When Hengsheng upgraded his spirit core to Earth-grade quality, his cultivation progressed significantly. The change allowed him to draw in much larger quantities of spiritual Qi and refine it at a faster rate. However, the most critical improvement was in his combat power. The upgrade dramatically enhanced his ability to mobilize spiritual Qi, enabling him to manipulate much larger amounts at once. This change amplified the effectiveness of his techniques, making them nearly five times more powerful than before.
He hadn’t expected such a drastic boost in combat strength from a single spirit core upgrade. With his strongest technique, his destructive power now rivaled that of the Spiritual Foundation Realm. The idea of upgrading his spirit core further to Heaven-grade was tempting. If the results were similar, he might even stand a chance of fighting a Spiritual Foundation cultivator head-on.
Unfortunately, such an upgrade required 10,000 system points. However, the system has limitations at 1,000 system points on his current cultivation realm. The system he had created had safeguards to prevent him from surpassing his body’s natural limits. It restricted the amount of life essence and destiny that could be stored within him. Without these restrictions, he risked facing severe backlash—mutations from excess life essence or unfortunate events encountered from overloading his destiny. Thus, Hengsheng needed to raise his cultivation base further before he could handle the burden of more system points.
Still, he wasn’t one to let his system points sit idly. Over the past month, he had other uses for them since he did not design an upgrade function only to upgrade his spirit core but to upgrade anything in his status window as long as he have enough system points. One example was upgrading techniques. Recently, he had learned a Mortal-grade technique called Thousand Motion Art. This technique was created by combining all the mortal-grade techniques in the Lan clan library into one. On its own, it was a decent all-around martial art suitable for ordinary humans and the Body awakening realm cultivators but nothing particularly special.
Curious to test the system’s upgrade function, he had spent 1,000 system points on it. The results had exceeded his expectations. While Thousand Motion Art remained a Mortal-grade technique, it had gained properties that placed it in the category of the Dao technique the same as the Destiny-Forged Technique he had created before. Every motion now resonated subtly with heaven and earth, requiring no expenditure of spiritual Qi.
Though the changes weren’t visibly obvious yet, Hengsheng could feel the profound impact it was having on his body. Each motion carried a trace of heaven and earth blessing, gradually strengthening his body and sharpening his natural talents. The improvements were subtle—almost imperceptible in the short term—but he knew that over time, the cumulative effects would be invaluable.
Hengsheng watched as the Lan clan members looted the battlefield with practiced efficiency. Over the past month of relentless battles against the ants, they had become experts in dissecting insect bodies, skillfully extracting valuable parts without damaging them, and storing everything neatly in their space rings. This proficiency came from hard-earned experience, gained through endless fighting day and night, often without proper rest.
"Brother Hengsheng! We found something!" a voice called out, breaking his train of thought.
Hengsheng’s brows rose slightly, and he quickly moved toward the source of the call. Normally, they wouldn’t bother him over minor discoveries, not even for high-grade Spirit Stones—those were trivial in his eyes. He let the others take such things freely, as he had little need for them. For Hengsheng, most treasures others coveted could replicate their effects with his system, requiring only energy. The only things that truly intrigued him were Dao treasures, as he had yet to determine whether his system could create or replicate their effects.
When Hengsheng arrived at the spot where the Ant Queen had once stood, his eyes immediately locked onto a rough stone glowing faintly with dark Yin Qi. His breath hitched slightly. A Yin Essence Vein!
It was a rare Divine-Grade treasure, the core source of Yin Spirit Stones, and natural treasures that had grown from its energy over the years. Hengsheng carefully picked up the stone, his movements precise, and stored it in his space ring.
As he straightened, he noticed the envious gazes of the Lan clan members fixed on him. Though their eyes sparkled with longing, none dared to voice their desires or challenge him for it. His strength and authority were unshakable in their eyes.
