Lin Xuan nodded and turned to leave. Watching Lin Xuan's departing figure, Chen Li and Shen Qingyue stopped their idle chatter and returned to the tent together.
Their tent was set up at the edge of the campsite, where it was relatively quiet. Once inside, Chen Li immediately pulled out a red sphere about the size of a fist, radiating a rich Spiritual Energy.
"Here, this is our trophy," Chen Li said as he handed the red sphere to Shen Qingyue. It was a demon core from a Fourth-Stage Beast, and they would split it in half.
Shen Qingyue took her half of the demon core, a hint of anticipation appearing on her cool face. Her cultivation had also stagnated; most of the time, she could only display a level of Innate Realm five. The abundant vitality had made her cautious not to rush things, forcing her to compress her energy and quietly wait for growth.
This Fourth-Stage demon core would surely help strengthen her body. Once her physical development improved, she believed her cultivation could at least rise to Innate Realm six.
With that thought in mind, she quickly sat cross-legged on the ground and began to refine the demon core. Chen Li did the same with his half of the core.
As time passed, the tent gradually filled with dense Spiritual Energy, enveloping their figures as their breaths became stronger.
The night slowly faded away, and faint morning light streamed through the gaps in the tent like gentle vines, spreading across Chen Li's and Shen Qingyue's faces.
As they absorbed the power of the demon cores, their originally petite bodies seemed to undergo a transformation, growing taller significantly. They both felt a surge of hidden strength within them, as if they had become much stronger.
Shen Qingyue slowly opened her eyes, sparkling with light like a crystal ball filled with moonlight. Turning her head, she saw Chen Li looking lazy yet completely awake beside her, his small figure appearing just perfectly adorable.
"Brother, what level is your cultivation at now?" Shen Qingyue asked excitedly. Every time she improved her cultivation, she hoped to compare herself with Chen Li. After all, as the pride of the Empress, each enhancement in her cultivation sparked a bit of competitive spirit against him.
Chen Li lazily looked at her eager expression and slowly raised seven fingers—this was his level!
Shen Qingyue pouted, her expression souring once again.
Why can't she ever learn her lesson and always seeks out trouble for herself? Chen Li looked at the momentarily downcast Shen Qingyue and found her utterly adorable.
Chen Li smiled with great satisfaction and couldn't help but gently ruffle Shen Qingyue's hair. After all, I’m your brother; it’s my duty to look out for you!
Shen Qingyue was slightly taken aback, her face flushing a deep red as the corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. She wasn't truly jealous; rather, she felt a bit guilty that as the Empress, she was holding everyone back! Perhaps, without realizing it, this invisible bond of kinship had grown remarkably strong.
Just as they were playing around, faint footsteps could be heard at the entrance of the tent. As the curtain was lifted, a tall and sturdy Seventh Level Senior Brother walked in—it was their team leader, Feng Kai.
He held a map in his hand and, upon seeing the two of them, smiled slightly. "Are you two ready? Today we need to delve into Azure Wind Valley to investigate the situation with the beasts. You mustn't slack off; there are many dangers hidden within Azure Wind Valley, especially with that Fourth-Stage Beast appearing recently—it’s quite peculiar. We cannot afford to be careless," Feng Kai reminded them seriously.
"Senior Brother Feng, we will definitely work hard!" Chen Li straightened his back, feeling a surge of anticipation. This was his first time participating in a trial in this world in the strictest sense.
"Oh, and remember to stick close to us; don’t try to show off," Feng Kai said, a glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes as he patted Chen Li on the shoulder in encouragement.
"Yes, Senior Brother!" The two replied in unison, already brewing an invisible fighting spirit within them.
Chen Li and Shen Qingyue followed Feng Kai out of the tent and found that everyone outside was already prepared. Most of those participating in this trial were Seventh Level students, and since it was their first experience in such a setting, excitement and anticipation were evident on everyone's faces.
At the front of the group stood a handsome middle-aged man dressed in a blue robe—Instructor Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan surveyed the crowd and spoke solemnly: "I believe everyone is aware that this trial in Azure Wind Valley is extraordinary. The movements of the beasts are significant; we must be fully alert and not let our guard down."
"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison, their voices booming with vigor.
Lin Xuan nodded and waved his hand, leading the way toward Azure Wind Valley. The crowd followed closely behind him as they set off in grand procession.
Azure Wind Valley is located northwest of the capital city and consists of mountains stretching for hundreds of miles. It is a paradise for beasts, rich in Spiritual Energy and resources; however, most of the beasts reside in the central area.
In recent months, the beasts within had become unusually aggressive, frequently attacking nearby villages, and even sightings of Fourth-Stage Beasts had been reported. To uncover the truth, the court and the higher-ups of the Imperial Academy decided to send their disciples to investigate Azure Wind Valley.
Chen Li and Shen Qingyue followed the team deep into Azure Wind Valley. Along the way, they encountered many other Cultivators from different sects, as well as some Lone Cultivators who joined this expedition. After all, for a Cultivator, danger often meant opportunity. Although the beasts in Azure Wind Valley had become ferocious, it also indicated more hunting chances. Beast cores and the flesh of these creatures were valuable resources for cultivation.
"Brother, look over there! It seems like someone is fighting!" Shen Qingyue pointed into the distance and whispered. A glimmer of battle lust flashed in her eyes.
Following her gaze, Chen Li indeed saw several Cultivators being besieged by a group of beasts not far away, in a perilous situation. "Shall we go take a look?" Chen Li suggested as he moved forward to help.
"Wait!" Shen Qingyue pulled him back and pouted. "Didn’t you hear Lin Xuan say not to meddle? We should hurry and keep up with the team!"
Chen Li smiled at her. "We’ll just sneak in and help them out before returning."
A hint of a smile appeared on Shen Qingyue's previously sullen face. "Is that really okay?"
Though it sounded like a question, she was already sprinting ahead several paces before he could respond. His little sister was indeed aloof but also fiercely combative, which created a strong contrast with her appearance.
After their cultivation improvement last night, saving a few Lone Cultivators was no problem at all. In no time, they returned to the main group. However, the rescued Lone Cultivators continued to follow them from a distance.
Seeing that they meant no harm, Chen Li decided to let them tag along.
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