Bang.
As expected!
Before Lin Chu could finish his thoughts, he felt a behemoth rapidly charging towards him. Lin Chu's figure flickered, and he saw a beast the size of a thatched hut land on the ground.
"Is this a fifth-tier Azure Shadow Leopard?" Lin Chu's mouth twitched as he looked at the Azure Shadow Leopard before him. Azure Shadow Leopards were extremely fast and possessed formidable offensive power.
He hadn't expected it to take less than a minute for Tian Tian to bring it over. This Azure Shadow Leopard had a clear bite mark on its throat, indicating it was already dead.
Lin Chu chuckled self-deprecatingly. While dealing with this Azure Shadow Leopard wouldn't be too difficult for him, it certainly wouldn't be as fast as Tian Tian.
Thinking that even Tian Tian's strength surpassed his own, Lin Chu shrugged helplessly. He then took out the Qiankun bag given by Bai Yu Wei and, with a thought, stored the Azure Shadow Leopard inside.
Moments later, Lin Chu sensed Tian Tian's aura again. Following closely behind was another beast charging towards him. Lin Chu glanced at it – a fifth-tier Unicorn.
Then, in less than half an hour, Lin Chu had collected a series of fifth-tier beasts into the Qiankun bag.
Lin Chu calculated. In half an hour, Tian Tian had already killed six fifth-tier beasts. These six beasts had filled two of the three Qiankun bags given by Bai Yu Wei.
Bang!
As another thud echoed, Lin Chu's heart immediately grew excited. The seventh fifth-tier beast had now been obtained.
"Huh, where did Tian Tian go?" After storing the seventh fifth-tier beast, Lin Chu looked up and, to his surprise, found no sign of Tian Tian. He was puzzled but, considering Tian Tian's strength, he wasn't overly worried. In his heart, he had a faint guess as to what Tian Tian was planning.
Bang, bang.
Indeed!
After waiting for over ten minutes, two more beasts shot towards him. Lin Chu glanced at them and was speechless. These two beasts were no longer fifth-tier. One was a sixth-tier Firelight Beast, and the other was a sixth-tier Sky Eagle.
"Alright, if you go any further, you won't be able to carry any more," Lin Chu immediately shouted as he saw Tian Tian preparing to hunt for more beasts.
Hearing this, Tian Tian finally turned around and flew towards Lin Chu. Once in Lin Chu's arms, Tian Tian began to sleep soundly, as if slaying these beasts had consumed a great deal of energy.
After storing the two sixth-tier beasts, Lin Chu couldn't help but sigh. If he had to kill these beasts himself, it would likely take at least a month.
And for two sixth-tier existences, he would probably only have a path to escape. This clearly showed how powerful Tian Tian was.
Looking at Tian Tian sleeping soundly in his arms, Lin Chu smiled. With a flash of his figure, he shot towards the direction of the Young Sect.
In the secret chamber of the Young Sect, Lin Chu looked at the large vat filled with the mixed blood of seven fifth-tier beasts. Holding a Soft Spirit Grass in his mouth, he resolutely stepped in.
Hiss, hiss!
As Lin Chu entered the vat, the ferocious beast blood began to seep into his pores with wild intensity. For a moment, Lin Chu felt a needle-like pain assaulting him from all over his body.
Hiss!
Lin Chu gasped, enduring the intense pain and quickly circulating the cultivation method of the second level of the Immortal Spirit Body to temper himself. The Soft Spirit Grass in his mouth then began to emit a green glow that spread throughout Lin Chu's body.
With the appearance of this green glow, Lin Chu finally felt the stinging sensation lessen considerably.
Time gradually passed. In the blink of an eye, a month had quietly gone by since Lin Chu entered the secret chamber.
"It's been a month. I wonder how Lin Chu's cultivation is progressing," Bai Yu Wei murmured, fiddling with her hair on Saintess Peak, her beautiful eyes showing a hint of worry.
Qu Yan Xia smiled upon hearing this. "Sister Yu Wei, there's no need to worry. With the Soft Spirit Grass, Lin Chu will be fine. At most, he'll just fail. But since a month has already passed, failure is unlikely. Perhaps it's already over."
"Let's hope so. There are only six months left until the ranking competition. If Lin Chu can improve his physical body, he'll surely achieve better results in the ranking competition," Bai Yu Wei nodded in agreement.
