C10 Monarch Rank Demonic Beast

Lin Xi and his companions immediately felt a chilling spiritual energy engulfing them as they entered the vast cave. With a flick of his right hand, Lin Xi conjured a golden flame, illuminating their path as they slowly made their way deeper into the cave.

The deeper they ventured, the more Lin Xi noticed that the scattered rocks were coated with an unknown black substance. As he reached out to touch it, the black layer dissipated before his fingers could even graze the stone.

Lin Xi's brow furrowed in thought. Lin Zhengyi and Ye Yuen, observing his actions, paused and turned their attention to him. Lin Xi gazed at the rock beneath his feet, now cleared of the blackness and beginning to glow faintly.

Loong Yuv broke the silence, "This is a Space Spirit Stone, a powerful type of Spirit Stone infused with a subtle Space Power."

"It seems someone discovered them earlier and used a special ability to conceal them. But such tricks are no match for the Myriad Dao Sword Intent," she explained.

Moved by Loong Yuv's words, Lin Xi inquired, "So, are you saying that all these black rocks are Space Spirit Stones?"

"Pretty much. Time to collect them," she replied.

With a slight smile, Lin Xi turned to the others and instructed, "You two, step back a bit."

Though puzzled, Lin Zhengyi and Ye Yuen trusted Lin Xi and retreated towards the cave entrance. Once they were at a safe distance, Lin Xi's body shook, and a surge of Spiritual Force erupted from within him, revealing a golden Myriad Dao Sword on his back.

Lin Zhengyi and Ye Yuen were momentarily taken aback at the sight of the golden sword. A Sword Cultivator!

The Myriad Dao Sword Intent within Lin Xi enveloped all the black stones, which instantly shone with a brilliant white light. As the light dimmed, Lin Xi collected the stones into his Storage Ring.

Ye Yuen jogged over, her eyes wide with surprise. "I never knew you were a Sword Cultivator. Don't you realize the danger if word gets out? Aren't you worried I might betray your secret?"

Lin Xi handed her a Storage Bag and assured her, "Inside are Space Spirit Stones, rich in Spiritual Force and a hint of Space Power. They'll greatly aid your training."

Ye Yuen accepted the Storage Bag, and Lin Zhengyi received one as well. Lin Xi had no intention of keeping everything for himself, as he believed in sharing the spoils.

Holding the Storage Bag, Ye Yuen paused for a moment, realizing that Lin Xi hadn’t actually answered her earlier question. She hurried after him, calling out, "Weren't you talking to me?"

"Do you really trust me that much? Do you believe I won't go out and spill your secrets?" Lin Xi stopped walking and turned to her, "If you had the courage to come here by yourself, it at least shows you bear no ill will towards me. I choose to trust you."

Ye Yuen’s cheeks flushed slightly at his words. Lin Zhengyi looked on with concern and remarked, "Brother, even if your wife can cover for you, it's not a sustainable solution."

Lin Xi’s brow creased with worry. His Myriad Dao Sword Intent might not be easily detected, but the techniques he would employ in the future were all closely tied to the Myriad Dao Sword. They could be concealed temporarily, but not forever.

With a proud expression, Ye Yuen declared, "Lin Xi, I have a solution."

Lin Xi regarded the princess before him, Ye Yuen, and an idea suddenly sparked in his mind.

"Marry me, and even if your identity as a Sword Cultivator becomes known, no one would dare to harm you."

Lin Xi smacked his forehead, his thoughts mirroring hers exactly.

"I refuse. Let's keep moving."

Lin Xi was not interested in discussing the matter further. He had no desire to be bound by royal ties, as he aspired to unparalleled strength and freedom.

Ye Yuen, taken aback by Lin Xi's refusal, stamped her foot in frustration. "I, a princess, have lowered myself to propose such a thing, and yet you still reject me!"

Regardless of Ye Yuen’s protests, Lin Xi remained silent, convinced that there were more treasures to be found within the cave.

After about a quarter of an hour, Lin Xi came to an abrupt halt. He wielded the Golden Myriad Dao Sword, cleaving the air and ripping open the ground before him. Deep within the fissure, he spotted a river glowing with a cyan light, stretching nearly a hundred feet.

The cyan glow bathed the cave in light. Loong Yuv's voice echoed in Lin Xi's mind, "This is a Monarch Rank Spirit Spring. Gather it quickly; it's extremely beneficial for me."

Lin Xi's expression soured, "Ms. Loong Yuv, show some restraint."

Ye Yuen stepped closer and remarked, "What kind of luck do you have, finding a Spirit Spring like this?"

Lin Xi produced a Storage Ring, divided the Spirit Spring into three portions, and packed them away.

As she handed one to Ye Yuen, Ye Yuen spoke up,

"Lin Xi, hear me out. There's another strategy for a Sword Cultivator like you: joining the Celestial Azure Academy."

Lin Xi didn't snub Ye Yuen this time and responded, "I'm aware. I've considered that option myself."

"With your abilities, getting into the academy won't be a challenge. The key is to have a high-ranking mentor inside to help conceal your Sword Cultivator identity."

After a brief pause, Ye Yuen added, "I can introduce you to my teacher and help you become an apprentice to my mentor."

Lin Xi's interest was piqued, and she inquired, "Who is your mentor?"

The Celestial Azure Academy, the most prestigious institution in the entire Celestial Azure State, was not governed by the Celestial Azure Dynasty but by individuals from the Upper Realm.

Each of the Nine States had an academy like this, with nine branches in total, all overseen by the Myriad Dao Academy from the Divine Domain.

Moreover, the sole pathway from the Lower Realm to the Upper Realm was through the academy's rigorous examination process.

Lin Xi was somewhat familiar with the Celestial Azure Academy. The academy's current top three Special Level Mentors were Zhu Maohe, Gu Dian, and Sima Shangqing.

"Special Level Mentor Sima Shangqing!" Lin Xi's spirits lifted. "Then I am in your debt, Princess."

There are times when one must bow their head.

At this moment, Lin Xi needed such a patron, not just for her own sake but for the Lin family as well.

It was well-known that the Special Level Mentors of the Celestial Azure Academy were influential figures from the Upper Realm, with connections and power that even the Celestial Azure Imperial Family wouldn't dare challenge. With such a patron, the myriad issues facing the Lin family would cease to be concerns.

"That's more like it!"

Without another word, Lin Xi led the way, with the two following behind.

As they journeyed, they discovered a variety of rare Spirit Stones and came across three Spirit Springs. But suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the cave, accompanied by a slight trembling of the ground. The trio's expressions turned grave. Lin Xi swiftly moved to shield the other two, her demeanor one of utmost vigilance.

In their fixed stares, an enormous Demonic Beast emerged slowly. The oppressive aura it exuded was beyond that of the Spirit Rank. This was the kind of Spiritual Force pressure unique to Monarch Rank Demonic Beasts! The creature resembled a wolf, yet it sported a single horn atop its head, its body clad in silvery-white scales, and it boasted not one, but two powerful tails.

The Double-tail Silver Moon Wolf!

Upon noticing Lin Xi and the others, the beast unleashed a thunderous roar. “Boom!” The cave shook violently, and stones cascaded from above.

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