C4 Divine Abilities!!

"Young Master! Why on earth are you challenging Lin Tong? He's a Spiritual Cultivator of the Seventh Level!" Qing Tan admonished, her eyes filled with worry as they followed Lin Xuan's determined stride.

Lin Xuan, now capable of cultivating, was no longer confined to the Servant's Courtyard. He had been reassigned to his former room. However, as retribution for the death of Lee Fugui, he was stripped of a month's worth of cultivation resources—a clear act of sabotage. The idea of challenging Lin Tong under these circumstances seemed like pure fantasy.

Yet, Lin Xuan had undergone a transformation; he was not the same man he once was.

"Qing Tan, there's no need for concern. I've prepared this cultivation technique especially for you. Dedicate yourself to it while I'm away. I expect to review your progress upon my return," Lin Xuan declared with feigned authority.

Qing Tan clutched the technique, realization dawning on her. "Young Master, are you leaving us?"

With a reassuring smile, Lin Xuan replied, "I'm setting out for the Abyssal Forest."

The experiences to be gained here were dwindling, and Lin Tong's influence within the Lin family was soaring—resources and techniques at his fingertips, with even Ninth Level Spiritual Cultivators bending to his will. To best Lin Tong in the upcoming Family Competition, the Abyssal Forest was essential.

Upon his return, he vowed to astonish them all.

"If only I had thought to bring Qing Tan along," he mused with a hint of regret.

Leaving Sky Star City behind, Lin Xuan ventured into the Abyssal Forest, guided by the map etched in his memory.

Bordering Sky Star City, the Abyssal Forest was a treacherous extension of the Forbidden Ancient Forest in the Immortal Realm, teeming with Demon Beasts. It was fraught with peril, yet it remained the prime proving ground for cultivators.

But after nearly half a day in the Abyssal Forest, Lin Xuan had yet to encounter a single Demon Beast.

"Something's amiss," he pondered. The forest was a haven for Demon Beasts; it made no sense for there to be none at all.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Without warning, the earth trembled violently beneath Lin Xuan's feet. His body coiled tight, eyes scanning the surroundings with heightened alertness.

A billowing cloud of smoke erupted from the forest ahead, and as Lin Xuan puzzled over the commotion, a beetle burst forth from the trees. It was swiftly followed by a wind chicken, a black tiger, a forest wolf, and a succession of other Demon Beasts.

"Is this some kind of gathering?"

Lin Xuan's eyes sparkled with excitement, his grin widening into a manic smile.

He couldn't fathom why these low-level Demon Beasts were in uproar, but while it spelled disaster for some, for him, it was sheer bliss!

Each of these Demon Beasts represented a trove of experience points!

"Let the hunt begin!"

With all his might, Lin Xuan charged into the throng of Demon Beasts, his enthusiasm palpable.

"Spiritual Skill: Storm Wave!"

Like a tornado, Lin Xuan swept through the area, sending Demon Beasts swirling into the air as if they were mere leaves. With the iron sword he'd recently acquired from the city now drawn, he made short work of the airborne creatures, cutting them down with ease.

Over the past ten days, wave after wave of low-level Demon Beasts had launched assaults. Each encounter had fattened Lin Xuan's pockets considerably, and on several occasions, he had even faced low-level Middle Grade Demon Beasts, which required considerable effort to dispatch.

As his tally of slain Demon Beasts grew, Lin Xuan not only achieved a breakthrough to the Fifth Stage of Spirit Cultivation but also reached a state of full saturation.

"Defeating the low-level Middle Grade Demon Beast, Shadow Moon Wolf, grants the reward of a low-level Middle Grade Spiritual Skill: Moon Shadow Step."

"Holy shit! I scored some gear!"

Lin Xuan couldn't wait to check his stats.