"The ranking competition... with Lin Chu's strength, it shouldn't be too difficult, right?" During his stay on Saintess Peak, Qu Yan Xia had naturally learned about the ranking matches. Hearing Bai Yu Wei's concern for Lin Chu, she spoke.
Bai Yu Wei bit her lip lightly, as if making a significant decision. She then looked at Qu Yan Xia and said, "Sister Yan Xia, I know you also wish for Brother Chu to grow quickly. Although you appear calm on the surface, some of your actions reveal your concern for Brother Chu."
"With Brother Chu's strength, qualifying for the ranking competition is indeed easy. But I want Brother Chu to enter the top ten."
"Top ten? As far as I know, there are no less than four thousand disciples at or above the Initial Spirit Realm within your Young Sect alone. Not to mention the other four major powers. To enter the top ten among so many people seems quite difficult."
"Also, according to Lin Chu, he seems to have some grievances with the An Wu Hall. Is it appropriate for him to join the An Wu Hall...?" Qu Yan Xia's delicate face showed a slight change in expression.
Bai Yu Wei shook her head. "My view is different from yours. Perhaps your grandfather also told you that Brother Chu is not as he is now. Previously, when the An Wu Hall issued the An Wu Token to search for Brother Chu's whereabouts, a powerful elder had no choice but to transform Brother Chu into his current state."
"And my idea is that, strictly speaking, Brother Chu is not a disciple of our Young Sect. The techniques he practices are all from his own inheritance. Moreover, compared to the An Wu Hall, our Young Sect is indeed vastly inferior."
"You think so highly of him? You know that the An Wu Hall is not an ordinary force," Qu Yan Xia asked, tilting her head in surprise, listening to Bai Yu Wei's words.
Bai Yu Wei smiled. "If you knew that Lin Chu was just an ordinary child two and a half years ago, you wouldn't doubt it so much. In my memory, I haven't heard of anyone who could cultivate to the intermediate level of the Spirit Soul Realm in just over two years. Besides, with you and Tian Tian by Brother Chu's side, I have enough confidence."
"So, after all this talk, Sister Yu Wei, you intend for me to help him?" After hearing Bai Yu Wei's words, Qu Yan Xia suddenly understood.
Bai Yu Wei, seeing through her disguise, did not deny it and nodded slightly. "Since Brother Chu is your grandfather's disciple, he is considered family to you. Although Brother Chu has promised to protect you in the future, isn't it only right for you, as an elder sister, to help him while he is still growing?"
Qu Yan Xia nodded helplessly. "Alright, since Sister Yu Wei has asked, I can't refuse to help. Who asked that guy to make such good barbecue? For the sake of the barbecue, if there's anything I can help with in the future, I will."
"Woof woof."
As soon as Qu Yan Xia finished speaking, Tian Tian in her arms barked towards the distance. Qu Yan Xia and Bai Yu Wei immediately looked down from Saintess Peak.
"You greedy fellow," Qu Yan Xia patted Tian Tian's head, a hint of anticipation also appearing in her beautiful eyes. Under the gaze of the three, a figure rapidly shot towards them.
"Sister Yu Wei, Sister Yan Xia. Um, what's wrong?" Lin Chu, just emerging from his seclusion in the secret chamber, felt the changes brought about by the second level of the Immortal Spirit Body and was excited as he headed towards Saintess Peak.
However, upon seeing the gazes of Bai Yu Wei, Qu Yan Xia, and Tian Tian, he felt a sense of foreboding.
"Your seclusion is over?" Bai Yu Wei and Qu Yan Xia scrutinized Lin Chu for a moment before retracting their gazes and asking, "Is it over?"
"It is," Lin Chu nodded, feeling a bit uneasy as he glanced at Bai Yu Wei and Qu Yan Xia.
"What was the result?" Qu Yan Xia asked casually, stroking Tian Tian's back.
Lin Chu felt that something was not quite right, but he dared not fail to answer. He nodded again and said, "I broke through smoothly."
Hearing this, Qu Yan Xia glanced at Bai Yu Wei. Seeing the relief in the latter's eyes, she then looked at Lin Chu and said, "In that case, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"
"Appreciation?" Lin Chu was utterly confused.
