Two and a half months flew by in a blur of cultivation, exploration, and subtle planning. I stood at the edge of the training grounds, a faint breeze brushing against my face. My aura had grown steadily more potent, now standing at the very peak of Foundation Establishment. The golden core realm felt tantalizingly close, just one final step away.
But my greatest triumph during these months wasn't my cultivation—it was Xiao Yin.
The memory of merging the Legendary Beast Blood with Xiao Yin was still fresh in my mind. It wasn't a decision I made lightly. Legendary Beast Blood wasn't just a resource; it was a profound treasure capable of changing the destiny of a beast. The process had been risky, a delicate balance between guiding the transformation and ensuring Xiao Yin's survival.
The result was nothing short of spectacular.
Xiao Yin had evolved into a Spirit Beast, shedding its previous limitations like an old skin. Its sleek silver fur shimmered with a faint lunar glow, and its eyes gleamed with an intelligence far beyond what it once had. Its new form, the Silver Lunar King Wolf, radiated majesty and power, a promise of its potential to ascend to the Legendary Rank someday.
Its abilities had also undergone significant changes. The once-simple Lunar Bind had transformed into Lunar Dominion, a skill that could paralyze multiple enemies in a wide area with overwhelming lunar energy. Venom Spit had evolved into Silver Howl Venom, an ability that combined corrosive poison with a destructive sonic attack. And Ethereal Flicker had been refined into Moonshadow Blink, allowing Xiao Yin to teleport silently and unpredictably in combat.
Training with Xiao Yin had been a joy—and a challenge. Its newfound strength required me to adapt and push myself further, ensuring our bond remained strong and harmonious.
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During this time, I explored nearly every corner of the sect that was accessible to outer disciples. The Sign-In System had proven invaluable, rewarding me with resources far greater in quality than anything I'd obtained before entering the sect. Treasures, pills, cultivation techniques, and rare herbs filled my storage realm, waiting for the perfect moment to be used.
The geography of the sect had become as familiar to me as the back of my hand. From the serene meditation pavilions to the bustling alchemy halls, from the towering libraries to the hidden training grounds, I'd memorized every pathway and landmark. The restricted areas—those reserved for inner disciples and above—remained out of reach, but I made mental notes of their locations for the future.
The tasks and quests system, which allowed disciples to earn contribution points by venturing outside the sect, was restricted to those who had spent at least six months within the sect. For now, I was confined to its boundaries, but I knew this limitation wouldn't last forever.
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A quarter of my day was spent in the Main Hall. I listened to gossip, exchanged information, and made casual acquaintances. Some might have seen it as a waste of time, but I knew better. Information was power, and the Main Hall was the heart of the sect's knowledge.
I learned about the movements of inner disciples, the shifting dynamics of the sect's factions, and the subtle rivalries that simmered beneath the surface. I also picked up on the ambitions and frustrations of fellow outer disciples. I maintained a low profile, careful not to reveal too much of myself.
The other two quarters of my day were devoted to cultivation and training. My Mystic Beast Path Scroll had advanced significantly, and my beasts—Xiao Yin and the Starlight Fenrir Hatchling—were both progressing rapidly. The Fenrir Hatchling had yet to reveal its full potential, but I could sense its growth. Its Astral Bond ability had deepened our connection, and its Starlight Aura had become an essential tool in our training sessions. I reached the peak of Foundation Establishment quickly after getting the Supreme Affinity talent, it made my affinity with qi really high.
The remaining quarter was spent on basic necessities—food, rest, and occasional leisure. Cultivation wasn't just about pushing limits; it was about balance. And I needed a clear mind and a healthy body to achieve my goals.
The Sign-In System had been generous, accumulating over 12,000 sign-in points. I'd saved these points, knowing they would be essential for purchasing high-ranked cultivation resources and treasures. Among them were several Golden Core Formation Pills, needed for my chances of a smooth breakthrough.
The time to step into the Golden Core realm was fast approaching. The months of preparation had laid a solid foundation, but I wasn't rushing. Breakthroughs required patience, precision, and the right timing.