Chapter 41: Bloodline Evolution

Chapter 41: Bloodline Evolution Nightmares were just illusions... Over the following days, Lin Jing diligently practiced the Fire Control Technique, specifically tailoring his efforts to master the pill-refining methods for Replenishing Pills and Hypnotic Pills. As for the Pine Leaf Mouse, it had exhausted its resources during the Cavern Heaven expedition and was eager to replenish its “ammunition.” However, under Lin Jing’s firm persuasion, it reluctantly dedicated most of its time to cultivation. Lin Jing believed that with no pressing matters at hand, focusing on cultivation was of utmost importance. One day, a celestial crane landed outside Lin Jing’s cave residence. “Inner Sect disciple Lin Jing, the mission you posted in the Mission Hall has been completed,” it announced. Lin Jing, in the middle of his fire-controlling practice, stepped outside, thanked the crane, and hurried to the Mission Hall with the Pine Leaf Mouse in tow. Inside, apart from the magpie demon managing the hall, only one other person was present, browsing the mission board. The individual, clad in white, exuded an air of weakness and fatigue even from behind. Lin Jing found the figure strikingly familiar. “Senior Brother Ouyang?” Lin Jing called. “Junior Brother Lin Jing?” The man turned around, and both instantly recognized each other. “I heard you joined the Inner Sect. I had planned to visit you when I had time, but I didn’t expect us to meet here,” Senior Brother Ouyang said with a smile. “Are you here to accept a mission, Senior Brother?” Lin Jing asked. “Yes,” Ouyang replied. “I just completed three missions and plan to take on two more. I’m competing for this month’s mission king title. Red’er and I are about to enter the Foundation Establishment stage, so we need to save enough resources. I hope to request Elder Shen to refine two high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills for us.” seaʀᴄh thё Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “What brings you here, Junior Brother?” “The mission I posted has just been completed,” Lin Jing explained. Suddenly, a thought struck him. “Senior Brother, could it be that you’re the one who completed the ‘Search for Fire Cloud Chili Seeds’ mission?” “Was that your task?” Ouyang’s expression shifted. “Now I understand why the reward was so stingy—” He quickly corrected himself. “I mean, what a coincidence!” He pulled out a pouch of spirit stones and added, “Junior Brother, I can’t accept this payment. Let’s treat the chili seeds as a gift to celebrate your promotion to the Inner Sect.” “I can’t let you do that.” Lin Jing accepted the spirit stones but added, “However, your kind intentions are difficult to refuse. I will humbly accept the seeds as a token of Senior Brother’s goodwill.” Watching this exchange, the magpie demon remarked dryly, “Stop arguing and take the chili seeds already. Complete the mission and move on.” In the end, Lin Jing received the chili seeds, while Senior Brother Ouyang accepted a mission to investigate the disappearance of beasts outside the sect. Before leaving, the two endured a rendition of the magpie’s “Good Luck Song.” Outside the Mission Hall, Ouyang turned to Lin Jing and asked discreetly, “Junior Brother, I’ve heard rumors of a Cavern Heaven light appearing near the sect, coupled with the mysterious nature of this year’s Inner Sect trials. Tell me—did you encounter a Cavern Heaven during the trials?” Lin Jing paused, then nodded. “Senior Brother, you’re correct.” “As I thought!” Ouyang’s face lit with envy. “What was it like inside the Cavern Heaven? I’ve always dreamed of experiencing it.” “You’ll get your chance someday,” Lin Jing assured him. “With your potential, being chosen by a Cavern Heaven is only a matter of time.” “That’s true,” Ouyang said confidently. “When that day comes, we’ll revitalize the Beast Taming Sect together as brothers!” Ouyang’s gaze shifted to the Pine Leaf Mouse perched on Lin Jing’s shoulder, meditating in its Daoist robes. “Since you’re now an Inner Sect disciple and a special one at that, with the experience of entering a Cavern Heaven, you should consider applying for a Life-Bound Beast Space Artifact from the sect. Such artifacts allow your contracted beast to cultivate more efficiently within a dedicated space.” “With your current status—not yet a True Disciple but equivalent to one—you could get it with approval from a Golden Core Elder.” The Pine Leaf Mouse opened its eyes. A space artifact? “Senior Brother makes a valid point,” Lin Jing mused. “I’ve only just joined the Inner Sect and have been preoccupied with alchemy studies these past few days. I’ll speak to Elder Mo about it when I have time.” If the sect was encouraging him to study at the academy, it only made sense to carry a sect-approved artifact as a representative. “Learning alchemy, are you? That’s excellent,” Ouyang said. “The sect has various pills that enhance a beast’s bloodline. Once you master alchemy, you can refine them yourself. It’s much more convenient.” “Unlike me—I’m stuck in Cloud Gate Peak, where all they teach is combat.” “By the way, you probably know this, but let me remind you anyway,” Ouyang said earnestly. “You’re a Longevity Body, so don’t rush your Foundation Establishment. The same goes for your mouse. I’m sure Elder Mo has mentioned this to you.” “Most likely, the Pine Leaf Mouse will establish its foundation before you. The Foundation Establishment process is the best opportunity to elevate its bloodline. If its bloodline can evolve, that would be ideal.” “We’re working hard on missions now to gather enough resources for Red’er to attempt a Bloodline Evolution during her Foundation Establishment.” “But... as far as I know, the sect doesn’t have any records of a Pine Leaf Mouse advancing to a ‘King-Level Bloodline.’” Ouyang frowned. “Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. We’ll think of something. There’s still plenty of time,” Lin Jing replied. Before the decline of the demon race, there was no distinction between spiritual and demonic beasts. Back then, all beasts were classified by the demons into several bloodline tiers. Each tier represented an immense gap, akin to entirely different species. Beasts without the potential for sentience were classified as Mortal Bloodline, remaining ordinary beasts. Those with cultivation aptitude were classified as Spirit Bloodline. Within this tier, weaker beasts typically remained in the Qi Refining Stage, while stronger ones could achieve Foundation Establishment. The elites among them might even form Monster Cores and rise to prominence as formidable monsters. However, Spirit Bloodlines usually reached their limit at the Monster Core Stage unless extraordinary circumstances allowed them to evolve into King Bloodlines. Such an evolution enabled them to transcend into the ranks of Monster Kings, equivalent to Nascent Soul human cultivators. Lin Jing glanced at the Pine Leaf Mouse. Although it had acquired a rare divine ability, its bloodline remained at the Spirit level, with little difference in constitution compared to other Pine Leaf Mice. If possible, he hoped to elevate the Pine Leaf Mouse’s bloodline to “King Level” during its Foundation Establishment, granting it the potential of a Monster King. The Glazed Immortal Eyes ability would also become far more powerful. Unfortunately, the Beast Taming Sect had no precedent for a Pine Leaf Mouse advancing to a King Bloodline. If he wanted to achieve this, Lin Jing would have to explore the mutated spiritual plants derived from the Glazed Immortal Eyes and his Longevity Blood for opportunities. By integrating these resources through alchemy, he aimed to refine a custom Foundation Establishment Pill tailored specifically for the Pine Leaf Mouse.