Lin Xuan

Level: Fifth Stage of Spirit Cultivator (580/600)

HP: 920

Spiritual Energy: 1100

Mental Strength: 1500

Spiritual Skills: Storm Wave, Phantom Fire, Moon Shadow Step

Weapon: Iron Sword

Divine Power: None

"This journey to the Abyssal Forest was well worth it!"

With a triumphant kick, Lin Xuan sent the carcass of the Shadow Moon Wolf tumbling aside. That low-level Middle Grade Spiritual Skill was a rarity, highly valued even among the Lin family. He had indeed struck it rich.

"Roar! Roar!"

The beast's roar echoed once more from the depths of the forest, capturing Lin Xuan's attention yet again. The recent upheaval of Demon Beasts had all been triggered by such roars. To cause such chaos, the creature must be a High-Grade Low-Rank Demon Beast—a formidable opponent far beyond Lin Xuan's current capabilities.

"I've already faced death once; what's there left to fear?"

With resolve, Lin Xuan yanked the iron sword from the carcass of a fallen Demon Beast and ventured deeper into the forest.

"Beast!"

Nie Yurou's voice rang out sharply as she repelled the Iron Ape once more. Despite her efforts, the past few days had taken their toll. Her numerous clashes with the Iron Ape had left her at no advantage, her clothes now torn and her strength waning.

Undeterred by fatigue, the Iron Ape lunged again, intent on pulverizing the human who dared challenge its pride.

Amidst their struggle, Lin Xuan stealthily approached.

"Boss? Damn, it's a High-Grade Low-Rank Demon Beast!"

"Holy crap, this lady's tough—she's a Ninth-Level Spirit Cultivator!"

Lin Xuan surveyed the scene, impressed. Yet, it was clear that Nie Yurou wasn't adept at drawing the monster out. Why engage in direct combat when she should be kiting?

"Roar! Roar! Roar!"

The tide turned abruptly as the Iron Ape's eyes blazed red and its presence surged. Nie Yurou struggled to parry and was knocked back by a fierce punch.

"Is it bleeding out?" Lin Xuan was taken aback, noticing a sliver of health left in the blood groove atop the Iron Ape's head.

"I can't just stand by!"

Fired up as if on an adrenaline rush, Lin Xuan knew this was his chance. Defeating this mini-boss could not only elevate him to a Sixth-Level Spirit Cultivator but also yield top-tier loot.

As Nie Yurou braced herself for another round against the Iron Ape's onslaught, a young man suddenly dashed into her field of vision. Astonishingly, this youth possessed only the strength of a Fifth-Level Spirit Cultivator.

"You've lost your mind! Get out of here!" Nie Yurou yelled, trying to dissuade the young man, but to no avail.

Lin Xuan unleashed a burst of black flame from his hand, striking the Iron Ape and successfully capturing its attention. The beast let out a thunderous roar and lunged at Lin Xuan.

"Perfect, I'll test my new skill!"

"Spiritual Skill: Moon Shadow Step!"

In the blink of an eye, Lin Xuan transformed into a mere shadow, effortlessly evading the Iron Ape's onslaught.

"Bring it on, big fella!"

Lin Xuan taunted, skillfully avoiding the Iron Ape's blows as its health steadily drained.

The Iron Ape's movements grew erratic, its arms flailing wildly. When another attack whiffed, Lin Xuan's eyes gleamed with opportunity. "Now's my chance!"

With Moon Shadow Step, he zipped to the creature's feet and unleashed Wind and Cloud Wave, toppling the Iron Ape by blasting its feet from under it. As the beast hit the ground, Lin Xuan didn't miss a beat, flashing atop it and delivering a Ghostly Fire strike, wiping out its health in an instant.

"Defeated High-Grade Low-Rank Demon Beast, Iron Ape. Gained +200 HP, +150 EXP, +200 Spiritual Energy, and acquired Divine Strength."

Divine Strength!

Lin Xuan nearly shouted in excitement. He had actually scored Divine Strength. The Lin family itself possessed only one set of such power, and it was exclusive to the family head for cultivation.