"Alright, stop teasing Brother Chu. Brother Chu, your Sister Yan Xia wants to eat barbecue." Bai Yu Wei, who had been holding back, finally couldn't resist and chuckled.
Qu Yan Xia's face flushed slightly, and she spat, "Sister Yu Wei means, aren't you eating?"
"Woof woof woof." Tian Tian, in Qu Yan Xia's arms, seemed to understand and jumped out, barking at Lin Chu.
"So you want to eat barbecue," Lin Chu said speechlessly. He had worked hard in seclusion and had originally wanted to share the joy with everyone. To his surprise, this was what happened.
Soon, with Qing Shuang's help, a bonfire was lit. Then, Tian Tian dragged out a beast carcass that had been previously frozen. The three women and one dog watched Lin Chu busily grilling, and within half an hour, the aroma of roasted meat filled the air.
After finishing off a beast weighing over a hundred pounds, Lin Chu chatted with Bai Yu Wei and Qu Yan Xia for a while before returning to the secret chamber to cultivate. After all, the ranking competition was still half a year away. If he could achieve some breakthrough, it would be best.
Time passed gradually. As the two-year mark approached, the Young Sect became bustling with activity.
Dong!
With the ringing of a bell, countless disciples looked towards the direction of the main hall of the Young Sect and then rushed towards it.
Thus, the ranking competition officially began!
On the summit of Shaoyin Mountain in the Young Sect, nine bell tolls echoed through the sky. Numerous figures flew out from various places, heading directly towards the location of the main hall of the Young Sect.
The figures exuded powerful auras, clearly indicating that the strength of the Young Sect disciples had undergone a qualitative leap in the past two years.
However, upon closer inspection, it was evident that most of the disciples rushing to the main hall were elite disciples, ordinary disciples, and outer disciples. All of these disciples had reached at least the Initial Spirit Realm.
"Brother Chu, they are currently gathering all disciples eligible for the competition. Why haven't you gone yet?" Bai Yu Wei, about to depart, suddenly stopped as she saw a figure approaching and asked, "Why haven't you gone yet?"
"Sister, Elder Yang Yun told me to set off an hour later, so I wanted to bid farewell to Sister Yan Xia and Tian Tian," Lin Chu said, rubbing his head.
"I see," Bai Yu Wei understood. But then she smiled slightly. "However, regarding the farewell, you probably won't be able to."
Lin Chu was startled. "Why?"
"Because Tian Tian and I have decided to accompany Sister Yu Wei to watch your ranking competition," Qu Yan Xia's voice came before Bai Yu Wei could answer. Then, Qu Yan Xia, disguised, slowly walked out, holding Tian Tian.
"Ah? Sister Yan Xia, you're going too? And bringing Tian Tian?" Lin Chu was stunned again. He had originally thought Qu Yan Xia would stay in the Young Sect and wait for his return, but he hadn't expected her to go along.
Qu Yan Xia frowned slightly. "What? We can't go?"
"No, no. It's just, Sister Yan Xia, how will you travel? You have no connection to our Young Sect," Lin Chu asked, puzzled. He then shifted his gaze to Bai Yu Wei, clearly seeking information from her.
"Um, Brother Chu, I forgot to tell you. Sister Yan Xia is now an esteemed elder of our Young Sect. With this status, she can accompany us to the ranking competition," Bai Yu Wei said with a smile.
Lin Chu felt speechless. He had been a disciple in the Young Sect for three years, while Qu Yan Xia had only been there for a short time and had already achieved the status of an esteemed elder.
Given Qu Yan Xia's strength, becoming an esteemed elder wouldn't be difficult. However, he had never heard either of them mention it before, so a hint of confusion appeared on Lin Chu's face.
Sensing Lin Chu's bewilderment, Bai Yu Wei smiled charmingly. "Sister Yan Xia became an esteemed elder of our Young Sect less than a month ago. You were in seclusion, Brother Chu, so it's normal that you don't know. Alright, let's go. If we're late, someone might start gossiping."
Lin Chu nodded. He looked at Bai Yu Wei, who had put on a veil, and then shifted his gaze to Qu Yan Xia. After all, their beauty was almost on par.
Bai Yu Wei exuded a mature womanly aura.
Qu Yan Xia, on the other hand, was cold yet playful.
