C12 The Egg Shattered

Confronted with the Steel Mane Dog, Yu Kun didn't hesitate to strike.

Without a moment's mercy, Yu Kun unleashed the Vajra Worshipping Moon. Against a mutated beast that threatened his life, he couldn't afford to hold back.

The Steel Mane Dog crouched and let out a roar at Yu Kun. It then powerfully kicked off with its hind legs, lunging at him.

A foul, fishy stench emanated from the beast's mouth, its teeth menacingly sharp as it snapped at Yu Kun's throat.

The next instant, Vajra Worshipping Moon met the Steel Mane Dog in a violent clash.

Leviathan-roc Astral Energy burst forth with immense power, sending the Steel Mane Dog hurtling backward.

Leaves and grass were sent swirling around Yu Kun, trees quivering in the aftermath.

It took a moment for Yu Kun to take in the scene before him. The Steel Mane Dog's head had been crushed by his attack; it was clear it wouldn't survive much longer.

"The power of the Great Vajra Palm is formidable, truly befitting a Grade Four Martial Art! Yet, I may have overexerted myself, to have caused such disarray in the surroundings! I've heard that martial artists who reach the Martial Disciple Stage can attack with precision. I hope to achieve such control one day!"

Yu Kun approached the Steel Mane Dog and collected its body.

He planned to trade the corpse for something of value.

But as he gathered the remains, a glowing orb appeared on the ground and, to his surprise, drifted into his body.

"Could this be a curse?" Yu Kun exclaimed in shock.

The next moment, the Leviathan-roc System emitted a soft beep, and he noticed a slight change.

"You have gained one evolution point. Total evolution points: 1100!"

"Evolution points have reached the limit. The Leviathan-roc will now evolve! Successful evolution will unlock a new form and new functionalities!"

Yu Kun paused, then recalled that the system indeed had this capability. By slaying his enemies, the Leviathan-roc could absorb them and evolve.

He could consume items imbued with Spiritual Energy to gain Growth Value, which he'd use in place of the Qi Sea that typical warriors cultivated. Now, it appeared that the evolution points he earned from devouring enemies were meant to evolve his Leviathan-roc.

Upon inspecting the system again, Yu Kun noticed it now displayed an egg. Post-evolution, it resembled a young, unidentified creature. He also saw a slight increase in his own Growth Value.

"This is fantastic!" Yu Kun exclaimed with delight. "By slaying monsters, I can not only level up but evolve the system too! I've got a single Leviathan-roc egg at the moment. I wonder what it'll turn into after evolving? But first, I should scout for mutated beasts in the vicinity."

Yu Kun's search for Flying Shadow Grass was no longer a priority as he set out to hunt mutated beasts within the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range. He'd dispatch any ordinary mutated beasts on sight, but if a formidable demonic beast crossed his path, retreat was his only option.

Days flew by, and Yu Kun had been in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range for a solid ten days. During this time, the quest for Flying Shadow Grass slipped his mind entirely as he relentlessly pursued various mutated beasts, steadily increasing his evolution points and Growth Value.

"Vajra Worshipping Moon!"

Confronting a wolf-shaped mutated beast, Yu Kun unleashed the Vajra Worshipping Moon technique. The beast sustained injuries but miraculously survived.

"You're quite formidable," Yu Kun remarked, arching an eyebrow, though he wasn't taken aback.

Despite not knowing the exact distance he had covered, he was confident that he had ventured deep into the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range over these ten days. Encountering some formidable mutated beasts now was hardly surprising.

Yu Kun inhaled deeply and executed Vajra Worshipping Moon once more. His time spent cultivating in the mountain range had significantly enhanced his combat skills. Having honed Vajra Worshipping Moon to near perfection, he had no trouble handling a mutated beast whose only strength was its high defense.

"Your head's been bashed in by me; you're not going to fetch a high price! But I'm in dire need of Spirit Stones right now, so I might as well take you back with me!"

Yu Kun mulled over his next move as he stowed the carcass of the mutated beast into the Leviathan-roc Space.

"I've slain a fair number of mutated beasts in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range. Bringing back their corpses could fetch a handsome sum. Converting that to Spirit Stones, I reckon I could net myself upwards of twenty," he mused.

Finding a dry boulder, Yu Kun seated himself cross-legged upon it, nibbled on some provisions, and began to replenish his Astral Energy.

Time passed, and Yu Kun's eyes fluttered open, revealing a glimmer of elation.

"I've amassed a significant Growth Value from all the mutated beasts I've vanquished. A level-up is imminent! Though I've failed to complete my mission, my advancement to the High Rank Qi Refining Stage and the sheer number of beasts I've defeated means I'll face no reprimand upon my return."

Yet, a sense of resignation tinged his thoughts.

"Still, it's unfortunate I couldn't fulfill the mission and show up the disciple who assigned it. Mockery is likely awaiting me back home."

Regret was palpable, but Yu Kun accepted his predicament. The elusive Flying Shadow Grass wasn't going to be found easily, especially since he had spent days leveling up through his hunts.

"No matter. It'll take me two days to make it back to the Flying Cloud Sect, which puts me right at the fifteenth day. Best to make haste."

With that resolve, Yu Kun rose to return to the sect.

But as he did, a sudden crack resounded within him, as though something had fractured.

Yu Kun froze, alarmed.

"What's happening?"

Startled, he immediately turned his focus inward and was astonished to witness an odd transformation within himself.

Ordinary people possessed a Qi Sea, but not Yu Kun. Where his Qi Sea should have been, there was only an egg-like entity.

And now, that egg had split open!