"You can go now," Hengsheng commanded, his tone calm but firm. The others quickly dispersed, resuming their search for other treasures scattered throughout the battlefield.
In no time, the battlefield was cleared of anything valuable. The only remaining prize was the Yin Spirit Stone deposits embedded in the walls of the colony, but extracting them would take considerable time.
With the looting complete, Hengsheng gathered everyone around him. It was time to discuss their next move.
Hengsheng suggested to the group, "Since we’ll be staying in this land for a decade, why not turn this place into our cultivation cave? The dense spiritual Qi here, along with the abundance of Spirit Stones, makes it perfect for long-term cultivation. What do you all think?"
The 91 Lan clan warriors standing around him exchanged uncertain glances. Hengsheng’s suggestion made sense, but...
Breaking the silence, Xiaorong stepped forward and spoke decisively, "I agree with making this place our base. However, we can’t let opportunities outside slip through our fingers by staying here until the end. Let’s secure this place first, but then let Heaven guide our paths. Who agrees?"
Hearing Xiaorong’s words, the Lan clan warriors began nodding in agreement. Their eyes lit up with determination, and murmurs of approval rippled through the group.
Hengsheng shook his head slightly, suppressing a wry smile. The people of this world are too greedy for opportunities, he thought, even ones they can’t be sure exist. They’d willingly risk their lives chasing after the unknown.
With a resigned nod, Hengsheng addressed them again, "Since you’ve all made your choice, let’s secure this place first. Afterward, we’ll decide who stays behind, and the rest can head out. Let’s begin. But first—who here knows formations?"
After a brief moment of silence, several hands went up. With the decision made, they got to work setting up a simple formation to protect the area. Hengsheng joined in, lending his help during the process.
As he worked, he couldn’t help but reflect. I’ve done enough for them. Without me shielding them on the first day, they would’ve been nothing but naive young cultivators with no real sense of life and death. But today... He glanced at the warriors around him, their movements sharp and purposeful. Even if they’re not yet experts in the law of the jungle, they’re no longer helpless chicks. They’ve grown.
Five days later, everything was finally complete. Outside the cave, half of the group decided to leave, including Xiaorong, Baixing, and Mu... whatever his name was—Hengsheng didn’t bother to recall it. He had also decided to leave, as he had a secret mission to complete.
Before their departure, Hengsheng addressed the group. "If you encounter people from a first-rate force, don’t engage with them. Even though you’ve grown stronger, don’t let it make you overconfident. They have deeper foundations than our Lan clan and might carry protective treasures with them. And remember—any disciple from the Thunderclap Blade Sect is mine. Understood?"
The group nodded solemnly.
He continued, "Let’s meet back here in five years. If you’re still alive by then—good luck."
With that, the group began to disperse. Some left in pairs or small groups, while others ventured off alone. They knew it was unlikely they’d cross paths again unless they returned to this spot. Even though this was only the outer rim, Hengsheng’s naked eye could tell the region was vast—big enough to fit ten Lan cities inside it. For just a few thousand cultivators, meeting by chance would be rare unless someone actively sought it.
Hengsheng glanced down to find Yunsu sitting on the ground beside him, her wide, curious eyes fixed on him. Her soft, questioning meow seemed to ask where they were heading next.
With a small smile, he crouched down, gently scooping her up and placing her on his shoulder, as he always did. "How about we go and enjoy a bit of nature? Sound good?"
Yunsu’s ears twitched at his words, and her curious gaze shifted into an expression of quiet resolve, as though she had decided she would accompany him no matter what. She let out a soft, approving meow, her small voice carrying a surprising sense of trust.
Hengsheng chuckled, rubbing her head affectionately. "I’ll take that as a yes," he said, his tone lighthearted.
With Yunsu comfortably perched on his shoulder, he turned to face the endless forest ahead. The towering trees swayed gently in the wind, their shadows stretching long under the dappled sunlight. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, striding into the unknown with his faithful companion by his side.