If they appeared in public like this, it would likely cause unnecessary trouble. Moreover, Lin Chu felt a slight reluctance.
"Keep staring and I'll dig your eyes out," Qu Yan Xia glared at Lin Chu fiercely as he looked at her. With a wave of her hand, a silver mask appeared on her face, concealing her exquisite beauty.
"Alright. Brother Chu, let's go," Bai Yu Wei chuckled and nodded at Lin Chu after Qu Yan Xia had put on her mask. She then moved first, flying towards the main hall of the Young Sect.
As Lin Chu prepared to take flight, he saw Qu Yan Xia already a step ahead of him. Helplessly, Lin Chu lingered for a few moments before setting off towards the main hall.
"Huh? Look, isn't that the esteemed elder who recently joined our Young Sect?" As Bai Yu Wei and Qu Yan Xia landed on the high platform outside the main hall, the Young Sect disciples standing below began to whisper among themselves.
"It is said that this esteemed elder is also a good friend of the Saintess. She agreed to join our Young Sect and become an esteemed elder at the Saintess's invitation. This should be considered her official introduction, right?"
"Before, the Saintess was the most beautiful in our Young Sect. Now, there might be another one. I wonder who is more beautiful, the Saintess or this esteemed elder."
"How can you tell her appearance with the mask on, esteemed elder? Heh, be careful if the esteemed elder hears you and punishes you for your insolence."
"..."
Listening to the low murmurs of the disciples, Lin Chu rubbed his nose. It seemed his arrival was not attracting much attention.
"Senior Brother Lin Chu, over here!" Just then, Lin Chu suddenly heard a familiar voice. Following the sound, he saw Chen Lingang and Chen Desheng waving. Elder Yang Yun also turned around and smiled at Lin Chu.
"Greetings, Elder Yang Yun," Lin Chu quickly walked over and bowed slightly to Elder Yang Yun. After rising, he also nodded to Chen Lingang and Chen Desheng.
At the same time, Lin Chu felt two gazes. He looked over and saw Shi Wendong and Su Jinlong. Lin Chu nodded to them as well.
"No need for formalities. Lin Chu, do you have confidence in this ranking competition?" Elder Yang Yun nodded slightly, looking at Lin Chu with a smile and asking.
"Whether I have confidence or not, I cannot guarantee it at the moment. However, I will do my best," Lin Chu replied.
Elder Yang Yun nodded, his expression becoming serious. "After you crippled Liu Feng of the Liu Luo Sect last time, I specifically made inquiries. Liu Feng has an elder brother named Liu Wudi. In this ranking competition, you must pay attention to this person."
"Liu Wudi? I've noted it down," Lin Chu replied, his expression also becoming serious. For Elder Yang Yun to say this, Liu Wudi must not be a simple individual.
Elder Yang Yun nodded, then looked at Lin Chu deeply before slowly turning away.
At this moment, Liu Feichen's figure slowly appeared on the high platform.
"Greetings, Sect Master," Seeing Liu Feichen appear, everyone bowed and saluted.
Liu Feichen waved his hand, looking at the disciples below with a hint of satisfaction in his expression. He then said, "Two years have passed. Our Northern Region powers will hold a ranking battle in three days. You will represent our Young Sect and compete for one of the ten spots."
"Do you have confidence!"
"Yes!" The assembled crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing through the heavens.
"Good!" A flicker of relief flashed in Liu Feichen's eyes. His gaze swept across the ten figures at the forefront, and then he waved his hand. "Let the elders in charge of each level lead the teams to Northern Region City!"
Hearing this, Lin Chu's heart also burned with excitement.
Northern Region City, directly governed by the An Wu Hall, was the largest city in the Northern Region. Its vastness spanned over ten million li. This year's Northern Region ranking competition would naturally be held there.
"Alright, let's go too. All listen to orders, depart for Northern Region City!" Seeing the core disciples and elite disciples' elders lead their teams into the sky, Elder Yang Yun turned around, nodded to Lin Chu and the others, and then soared into the sky with a wave of his hand.
Watching the figures rapidly ascend, Lin Chu's mood also calmed down considerably.
He glanced at Bai Yu Wei and Qu Yan Xia on the high platform and clenched his fists slightly.
Northern Region City, I, Lin Chu, am coming!