These three days of fighting with numerous demon beasts have provided Xin Ci with considerable practical experience, and his cultivation realm even shows signs of imminent breakthrough.
Mu Qingqing, residing within the spiritual consciousness space, was somewhat surprised.
"I didn't expect the male lead's cultivation progress to be so much faster than in the original work. It seems I might be able to reach the story's conclusion sooner."
In the original novel, the main personality, Xin Ci, had only just broken through to the sixth level of Body Refining at this time.
Just after dealing with a Green-striped Azure Wolf, he noticed disturbances approaching from the direction of the core region – birds taking flight and beasts roaring.
Xin Ci assumed a formidable beast had appeared and immediately leaped onto a tree, extending his soul power in that direction.
During this period, Xin Ci had also begun to learn the application of soul power from Old Han, as it would be a waste to possess immense soul power without the ability to use it.
His soul power penetrated the mountain forests, revealing several young individuals clad in attire resembling sect uniforms.
These youths were generally at the Yellow Realm or above, with the leading woman possessing unfathomable strength.
Her white robe exuded a cool demeanor, and her beautiful face, coupled with her aloof temperament, made her movements, when she occasionally acted, as graceful as an immortal descended from the heavens.
"Wow, a beauty. It looks like this must be the male lead's second female lead, Liu Fuyao,"
Mu Qingqing observed the cold beauty through the screen in her consciousness space.
However, from the perspective of the main personality, Xin Ci.
He paid more attention to her cultivation realm than her appearance.
Xin Ci guessed that he was currently no match for this woman.
Judging by the spiritual energy emanating from her, he deduced that she possessed at least the strength of the Profound Realm or higher.
"With my current strength, I can't even contend with someone in the Yellow Realm, so I should avoid them as much as possible."
Just as Xin Ci was about to retract his soul power, he noticed the woman suddenly turn her head, her cool gaze directed towards his location.
"Not good, I've been discovered!"
Xin Ci was shocked. This woman was also a Soul Master.
Before her soul power could reach him, Xin Ci decisively entered the crystal space, thus avoiding detection.
Meanwhile, those around the woman noticed her peculiar reaction and asked, "What's wrong, Senior Sister Liu?"
"I sensed a not-weak soul power probing us just now, but it vanished in an instant," Liu Fuyao replied enigmatically, her gaze unfathomable.
The others' expressions shifted slightly. One of the Yellow Realm men cautiously inquired, "Senior Sister Liu, shall I go and see who it is that's brazenly spying on us?"
"There's no need. That person's soul power is not inferior to mine, and they likely possess considerable strength themselves. Let's avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Then what should we do, Senior Sister Liu? Is it possible that person's target is the same as ours?"
"What are we going to do now?"
These junior disciples began to panic. They had finally learned that the Azure Scaled Serpent was in the process of transforming into a flood dragon.
If the Azure Scaled Serpent successfully transformed, its entire body would be a treasure.
And now, someone else was also eyeing the Azure Flood Dragon, something they absolutely would not permit.
"There's no need to panic. Based on my estimation, that person's soul power has also reached the two-star level."
"But if they dare to probe us again, don't blame me for being merciless with my sword!"
If anyone else had said this, they might not have believed it.
But coming from Senior Sister Liu Fuyao, they believed her unconditionally.
This was because Senior Sister Liu was the chief disciple of the Vermillion Bird Courtyard in the Four Symbols Academy, possessed strength that reached the Earth Realm, and was also a two-star alchemist.
"Let's go. The Azure Scaled Serpent's transformation is drawing nearer. We must find its hiding place before it fully transforms."
"Yes, Senior Sister Liu!"
After these disciples from the Four Symbols Academy departed, Xin Ci emerged from the crystal space, finally able to breathe easier.
Old Han also floated out of the crystal space and commented indifferently, "That young girl just now has excellent talent. To reach the Earth Realm at such a young age, and her soul power is nearly at the peak of the two-star level."
Two-star peak soul realm!
No wonder he had been discovered.
"Although I don't know who these people are, based on their direction, they are likely heading towards the core region."
"It's unlikely I'll encounter them again, so I should focus on my cultivation."
A practitioner of the Earth Realm, Xin Ci was inwardly awestruck. The City Lord of Yichuan City was only at the Earth Realm.
And this woman, who appeared to be less than twenty, had already attained this level.
Truly, there are always greater beings beyond what one knows. Old Han was right; the Eternal Continent was indeed not short of geniuses.
...
Under the moonlight, Xin Ci was resting on a tree when it suddenly shook violently.
He was startled awake and looked down.
It was a Green-striped Azure Wolf at the sixth level of Body Refining.
He had fought more than ten such demon beasts during the day and did not wish to engage this particular wolf.
So, he tossed a stone downwards, employing the martial skill "Flying Star Stone."
It accurately struck the Green-striped Azure Wolf on the forehead, causing it to tumble several times on the ground.
Xin Ci controlled his strength, not killing the wolf, as the scent of blood could attract other demon beasts.
The Green-striped Azure Wolf managed to stand back up on its four limbs, baring its fangs, its dark red eyes glaring fiercely.
It then let out a few low growls before turning and leaving.
Xin Ci found the Green-striped Azure Wolf's behavior peculiar but didn't dwell on it.
Old Han appeared beside him at this moment and sighed faintly, "You shouldn't have let that Green-striped Azure Wolf go just now."
"Why is that, Old Han?"
Xin Ci did not understand what he had done wrong and humbly asked Old Han for guidance.
"Xin Ci, you must understand that I sent you to the Linchuan Forest for training not merely to improve your strength."
"In the path of cultivation, one's character, perceptiveness, caution, perseverance, combat experience, and insight are often far more important than one's spiritual energy realm."
"And these are precisely what you currently lack."
"I agree with that. However, the male lead is just starting and still needs time to grow,"
Mu Qingqing suddenly appeared between them, speaking to herself.
Neither Xin Ci nor Old Han noticed her presence.
This gave Mu Qingqing mischievous ideas, and she couldn't resist wanting to play a prank on them.
Suddenly, a wolf's howl interrupted Mu Qingqing's intentions.
This howl seemed to be calling for something, and soon, more wolf howls echoed from the surrounding dense forest.
"This is bad!"
Xin Ci suddenly realized what was happening and acted immediately without waiting to think.
He knew the wolf pack would arrive soon.
With a leap, he landed as lightly and steadily as a flying swallow on another tree, continuously leaping without looking back until he was far from the area.
As he fled, he reflected, "Old Han is right. My experience is still too shallow. That Green-striped Azure Wolf I let go has already started calling for its pack to avenge me."
As he put more distance between them, Xin Ci paused on a tree, feeling a sense of relief, "Fortunately, I escaped quickly."
However, the moment he used his soul power to scan, he discovered that the Green-striped Azure Wolves seemed to have a homing function, charging towards him with blood-red eyes.
Approximately twenty Green-striped Azure Wolves of varying sizes roamed the forest.
Five of them were already first-level demon beasts, equivalent to humans in the Yellow Realm.
With his current strength, he couldn't even handle one at the Yellow Realm, let alone five.
Therefore, escape was the best course of action!