Chapter 70: The Hidden Dragon Emerges (End of Volume One)

Lin Jing wasn’t sure why Ling Yue Sword Immortal Feng Ning had appeared here, but he knew one thing—this was his chance!

Disguised as the Tiandu Divine Pine, he radiated the might of a supreme demon king, sending shockwaves of fear through the hidden beasts as he strode confidently into the valley.

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“We meet again. Do you remember me?” Elder Divine Pine’s voice boomed through Lin Jing’s illusion, heavy with authority.

Feng Ning, her hand on her sword, paused before smiling. “So, it’s Senior Divine Pine.”

“Yes, it’s me. Homeless and wandering. Young lady, this Spatial Shift Grass and I are fated. Might you let this old man have it? In return, I’ll give you the demon cores of every hidden beast in this valley.”

Lin Jing mimicked Elder Divine Pine’s tone perfectly. The hidden beasts, already on edge, fled in a panic, not daring to linger.

“These beasts? I could slay them all myself,” Feng Ning replied, unimpressed. Her words, paired with the corpses of slain beasts littering the ground, painted a chilling picture.

Within moments, the once-crowded Black Wind Valley emptied, leaving only Lin Jing’s group and Feng Ning alive.

“For someone your age, you have quite the tone!”

Seeing through his act, Feng Ning shook her head. “Alright, you can stop pretending. The beasts have already fled.”

Lin Jing dropped the illusion and grinned at Feng Ning. “You recognized me from the start.”

“I visited the Beast Taming Sect before entering the wasteland. Your Sect Master Xu mentioned you had entered the Great Wasteland with Elder Divine Pine,” Feng Ning said. “Why impersonate your elder? Where is the real Divine Pine?”

Lin Jing chuckled. “I was waiting for a chance to claim the Spatial Shift Grass. When I saw you, I thought I’d lend a hand. Using the guise of a demon king, I scared the beasts off to ensure you wouldn’t be overwhelmed.”

“As for Elder Divine Pine… it called this a trial for me and refuses to interfere.”

“By the way, did you come looking for me?” Lin Jing asked.

“Yes. I heard the Beast Taming Sect was sealed. Your Sect Master said he and a group of elders and disciples plan to join the Demon-Slaying Bureau. I thought you might join them—it’s safer to have allies.”

“Apologies, but I’ve decided to attend Hidden Dragon Academy. The Hidden Dragon Arts are invaluable for raising my pets,” Lin Jing declined politely.

“I expected as much.” Feng Ning sighed but didn’t press further. “If you change your mind, my offer stands.”

Looking at the Spatial Shift Grass, she said, “If you want it, it’s yours. It’s not fully mature, and cultivating it to maturity would take significant effort. But with Elder Divine Pine as your protector, I’m sure you’ll manage.”

At that moment, Elder Divine Pine finally appeared, its pinecone avatar hovering in the air.

“Young lady, I sent him to compete with those beasts for the herb as part of his training! A proper Demon-Slaying Guardian must develop exceptional qualities!”

“And now you’ve ruined everything—killing the beasts for him, handing over the herb without effort. He’s supposed to be a Longevity Body, not a freeloader! Look at him grinning—this was meant to be a trial!”

Feng Ning retorted, “Senior, things don’t always go as planned. I came here to invite him and failed. Why should I be the only one disappointed? Now you can share in my frustration.”

Elder Divine Pine fell silent, its plans thoroughly disrupted.

Ignoring the squabbling, Lin Jing turned to Feng Ning. “You visited the Beast Taming Sect. Has its spiritual vein been sealed? Have the members left?”

“Yes,” Feng Ning confirmed. “In fact, the spiritual vein didn’t need sealing. The Sect Regulatory Office originally planned to give the sect a hundred years to reform.

“But the undying demon guarded by the Beast Taming Sect and three other sects showed signs of breaking free. To prevent disaster, the office partnered with the Demon-Slaying Bureau to fortify the pagoda and suppress the demon.”

“...” Lin Jing and his companions were left speechless.

“Well, since my business here is done, I’ll take my leave.” Feng Ning summoned her ancient bronze sword and prepared to depart. Standing atop it, she glanced back at Lin Jing.

“The Beast Taming Sect’s situation ties to national fortunes. The Ancient Celestial Kingdom thrives on these fortunes; no one can change that.

“If you won’t join the Demon-Slaying Bureau and fight alongside me, work hard at the academy. You seem to think I’m too weak, but I’ll reach Nascent Soul soon. Then you won’t have to worry about me protecting you from demons.”

Lin Jing watched her leave, puzzled by her persistence. “Sword Immortal, you’re already a renowned genius. Why are you so fixated on slaying demons?”

“Also, you’ve grown thinner since we last met. Please take care of yourself—your health is the foundation of cultivation.”

Feng Ning smiled faintly, nodded, and flew away without answering.

Once she was gone, Elder Divine Pine quipped, “Are you trying to woo her? I’ve never seen you this concerned about your pets.”

The Pine Leaf Mouse and dragon carp exchanged glances, both equally surprised.

“I just don’t want her thinking about me all the time. I refuse to be bait for demon sects!” Lin Jing explained. “Why work so hard? Life should be easy and enjoyable...”

He walked over to the Spatial Shift Grass and dug it up.

“Senior, have I passed the trial? Can I crush the Hidden Dragon Academy token now?” he asked cheerfully.

“Go ahead,” Elder Divine Pine replied wearily. It then extended its roots into the ground, absorbing the nutrients from the surrounding beast corpses.

“What are you looking at? After all this work, can’t I enjoy a good meal?” it said, glaring at Lin Jing and the others.

“Of course, Senior. Please, enjoy,” Lin Jing replied.

Taking out the academy’s jade token, Lin Jing crushed it, activating the formation inside. A massive spatial vortex appeared, radiating powerful spatial energy.

Moments later, a figure emerged from the vortex—it was the same cultivator who had delivered the token. Stepping out, he froze, taking in the bloody scene around him.

Where was this?

He turned his gaze to Lin Jing, the Pine Leaf Mouse on his shoulder, and the dragon carp lodged in the meditation staff. Recognition dawned on his face.

“This token... I remember giving it to...”

“Lin Jing of the Beast Taming Sect,” Lin Jing said, clasping his hands. “I humbly request your guidance to Hidden Dragon Academy.”

...

Volume One: [The Beast Taming Sect] – End

Next Volume: [The Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate].