Chapter 376 - 296: A Visit to Give Thanks

Chapter 376: Chapter 296: A Visit to Give Thanks

RUMBLE!

On Huishui Mountain, Yu Changsheng’s figure flashed like lightning as he sped down the slopes. Moving at full power, his speed was invisible to the naked eye. He let his aura erupt without restraint, startling countless Spirit Beasts along the way, which all let out a series of low roars.

However, Yu Changsheng paid them no mind. Instead, he was focused on forming an initial assessment of his own power.

’If I go all out, even without the Profound Turtle, I can kill an ordinary Early-stage Golden Core cultivator! And I can even put up a fight against a Mid-stage Golden Core!’

Yu Changsheng took a deep breath at this thought, his breathing quickening slightly. Although he had slain quite a few Golden Core cultivators in the past couple of days, it was only because he had every advantage—perfect timing and location, superior numbers, or the Profound Turtle’s explosive power. Such opportunities were rare and could not be replicated.

If he had to fight alone, the pressure would have been immense. But now, everything was different. Even though he hadn’t formed his Golden Core yet, he possessed a physical body at the Golden Core Stage and a newly strengthened Divine Sense Power comparable to the Late-stage Golden Core. On top of that, his tamed beasts had all reached Tier Two Peak. He wasn’t a Golden Core cultivator, but his combat prowess was.

’In the blink of an eye, I’ve already reached this level.’

His heart stirred with emotion, and he felt a little giddy. After all, on the Martial Continent, Golden Core was already considered a high-tier combat power. At this level, one had the capital to establish their own sect.

As for the higher Purple Mansion realm, such experts were rarely seen. Even among the great sects, they were treated as foundational pillars of power.

’No, I can’t get arrogant. Across the entire Cultivation Realm, I’m still very weak. I’ll wait until I’m stronger before I go out and truly explore this world.’

Sensing this shift in his mentality, Yu Changsheng shuddered. He quickly shook his head, took a deep breath to suppress the stray thoughts in his mind, and muttered to himself.

’Still, there are many things I can start preparing for now... Of course, the first thing is to meet up with Senior Brother Zhang and the others. We need to get back to the sect before anything else.’

Soon, after half a day had passed, Yu Changsheng descended Huishui Mountain and returned to the Medicinal Herb Town just as the sky began to dim.

After getting his bearings, Yu Changsheng didn’t hesitate and walked toward the pavilion belonging to the Ancient Sun Medicine Gathering Team. Although he had killed Bai Zichen, who had been secretly bought off, with his current strength, Yu Changsheng wasn’t afraid of retaliation from the remaining members of the team.

Before long, the small building of the Ancient Sun Medicine Gathering Team came into view. Inside the living room were Zhang Tianwen, Li Minghan, and the others. Shen Xingchen’s condition had also mostly recovered, and much of the color had returned to his face.

As for the other members of the Ancient Sun Medicine Gathering Team, they were respectfully waiting on the group. Their gazes were filled with reverence, a clear sign that they had been put in their place.

Upon seeing who had arrived, an excited expression appeared on Zhang Tianwen’s face. He asked with concern:

"You’re back? Did anything unexpected happen?"

"I’m fine. I was just taking care of a few things, but it’s all settled now." Yu Changsheng smiled faintly and, after a moment’s thought, added, "You all haven’t run into any trouble these past few days, have you?"

"As long as you’re okay." Zhang Tianwen looked Yu Changsheng up and down, patted his shoulder, and let out a sigh of relief. Hearing Yu Changsheng’s question, he then shook his head gently.

"Everything has been calm. Just as you said, the employer behind Dark Stream must have gotten the news or been scared off. They haven’t made any other moves."

"That’s to be expected." Yu Changsheng nodded. His gaze swept over the group, and he was slightly surprised, but not caught off guard, when he saw two people standing to the side.

One of the two, Yu Changsheng recognized—it was Luo Meng. As for the other, he was a tall, burly man with rough features and a cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer. At the moment, however, his demeanor was extremely reserved. Upon seeing Yu Changsheng, he bowed low with his fists clasped and spoke respectfully:

"I am Ling Yun, Leader of the Cloud Sea Medicine Gathering Team. I heard from Yun Gang that you aided him on Huishui Mountain, allowing him to escape danger. After learning of such a kindness, I knew I had to come and thank you in person."

"Oh," Yu Changsheng said, understanding now. He gave Luo Meng a cool glance and replied calmly, "There’s no need for thanks. We were each just getting what we needed. It was nothing."

"How can I be careless about a life-saving grace? It is absolutely necessary. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I must insist that you accept it, Fellow Daoist."

Ling Yun’s expression turned serious as he spoke with gravity. With that, he reached into his robes, pulled out a Storage Pouch, and offered it to Yu Changsheng. As he looked at Yu Changsheng, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, perhaps at his youth, or maybe his cultivation.

"Alright, then."

Since he had put it that way, Yu Changsheng no longer refused, simply nodding and accepting it.

Ling Yun didn’t linger. After a few more words of small talk, his objective now accomplished, he took Luo Meng and departed.

Watching Ling Yun’s departing back, Yu Changsheng’s brow furrowed slightly. After a long moment, he shook his head and let out a soft, meaningful smile.

"What is it, Changsheng?" Li Minghan waved his hand, then lightly tapped Yu Changsheng’s arm. He swallowed nervously, his heart pounding as he spoke. "It’s only been a few days, but I feel like your cultivation has improved again. I can’t see through you at all anymore."

For some reason, he felt that the current Yu Changsheng exuded an immense pressure. His physical body, in particular, gave him a heart-pounding sense of dread when he tried to sense it carefully.

"Is that so? I did have a bit of a fortunate encounter."

Yu Changsheng just laughed and didn’t explain further. His physical body had just advanced, and he couldn’t yet control it perfectly. Slight fluctuations of his body’s vital energy were still leaking out, which someone with a keen Spiritual Sense would naturally be able to perceive.