Chapter 1196: Difficult to Choose Tian Yan

Although he already had the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's Yellow Spring Heavenly Wrath, that sound wave fighting technique was also of Heavenly Rank Advanced.

But even so, Lin Feng's curiosity about this volume of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's Heavenly Realm Advanced Sound Wave Fighting Technique could not be suppressed.

After all, since he had taken it, he ought to take a look.

And while the two were immersed in their respective fighting techniques, three months passed in a flash.

Meanwhile, as time passed, the two of Lin Feng also gradually grew impatient while waiting.

After all, they still had other matters; if not for those things inside the Stone Clan warehouse, they would have left long ago.

Fortunately, after another half month, there finally came some movement in the northern region.

"Hehe, after more than three months, it has finally arrived."

Sensing the faint Dou Qi fluctuation coming from the north, Lin Feng immediately curled the corners of his mouth and spoke with a light smile.

But soon, his expression changed, and then he sank slightly.

Meanwhile, seeing Lin Feng's expression change, Qing Lin was about to ask when her delicate melon‑seed face also suddenly turned solemn.

Because in the northern direction, besides sensing the aura of the Stone Clan Fighting Saint she controlled, she also detected another unfamiliar aura of an advanced Half‑Saint.

Moreover, this aura was quite similar to that of the Stone Clan Fighting Saint, suggesting that the person was also a member of the Stone Clan.

"Qing Lin, is there any problem with your control?"

Sensing that unfamiliar aura, Lin Feng frowned and asked Qing Lin whether her control had failed.

Although the incoming aura was only that of a Half‑Saint, since others were following, they naturally had to be cautious.

After all, he did not know whether there were any other people behind them.

"No, everything here is normal; the control should not have malfunctioned."

Hearing that, Qing Lin shook her head, equally puzzled.

"If that's the case, let's just see how things develop."

Hearing her reply, Lin Feng nodded, then waved at Qing Lin and quickly hid himself in the void.

Seeing this, Qing Lin hurriedly followed Lin Feng and vanished from the spot.

"Bang!"

Just as the two vanished from the spot, two streaks of light suddenly appeared in the northern horizon and shot toward them at extreme speed.

As the distance closed, Lin Feng was almost certain that the newcomers were only the Stone Clan Fighting Saint controlled by Qing Lin and another advanced Half‑Saint.

Nevertheless, to be safe, Lin Feng's soul perception surged out, frantically searching the area behind them, leaving no suspicious spot unchecked.

"No one is tailing us?"

After sensing for a few seconds, Lin Feng raised his eyebrows and then turned his gaze to the two who were now very close.

Immediately, he said to Qing Lin beside him, 'Little girl, we'll first control that Half‑Saint, then ask for details later.'

"All right, Young Master."

Hearing that, Qing Lin immediately nodded and her Dou Qi began to circulate covertly.

After all, she had no better option at present.

Therefore, she could only follow her Young Master's words and first bring the opponent under control.

As time passed, that Stone Clan Half‑Saint drew ever nearer, until the distance between them was less than a li.

Seeing this, three tiny black dots appeared in Qing Lin's jade‑green eyes.

Immediately, a green light shot straight from her eyes, enveloping the Stone Clan Half‑Saint before it could react.

"Not good!"

Seeing the sudden green light, the Stone Clan Half‑Saint, though unaware of what it was, felt from years of combat instinct that it was certainly nothing good.

Thus, in his shock, he forgot to resist, gathering all his Dou Qi ready to strike, while he also shouted toward the not‑distant Stone Clan Fighting Saint: 'Enemy. Attack.'

However, under Qing Lin's Soul‑Control Technique, the Stone Clan advanced Half‑Saint, having spoken only halfway, suddenly felt a wave of weakness.

Even speaking, he now sounded feeble and breathless.

"Young Master, it's done."

After that Half‑Saint became weak, Qing Lin in the void sweetly smiled and then made the opponent perform a few actions.

After all, she was now a three‑star peak Fighting Saint powerhouse, and her soul had reached Heaven Realm Great Perfection; dealing with a Half‑Saint was still no easy task.

Seeing this, Lin Feng nodded slightly and said, 'Girl, ask that fellow why this Half‑Saint followed us.'

While speaking, his gaze also cautiously swept the northern direction, and only after confirming no one was there did he nod reassuringly.

"No problem."

Hearing that, Qing Lin lightly blinked her right eye, then looked at the Stone Clan Fighting Saint and asked, 'Who is this Half‑Saint, and why did he come with you?'

