C5 The Heavendefying Talent

"Young Lord Jun Liu of True Martial City..."

Xiao Ling sprinted, his form shifting as he leapt onto a towering tree, his gaze contemplative.

The Flame Yellow Empire boasted thirty-six cities, with True Martial City ranking among them.

True Martial City stood within the top ten of these cities, and it held dominion over Holy Martial Mountain.

Luckily, he had concealed his face during the skirmish, and since the pursuers had not caught up, he was likely safe.

"Ling."

The sound of a voice as clear and delightful as pearls dropping onto a jade plate broke through Xiao Ling's reverie. Beside him stood a stunning figure with sparkling, lively eyes that warmly gazed upon him.

"Xi'er."

Greeting Yun Xi with a smile, Xiao Ling unfolded his garment to reveal a tiny golden-furred tiger cub.

Awoo...

The cub mewled adorably, its eyes yet to open.

"A golden Black Flame Tiger cub?"

Yun Xi's eyes shimmered with fascination as she gently lifted the cub from Xiao Ling's embrace, "Ling, Black Flame Tigers are always black. I've never encountered a golden one before..."

"I noticed this unique golden cub among the Black Flame Tiger litter and couldn't resist bringing it with me."

Xiao Ling scratched his head, admitting that he hadn't given it much thought at the time; the sight of the golden tiger had simply compelled him to act.

"This Black Flame Tiger must be a variant, perhaps we could call it a Golden Flame Tiger."

Yun Xi's smile was sweet as she speculated, "If nurtured to maturity, this Golden Flame Tiger's strength could rival that of a high-level demonic beast, on par with a Martial Spirit master."

Xiao Ling was taken aback by her words.

After all, a Black Flame Tiger's potential was typically capped at the intermediate demonic beast level, only breaking beyond with the aid of rare spiritual medicines.

Now, the prospect of this Golden Flame Tiger reaching Martial Spirit potential, if raised carefully, promised to be a powerful ally by his side.

"Ling, we should name it," Yun Xi suggested, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Xiao Ling. "It wouldn't be right to raise it without a name."

Xiao Ling considered the golden flame tiger before him, then proposed, "What about Xiaojin?"

"Xiaojin, that's a nice name," Yun Xi agreed, nodding. She turned her attention to Xiaojin, swaying her hand gently as if to soothe a child. "That's your name from now on, Xiaojin. Are you happy about it?"

Aowu.

Xiaojin let out a cry and, to Xiao Ling's astonishment, lunged at Yun Xi's blossoming chest...

"Ah!"

Yun Xi let out a shriek and tossed Xiaojin into Xiao Ling's arms, stepping back as her body shook and her chest heaved. Her cheeks flushed as red as apples, she looked irresistibly charming.

Catching Xiaojin, Xiao Ling touched his nose, his voice tinged with embarrassment, "Xi'er, Xiaojin is looking for milk. It's just been born and needs to eat."

"But Xiaojin's mother is gone. Where will we find milk for Xiaojin?" Yun Xi patted her chest, relieved yet concerned.

"If we were at the academy, it would be simple; we could use horse milk," Xiao Ling mused, stroking his chin. "But since I'm planning to spend some time training on Demon Mountain, we can't just head back because of Xiaojin. The only option now is to find a docile herbivorous demonic beast that might provide milk."

"I've seen alpaca beasts on Demon Mountain; they might be a suitable choice," Yun Xi offered.

Xiao Ling's eyes brightened at the suggestion. "The alpaca beast is known for its gentleness. Let's go find one now."

Before long, led by Yun Xi, Xiao Ling made his way through the thick underbrush of Demon Mountain. The weeds were as tall as an adult, sprawling in every direction.

Baa!

At the sound of the alpaca beast's call, both of them quickened their pace, excitement in their steps as they headed toward the source of the noise.

"How fortunate that this alpaca beast has mother's milk at the ready."

Xiao Ling's face broke into a smile when he laid eyes on the alpaca beast, its snow-white coat and simple, honest face endearing it to him.

Baa!

The alpaca beast, upon spotting Xiao Jin in Xiao Ling's arms, let out a frightened bleat and backed away several steps.

Xiao Ling's brow furrowed in concern. Without the alpaca beast's cooperation, Xiao Jin would struggle to get any milk.

"Let me handle this, Ling."

Yun Xi took a graceful step forward, invoking her Bright Martial Soul. Bathed in its radiant light, she resembled a goddess, exuding an irresistible aura of warmth and closeness.

"Don't be afraid, we mean you no harm."

Her voice, melodious as pearls cascading onto a jade plate, echoed through the air. The alpaca beast's wary eyes softened, and it approached Yun Xi, content to be stroked by her hand.

"It's all set, Ling."

Yun Xi turned, her smile enchanting, and beckoned, "Bring Xiao Jin here for his milk."

Xiao Ling marveled at Yun Xi's Bright Martial Soul's capabilities, nodded, and carried Xiao Jin over.

"Xi'er, your Martial Spirit is incredible."

As the alpaca beast settled down and Xiao Jin began to nurse, Xiao Ling couldn't help but turn to Yun Xi and inquire, "How does your Bright Martial Soul possess such a calming power?"

"Well," Yun Xi replied with a smile, "it's a natural talent of my Bright Martial Soul. It not only draws others in with a sense of closeness but can also heal injuries and boost attack power, among other things. It's quite versatile."

"Each Martial Spirit has its unique gifts. It's up to the martial artist to uncover and harness them."

