C7 Profound Rank Technique!

Lin Yaoyang swallowed hard, barely containing the surge of elation within him. A Profound Rank cultivation technique! Normally, he would only hear whispers of such a name, never daring to dream he might one day practice it himself!

And to think, all it took was stepping on an ant and... "Hahaha!" Lin Yaoyang could no longer restrain himself, erupting into laughter as he stood there.

Armed with this Profound Rank technique, Lin Yaoyang could replenish his Qi faster than his peers. With equal amounts of Qi, his impact was more than tenfold that of someone practicing a Yellow Rank technique!

In essence, even as a mere First Grade martial artist, Lin Yaoyang's formidable strength, bestowed by the Power of the Ant King, along with the innate superiority of the Profound Rank technique, gave him an edge.

Against anyone below the Martial Master level, Lin Yaoyang was virtually unbeatable! He could effortlessly dispatch an opponent with a ranged attack while they were still strategizing their approach.

Yet, how to enhance his proficiency remained a mystery to him. Lin Yaoyang pondered, slightly puzzled. Could proficiency potentially amplify the technique's effects?

As the thought crossed his mind, the voice provided an answer:

"Once mastery is full, you can opt to upgrade the technique. Take the Power of the Ant King; reach a thousand points of proficiency at the mid-Profound Rank, and you can elevate it directly to the high-Profound Rank!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yaoyang's gaze sharpened, his breath grew fervent. Silent, he felt his voice quiver with anticipation.

He inquired within his thoughts:

"So... it's possible to ascend to a Heaven-Grade technique?"

"Why not a Divine level?"

The voice retorted, laced with a trace of pride.

Lin Yaoyang vigorously shook his head. Divine level! Had such a technique ever graced this continent? That was questionable. Yet, the voice in his mind boldly claimed his cultivation technique could reach the echelons of the Divine!

Lin Yaoyang felt a fiery surge throughout his body, brimming with anticipation for the path of cultivation that lay ahead. With a divine-level cultivation technique in his grasp, reaching the pinnacle of the continent was inevitable!

Imagining the scene where countless formidable figures, regardless of age or gender, would kneel before him, Yaoyang mused to himself, "Is this the advantage of wielding power?" This time, the voice inside his head offered no reply, as if allowing him time to ponder.

Once the rush of excitement subsided, Lin Yaoyang recognized his immediate concern: acquiring a Demonic Core to forge a Spiritual Force Weapon. This was crucial to safeguard his life in three days' time.

He couldn't afford to dwell on future prospects now; if he didn't survive the next three days, what use would an upgradable cultivation technique be? It would remain an unattainable fantasy.

With renewed vigor, Lin Yaoyang made his way to the outskirts of the market, where he found various Mercenary Teams. He resolved to join one and venture into the Demonic Beast Mountain Range. Going it alone would be foolhardy.

He was confident in his ability to dispatch the weakest of Demonic Beasts, the Fire Rat, but an encounter with a higher-level beast could leave him without an escape. Teaming up with seasoned mercenaries was his best bet for survival.

Lin Yaoyang approached the Mercenary Teams with bold strides. He wasn't concerned about not being accepted; after all, even as a mere First Grade warrior, his combat prowess was on par with a Level 9 Warrior.

He would defeat them all!

"Recruitment open! Looking for members! The Fire Wolf Mercenary Team is seeking at least Level 6 warriors, or mercenaries with equivalent combat strength!"

"Join us! The Boulder Mercenary Team is recruiting experienced mercenaries of Level 5 and above!"

Voices clamored around Lin Yaoyang, each Mercenary Team shouting their criteria. He paid no mind to those seeking warriors below Level 7. With such feeble strength, what good would they be in the Demonic Beast Mountain Range?

The combat prowess of a fifth or sixth rank martial artist was typically limited to venturing into the Demonic Beast Mountain Range to hunt the endless swarms of Fire Rats for a stroke of luck.

Lin Yaoyang ignored the minor scuffles of the smaller mercenary teams, continuing his patient search until he was jolted by a shout.

"Serpent Mercenary Team is recruiting! Looking for mercenaries from Level 9 Warrior up to First Grade Martial Master! Generous rewards, but your life is your own responsibility! Just two spots left!"

Lin Yaoyang's interest piqued. The Serpent Mercenary Team's high recruitment standards suggested formidable strength, especially in their leader, who was likely at least a First Grade Martial Master.

With a First Grade Martial Master and a host of Level 9 Warriors, they could take on an ordinary Demonic Tiger on the outskirts of the Demonic Beast Mountain Range and emerge unscathed with the right teamwork.

Approaching the caller, Lin Yaoyang announced, "Brother! I want to join your Serpent Mercenary Team! Do I qualify?"

The man gave Lin Yaoyang a once-over, not rushing to decide. "Joining depends on your strength, not my word. You'll have to convince the captain. Just so you know, we're hunting Demonic Tigers. If you're not up to it, better not to risk it. Your life, your choice."

Lin Yaoyang nodded, appreciating the man's well-meaning caution rather than any hint of disdain.

Fear was not in Lin Yaoyang's vocabulary. With the support of the mid-grade Profound Rank technique, Power of the Ant King, his extraordinary strength, and the ability to project his cultivation externally, few mercenaries could hope to best him.

Moreover, with his current progress, regaining his Martial Master Level status was imminent, and advancing to Martial Arts was only a matter of time.

Within a hundred miles, Lin Yaoyang was poised to become the strongest, provided he could amass enough experience points or credits.

"Alright! Where's the captain?" Lin Yaoyang inquired of the man.

Seeing Lin Yaoyang's determination to proceed, the man refrained from further dissuasion and gestured toward a tent, "The captain's inside that one. Go ahead and see him!"

Lin Yaoyang acknowledged the man with another nod and made his way directly to the tent. Lifting the flap, he stepped inside and found himself face to face with a towering figure!

The individual before him had a broad back and thick arms, exuding an air of strength and authority. His upper body was bare, revealing well-defined muscles that resembled slabs of stone.