As soon as his words fell, the Stone Clan Fighting Saint immediately bowed and said, 'Master, he is one of the Four Great Commanders of our clan's Martial Army; this time he came out on business, and since we happened to be on the same road, I brought him along. I couldn't refuse, so I had to bring him with me.'

"Oh, a high‑ranking officer of the Stone Clan army?"

After hearing his explanation, Lin Feng stroked his chin, looking thoughtful.

Not long after his words fell, he asked, 'Qing Lin, ask that Half‑Saint what his exact post is and what he is responsible for.'

Hearing that, Qing Lin quickly looked at the Half‑Saint and conveyed his words.

"I am one of the Four Great Commanders of the Martial Army; my specific duty is to command the Ding Battalion of the Martial Army. In short, I am the supreme commander of the Ding Battalion."

"Ding Battalion?"

Hearing that, a hint of doubt appeared on Lin Feng's face.

After all, he was unclear about the exact composition of the Stone Clan's Martial Army.

Meanwhile, Qing Lin beside him seemed to sense her Young Master's strange fire and quickly asked, 'What is the Ding Battalion, and what does it do?'

"The Ding Battalion is a unit of our Martial Army; the Martial Army is divided into four battalions—Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding—and I am the supreme commander of the Ding Battalion. As for the Ding Battalion's mission, it handles justice throughout the Stone Realm: arresting, interrogating, and imprisoning those who violate clan laws, then sending the records to the Elder Council for them to decide how to punish the offenders."

Having received the order, that Half‑Saint promptly explained his duties in detail.

Oh, then looking at it this way, the clan military's whatever Ding Camp is equivalent to the constables of Blue Star.

After hearing the former's words, Lin Feng immediately felt a bit disappointed.

Originally he thought the other party was an important figure within that clan military, but it turned out to be just a constable head.

This official position might be quite intimidating for the people of the Stone Clan.

But for Lin Feng, it was lacking somewhat.

Because the people he most wanted to control were undoubtedly those high-ranking personnel in charge of the Stone Clan's Protector Grand Formation.

After all, as long as he could find a way to destroy the Stone Clan's Heavenly Gang Stone God Formation, his subsequent endeavors would become easy.

Even if the formation were just broken, he would dare to immediately send people to block the Stone Realm.

After all, the Stone Clan's highest combat power is at most a Seven-Star Initial Dou Saint, and Feng Er alone, even if she couldn't kill the opponent, would be enough to suppress them.

And once those people have dealt with the Stone Clan's other members, they could swarm over and surely beat the Stone Clan chief to death!

Right, then since your Ding Camp needs to capture criminals everywhere, you must be very familiar with all areas of the Stone Realm, do you have a specific map?

Not long after, Lin Feng suddenly raised his head and asked the Stone Clan Half Saint.

Upon hearing that, Qing Lin also hurriedly conveyed it.

Yes, after all, we are responsible for public order in all areas.

Having received the order, the Half Saint immediately nodded, then flipped his palm and produced a folded piece of skin paper.

Seeing that the other party really had it, Lin Feng's eyes instantly flashed with excitement.

Immediately after, his palm burst forth with a suction force, drawing that piece of skin paper into his hand.

As soon as the skin paper reached his hand, he eagerly opened it.

As it was unfolded, Lin Feng discovered that the skin paper was about half a zhang in length and width, and its surface bore a finely drawn topography of a small world.

However, as he observed, Lin Feng suddenly discovered that there were crossed-off, specially marked areas on all four sides and in between of the Stone Realm.

Upon seeing this, Lin Feng immediately turned the map to face that Half Saint and asked, 'What are these five crossed-off areas on the map, and why are they specially marked?'

Seeing this, Qing Lin also hurriedly conveyed the previous words.

'Our Protector Grand Formation, for safety, is divided into five small formations; these five places all have the Protector Grand Formation present, and we are not allowed to enter them. Therefore, we clearly mark them on the maps issued to the lower ranks. After all, the members of the clan military come from all over the Stone Realm; they may know the local situation, but not necessarily the situation on the other side of the Stone Realm.'

Upon hearing that, the commander of the Stone Clan's military also responded truthfully.

'Protector Grand Formation, Heavenly Gang Stone God Formation?'

After clarifying, Lin Feng then put the map down and continued to gaze at the five black crosses on it.

However, as his gaze shifted, he noticed that beside this small formation in the middle lay the Stone Clan's ancestral hall.

'The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade is right here, isn't it?'

Gazing at the black star that stood out conspicuously in the center of the map in his hand, Lin Feng's eyes flickered slightly. But immediately afterward, he folded the map and placed it into his spatial ring.

Having done that, Lin Feng then turned his gaze to the Stone Clan Dou Saint, his face bearing a hint of anticipation as he asked, 'Did you bring the things we previously ordered?'

