacy of an Ancient Spirit Cultivator from the Qing Yan Little Child and had reached the peak of a Middle Grade Spirit Master in one fell swoop!

’Daoist Ge’s legacy is called the Primordial Scripture. The Qing Yan Little Child has four volumes. Volumes one through three correspond to Low Grade, Middle Grade, and Upper Grade Spirit Masters. The fourth volume corresponds to the level above Upper Grade Spirit Master.’

’I spent 4,400 Tribulation Points to master the first two volumes, and in a mere moment, I’ve already reached the peak of a Middle Grade Spirit Master!’

A Low Grade Spirit Master breaks open the Mystic Gate One Acupoint to open their Sea of Consciousness, giving birth to Gaseous Spiritual Power in their body, and can cast auxiliary Small Magic;

A Middle Grade Spirit Master’s Spiritual Power condenses into a mist, allowing them to create Spirit Talismans with their own power and cast Magic for attacking, defending, and lightening the body.

However, until one reaches the Semi-Immortal Realm above Upper Grade Spirit Master, one cannot achieve the state of "One Thought Becomes Technique." The casting speed and power of Magic are still dependent on one’s proficiency.

’Light Body Technique, Golden Bell Skill, and Fireball Technique... I spent a total of 1,110 Tribulation Points to raise them all to Minor Achievement.’

’I’ve done everything I possibly can. Now it’s time to return to Huaiyin Prefecture City and settle this grudge once and for all!’

Fang Rui murmured to himself, making a pressing gesture downwards with both hands. The Dragon Pearl in his chest supplied a steady stream of power, converting it into endless Gang Essence to augment the white crane.

SCREECH!

At that moment, the white crane let out a clear cry. A massive, super-sized version of a ’Gang Essence White Crane’—ten zhang in size—materialized around it, whistling through the night sky like an airplane.

...

「That night.」

「Huaiyin Prefecture, Chu Mansion.」

Chu Xingyun was embracing his concubine, Gao Le, when his expression suddenly changed. He twisted his head to look out the window.

"My lord?!" the concubine purred, clearly a little displeased.

"I have important business. I’ll be right back."

Chu Xingyun pushed the concubine away, threw on his clothes, and strode out the door.

Outside the door, a black shadow flashed past at incredible speed, luring Chu Xingyun to a secluded spot.

"Who are you?"

"Brother Chu, long time no see." Fang Rui turned around.

"You... Fang... Brother Fang?!"

Chu Xingyun’s expression was one of utter shock.

"It’s me. I’ve come to ask you for some news, Brother Chu. The young maids I released from my estate, as well as Liu Pan’Er, Niu Bajin, and Xun Buhe—where have they gone? What has happened in the city recently?"

Previously, when Fang Rui had returned to Huaiyin Prefecture, his first priority had been to gather information. He had silently visited Liu Pan’Er’s place, the homes of each of the young maids, Niu Bajin’s house, and Xun Buhe’s residence, but he hadn’t found anyone.