Yun Xi's gaze fixed on Xiao Ling, curiosity shining in her eyes. "What about your Martial Spirit, Ling? Show me."

"Mine seems to be fire-based," Xiao Ling said, extending his hand. A crimson flame danced in his palm as he explained, "My foster father has never seen a Martial Spirit like mine before, so I've named it the Blood Flame Martial Soul."

"Blood Flame Martial Soul..."

As Xiao Ling's palm pulsed with a crimson flame, Yun Xi's eyes sparkled with a subtle, enigmatic light. She inquired, "Ling, I'm not familiar with your Blood Flame Martial Soul. Are you aware of your martial soul's talent?"

"I'm not sure," Xiao Ling admitted, shaking his head. "But the power of the Blood Flame Martial Soul's flames is formidable, outstripping the flame martial souls of the Holy Martial Institute's disciples."

"Brother Xiao Ling, discovering the talent of your Martial Soul is a journey you must undertake yourself," Yun Xi advised earnestly. "For instance, what was the first thing that came to mind when you summoned the Blood Flame Martial Soul?"

"The first thing that came to mind..." Xiao Ling mused, scratching his head before replying, "Stewed pork... stir-fried braised pork..."

"Hehe, Brother Xiao Ling, you're quite the character," Yun Xi giggled. "But regarding braised pork, perhaps it signifies your Blood Flame Martial Soul's craving for flesh and blood."

"Craving for flesh and blood?" Xiao Ling's brow furrowed in confusion. "My Blood Flame Martial Soul is of the fire element; it shouldn't have any connection to such a change."

"Why not put it to the test?" Yun Xi suggested with a smile, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "Three hundred and sixty-five steps ahead, there's a Tier 3 low-level Demonic Beast, a Grinding Mouse. It's an omnivorous creature known for its formidable attacks. Grinding Mice usually move in packs, but this one is isolated, making it the perfect opportunity to test your martial soul's capabilities."

Xiao Ling was taken aback. Unleashing his soul power, he indeed sensed the life force of the Grinding Mouse some three hundred steps away. His soul force was incredibly potent, a result of his travels across the Divine Martial Continent, so such a perception was to be expected.

Yet Yun Xi's ability to pinpoint the creature's exact location so quickly astounded him. Realizing the girl's formidable strength, he resolved to redouble his efforts in training.

Awoo.

At that moment, Xiaojin had just finished nursing, its belly plump and round.

Cradling Xiaojin, Yun Xi turned to Xiao Ling and said, "Brother Xiao Ling, shall we proceed?"

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement, and together, they moved swiftly, covering three hundred steps in no time. There, they encountered a Grinding Mouse busily burrowing into the earth.

Squeak! Squeak!

The rodent, upon noticing the unfamiliar humans, bared its sharp fangs and fixed Xiao Ling and Yun Xi with a menacing glare from its fierce eyes.

A low-level Rank Three Demonic Beast, the Grinding Mouse was easily handled when alone. But should a swarm of them attack, even a seasoned Martial Master would be forced to flee.

Whoosh!

Drawing his sword, Xiao Ling approached the mouse deliberately, eyeing the creature about the size of a small dog.

At the Three-star martial artist level, his prowess matched that of the Grinding Mouse. To defeat it, he would have to rely on the fundamental sword techniques he had honed over time.

Man and beast faced off for a tense moment. Unable to resist, the mouse let out a high-pitched squeal and lunged, its plump body surprisingly nimble as it aimed its razor-sharp teeth at Xiao Ling's throat.

Should the creature's attack land, Xiao Ling would meet a grim fate, his throat torn open, leading to asphyxiation.

"I've been waiting for your move," Xiao Ling said coolly, a glint of anticipation in his dark eyes. With a swift and precise thrust of his blade, he sliced through the air, the sword's passage sounding a fierce whistle.

Man and mouse crossed paths.

Blood sprayed as Xiao Ling withdrew his sword with composure, turning to observe the convulsing Grinding Mouse on the ground.

The mouse had leapt, suspended mid-air without any leverage, exposing all its vulnerabilities. A rapid strike was all it took to ensure its demise.

"Brother Xiao Ling, you're incredible," Yun Xi exclaimed, admiringly. "To master the basic sword techniques to this extent, you truly stand alone in the Holy Martial Institute."

"I had no choice but to focus on the basics since my martial soul remained dormant back then," Xiao Ling reflected.

Standing before the fallen rat, he turned to Yun Xi and inquired, "Xi'er, what's my next move?"

Pondering for a moment, Yun Xi suggested, "Try using your Blood Flame Martial Spirit to burn the rat..."

Xiao Ling nodded, and with a simple gesture, the Blood Flame transformed into a blaze that engulfed the snarling rat.

In mere moments, the rat was reduced to nothing but ash, completely consumed by the Blood Flame.

Yun Xi inquired cautiously, "Brother Ling, what are you feeling?"

Xiao Ling's eyes narrowed. As the rat was incinerated, the Blood Flame retreated back into his body, and he sensed a robust vitality coursing through him. It eventually coalesced into Origin Qi, converging within his dantian.

His cultivation level had astonishingly advanced to the peak of a Three-star Martial Cultivator.

Overwhelmed by the transformation, he couldn't contain his excitement.

Should his Blood Flame continuously burn and refine flesh and blood, transforming it into potent Origin Qi, then ascending to the next cultivation level would be effortlessly within his grasp.