C30 Three Types of Needs

Inside the guest hall of Silent Elegance Pavilion.

"Eighth Uncle, what brings you to my place today?" Wei Dong asked, visibly surprised. Wei Lulin maintained a composed expression, but inwardly he was quite pleased with himself.

He had intentionally let his aura slip, hoping Wei Ying would notice his potential. It was important that the patriarch and the elders learn of his true worth through Wei Ying's endorsement. That way, he could look forward to receiving superior treatment in the time to come. It would also mean that his requests would be more readily accommodated.

"That's the situation," Wei Lulin responded.

Wei Ying snapped out of his reverie, pushing down the astonishment that threatened to surface. "As the year draws to a close, Yao Country is organizing a Hunting Competition. Young representatives from dozens of forces across the country will be participating. I'm here to ask for your opinion. Would you be interested in joining this year's Hunting Competition?" Wei Ying inquired.

After a brief pause, marked by a hint of reluctance, he added, "Lulin, I think you should sit out the Hunting Competition this time."

Wei Ying had his reasons for advising Wei Lulin against participation. He understood that for a martial artist to grow rapidly, facing life-and-death battles was essential. Wei Lulin's talent was undeniable, but without the trial by fire, reaching the pinnacle would remain elusive. Wei Ying had genuinely hoped Wei Lulin would accept the challenge.

However, having witnessed Wei Lulin's untapped potential, Wei Ying's certainty wavered. The annual Hunting Competition in Yao Country was notoriously brutal. It was less about hunting Magical Beasts and more a fierce rivalry among the youth of the land. In harsher terms, it was a ruthless culling and reshuffling of the country's various powers.

Wei Lulin's innate ability was exceptional, yet he had lost a year of cultivation, leaving him at a disadvantage in the upcoming competition. Wei Ying considered that with another year's preparation, given Wei Lulin's talent and pace of cultivation, he would surely reach the High Rank of the Qi Refining Stage. Then, with his capabilities, he could easily contend for supremacy. With this in mind, Wei Ying found himself hoping that Wei Lulin would decline to compete this year.

"Eighth Uncle, I want to participate in the upcoming Hunting Competition," Wei Dong stated, prompting the details of the event to flash through Wei Lulin's mind.

In Yao Country, martial prowess was the cornerstone of the nation. This was a common theme across the Eternal Continent, where kingdoms, empires, and dynasties were all built upon the principles of martial strength and governance.

Over the past few decades, the power of the Yao Country Royal Family had waned, leading to various factions within the nation growing restless and bold. The three great families, in particular, had been challenging the royal authority, even hinting at the possibility of usurpation. Consequently, the recent Hunting Competitions had seen a significant loss of life among the younger members of both the royal family and these powerful clans.

Wei Lulin was at the Qi Refining Stage Level Three, but his actual strength had already reached Level Five, a fact confirmed by his personal guards.

With just 15 days until the Hunting Competition, a breakthrough to Level Four was unlikely. However, he could use this time to expand his dantian's capacity and, with the help of Qi Increasing Pills and Grade Nine Low Rank Spirit Stones, aim to elevate his strength by a level before the competition commenced. By doing so, his power could rival someone at the Qi Refining Stage Level Six, significantly enhancing his self-defense capabilities.

With his strategy set, Wei Lulin was resolute in his decision to enter the competition.

"Lulin, the tensions in Yao Country are escalating, making the Hunting Competition increasingly perilous. You started cultivating a year later than the other competitors; perhaps you could consider participating next year," Wei Ying suggested, regretting that he had sought Wei Lulin's opinion only to find him so determined. Nonetheless, he persisted in his attempt to dissuade him.

Unwavering, Wei Lulin shook his head, maintaining his stance.

"Very well. Since you're set on joining the Hunting Competition, make sure you're thoroughly prepared. Do you have any other requirements?" Wei Ying asked, seeing the unwavering determination in Wei Lulin's attitude. He then shifted the conversation towards enhancing Wei Lulin's strength, knowing that the stronger he became, the better his chances of survival in the competition. As for the prospect of Wei Lulin claiming the championship, that was something Wei Ying hadn't even considered.

Wei Lulin had already intended to make a request, so when Wei Ying offered to help, Lulin was more than willing to accept.

Given the perilous nature of the Hunting Competition, and with his life at stake, this was no time for courtesy.

"Eighth Uncle, if I recall correctly, our family has a rule that any family disciple with a talent of Grade Eight or higher, who has advanced to Qi Refining Stage Level Three, is eligible to apply for a Dantian Cultivating Pill. Is that the case?" Lulin was not rushing to lay out all his demands just yet.

"That's the rule," confirmed Wei Dong, an elder with significant authority in the clan, who was well aware of such matters.

He himself had taken a Dantian Cultivating Pill when he reached Qi Refining Stage Level Three, which had significantly boosted his strength beyond that of an average Body Refining Stage Level Eight warrior.

"Could you assist me in applying for one, Eighth Uncle?" Although Lulin was treated as a direct disciple of the Wei family, he was still part of the younger generation and not well-acquainted with the clan's higher echelons, leaving him with little influence at home.

If he were to apply for the pill himself, he would eventually receive it, but the process would be delayed, which was unacceptable to him. With Wei Ying's help, he could have the pill within ten minutes.

"No problem, I'll head to the storeroom and fetch it shortly," Wei Ying replied, unaware of Lulin's concerns. He held Lulin in high regard and was more than happy to lend a hand.

Surviving the Hunting Competition would undoubtedly accelerate his cultivation and enhance his prowess.

"Eighth Uncle, in addition to the Dantian Cultivating Pill, I also need a superior Ten-refinement Steel Blade." The steel blade he had received upon rejoining the family was of Ten-refinement quality, but it was of mediocre grade.

Now that he had progressed to Qi Refining Stage Level Three, the blade was even less suitable. A fine weapon could enhance a warrior's strength by three levels, so it was essential for him to acquire a better-quality steel blade before participating in the Hunting Competition.

"No problem, I'll take care of it for you!" Wei Ying was familiar with the Ten-refinement Steel Blade that Wei Lulin had used and was well aware of its quality. She completely understood why Lulin was keen to switch his weapon.

"My final request is for some Spirit Stones, preferably Grade Nine Low Rank Spirit Stones." Wei Lulin had given it some thought before he voiced his last requirement.