**Chapter 31: The Hidden Beast Pattern
Inside the ancestral hall, the flickering candlelight made the place appear even more sacred.
Ye Jingcheng sat solemnly on the meditation mat and finally removed the jade slip.
"Third Uncle, I remember everything!" Ye Jingcheng said, crushing the jade slip into fragments.
After reading the jade slip's explanation, he was profoundly shocked. The power and mystery of the Beast Pattern were far beyond his expectations.
For instance, during a battle, whether the spirit beast provides spiritual energy to the cultivator or the cultivator provides energy to the beast...
"Drip a drop of your blood onto this family jade plate. This family jade plate can create a barrier in your mind, preventing other cultivators from probing your soul!" Ye Xingliu took out the family jade plate.
Ye Jingcheng knew that this also implied something else.
If someone forcibly attempted to probe, the plate would explode, destroying the soul.
This was a characteristic of all family jade books, jade plates, and sect jade books and plates.
The family jade plate was small, oval-shaped, made entirely of sheep-fat jade, and appeared exceptionally pure and flawless. However, countless spiritual patterns rippled across it like spiritual waves, which was quite magical.
Ye Jingcheng dripped a drop of blood onto the jade plate.
As the blood fell, the jade plate rippled like a lake.
Moments later, a new spiritual pattern appeared on the jade plate.
With the formation of this pattern, Ye Jingcheng felt a subtle change in his mind.
"Alright, Jingcheng, in the future, only those with the Beast Pattern can be considered for internal family matters. Do not discuss family affairs with outsiders. If you find a suitable spirit beast in the future, you will have the qualification to participate in the succession competition. Of course, our Ye family also respects the choice of the spirit beast…" Ye Xingliu said, adding other prohibitions and family rules.
"Also, when your Beast Pattern cannot be hidden, do not leave the family mountain peak. Wait until you stabilize before going to the market!" Ye Xingliu added as they were about to leave.
Ye Jingcheng nodded and, as he left the ancestral hall, looked back. He saw that sandalwood incense had been lit again.
The blue smoke spiraled upwards, merging into a larger misty rain.
Inside the ancestral hall, Ye Haicheng appeared at some point.
He held a small tower-like object and spoke to Ye Xingliu:
"Strange, today's Beast Tower consumption is four times that of a normal cultivator!"
"Indeed strange, but Jingcheng's talent is impressive; he has condensed five inches!" A Beast Pattern of one inch indicates potential. Even three one-inch patterns suggest potential, but only when three one-inch patterns combine to form a three-inch pattern does it signify real proficiency. Most Ye family cultivators are like this.
If one can achieve three three-inch patterns, they are considered a talented genius in the Ye family.
With Ye Jingcheng's five-inch Beast Pattern, including two additional one-inch patterns, he naturally deserved the compliment.
"And he might truly surprise our Ye family!" Ye Xingliu added thoughtfully.
Ye Haicheng nodded in agreement. He was very satisfied with Ye Jingcheng. Despite the secrets Ye Jingcheng might have, the Ye family did not need to investigate further. After all, their family itself was full of secrets; digging too deep could weaken the family's cohesion.
They then discussed other matters:
"How is the testing of the Blood Heart Pill?"
"We ground it into powder and tested it on the plain rat. Results are not yet available. Although we encountered rogue cultivators, it was still somewhat smooth and deliberate. According to what Elder Brother said, if there are issues, they might be significant, but the medicinal properties are present!" Ye Xingliu responded.
"Speed up the testing!" Ye Haicheng agreed.
The ancestral hall soon fell silent
[Translator: sauron]
...
Back in his small courtyard, Ye Jingcheng looked at the five-inch Beast Pattern on his arm, still clear, while the two smaller patterns seemed to be fading. He quickly followed the jade slip's instructions.
Sitting cross-legged, he infused spiritual energy for nourishment.
From the jade slip, he knew that the Beast Pattern related to his future ability to perform Beast Cultivation, borrowing spiritual energy, and the speed of the beast's growth.
He could not afford to waste time. Losing the two smaller patterns would be a significant loss.
However, the next moment, he noticed that in addition to the Beast Pattern on his arm, there was also a seven-inch Beast Pattern on the mysterious ancient book. Seeing this, Ye Jingcheng was stunned!
It seemed that the ancient book had absorbed the Beast Pattern.
But soon, Ye Jingcheng hesitated. He was unsure if he could control the Beast Pattern on the ancient book.
He used spiritual energy to nourish it bit by bit.
If it could be nourished, it could be used, as it was a magical medium of heaven and earth.
As he infused spiritual energy, the Beast Pattern indeed began to glow slightly.
"There's hope!" Ye Jingcheng was thrilled.
This meant that his Beast Pattern was actually seven inches plus an additional five inches, with two one-inch patterns.
He had seen Ye Xingliu's Beast Pattern, which was only five inches, indicating that his talent was greater. Even though he used the ancient book's assistance, the benefits he would gain in the future were substantial.
Excited by the discovery, Ye Jingcheng worked even harder on his cultivation. He was always one to endure solitude, and his dedication to his four spiritual roots had been unwavering.
Now that his talent and situation had improved, diligence remained his greatest asset.
In the days that followed, Ye Jingcheng's routine became even more structured.
Three hours for alchemy, three hours for nourishing the Beast Pattern, two hours for practicing coordinated attacks with the Red-Flame Fox to enhance combat power, and four more hours for general cultivation.
Every day was fulfilling.
Twenty days later, Ye Jingcheng awoke from his cultivation.
At this moment, his Fire Technique had progressed further, and his spiritual energy had become stronger. He was confident he could use the Ironwood Plate faster.
Most importantly, he could now control the Beast Pattern on his body to hide it on his skin or within his body.
The Red-Flame Fox was now more willing to stay close to his left hand, occasionally making chirping sounds. Its red form had grown over three feet high and four feet long, with an enormous tail.
"Once you advance to the early stage of Qi Gathering, it will be good!" Ye Jingcheng said to the Red-Flame Fox.
The advancement of the Beast Pattern was naturally tied to the cultivator's cultivation level. The greater the difference, the faster the enhancement.
Ye Jingcheng was at the fifth level of Qi Gathering. Once the Red-Flame Fox reached the early stage of Qi Gathering, it would help him advance quickly to the late stage of Qi Gathering.
Continuing with his usual routine, Ye Jingcheng prepared food for his two spirit beasts. The Red-Flame Fox received a large portion, while the Jade Ring Rat got a smaller share.
The Red-Flame Fox needed to advance to the early stage of Qi Gathering quickly, while the Jade Ring Rat could be more relaxed, as long as it could sense danger at critical moments.
(End of Chapter)