Upon hearing that, Qing Lin immediately asked the Dou Saint.

'I have brought them: a nine-star magic core, top-grade poison, heavenly high-level poison and ice attribute combat techniques, and a large quantity of precious medicinal herbs, prescriptions, and medicinal materials.'

Saying that, the Dou Saint reached out and produced a spatial ring, then opened his palm.

'Hehe, great, Xian Er's cultivation technique problem is finally solved. Moreover, adding the heavenly high-level poison attribute combat technique obtained earlier from the Old Dragon Emperor, and these poisonous items that can enhance her strength, Xian Er now lacks nothing. As for that ice attribute heavenly high-level cultivation technique and combat technique, even if the cultivation technique isn't used, the combat technique can be given to Qing Lin.'

Upon hearing that the other party had brought everything he wanted, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel delighted; then with a sweeping gesture, a gentle breeze swept the item from the Stone Clan Dou Saint's hand over to him, which he caught.

As soon as the spatial ring reached his hand, his soul power couldn't help but slip into it to begin inspecting.

And as his soul power entered, the next moment a large quantity of medicinal herbs, scrolls, magic cores emanating strong energy, and unsettling poisonous substances appeared before him.

'Haha, no wonder it's an ancient great clan with tens of thousands of years of accumulation—these good things are plentiful; we've struck it rich this time!'

After confirming there were no errors, Lin Feng couldn't help but burst out laughing.

These past few months, he indeed hadn't waited in vain.

Not only did he obtain a detailed map of the Stone Realm and learn the location of the Stone Clan's Protector Grand Formation, but he also acquired so many good things!

Thinking of this, Lin Feng couldn't help but be happy, saying, 'Qing Lin, you little girl have really rendered great service this time; once things settle down, you can have me accompany you for as long as you wish.'

Thank you, Young Master!

Upon hearing that promise, Qing Lin's eyes instantly burst with a rich excitement, and she eagerly jumped about.

Haha, the Young Master keeps his word.

Seeing that little girl's cute appearance, Lin Feng immediately reached out and rubbed her little head.

And she, under her young master's caress, gradually narrowed her eyes in enjoyment.

After a warm moment together, Lin Feng then said to Qing Lin, 'Little girl, go ask that Dou Saint whether he knows of a black key; if I'm not mistaken, it should constantly emit an aura of death or something related.'

Okay.

Upon hearing that, Qing Lin immediately reopened her emerald eyes and conveyed the words.

'No, I haven't seen that thing.'

After Qing Lin's words fell, the Stone Clan Dou Saint pondered briefly, then shook his head.

'No?'

Seeing that even within the Stone Clan there was no information about the last key of the black-and-white iron box, Lin Feng's brows furrowed tightly.

But feeling somewhat unwilling, he then said to the Dou Saint and Half Saint, 'When you two return, go investigate the whereabouts of that thing, see if you can find it.'

As soon as Lin Feng's words fell, Qing Lin promptly relayed the command.

'Alright, Qing Lin, since they now have nothing else to do, let them continue with their own affairs; we'll head back now.'

Thinking that he had nothing more to ask, Lin Feng immediately chose to return.

After all, the Pure Lotus Demonic Fire hasn't been long since its emergence; he needs to accomplish some things before that.

At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh, 'I don't even know what's inside that black-and-white iron box; I hope it lives up to my efforts.'

While the former was sighing, Qinglin also slightly moved her pink lips, coquettishly saying, "Did you hear? You continue with your own affairs. During this time, unless necessary, do not meet your clan chief; stay as low‑key as possible, understand?"

"Yes, master."

Hearing that they could depart, the Stone Clan Dou Saint and the Half Saint immediately performed a respectful bow, then one headed south, the other returned north, and they quickly vanished from Lin Feng's and Qinglin's perception.

"Go."

Seeing the two leave, Lin Feng promptly waved lightly at Qinglin, then instantly vanished from the spot.

Qinglin, seeing this, did the same.

The next moment, this ice‑snow world, which had just been alive with energy, fell silent again.

At the same time, elsewhere Lin Feng, after leaving the northern region of Zhongzhou Continent, immediately sensed that the spatial jade tablet he had given Zhao Ran had been crushed.

Worried that Zhao Ran might be in trouble, she did not dare to delay, and handed the seal she had received from that Stone Clan Dou Saint to Qinglin, letting her return on her own.

As for himself, he swiftly broke through space and rushed to Zhao Ran's location.

"Whoosh!"

Because the Dou Saint's speed was extremely fast, Lin Feng, after only a short while, appeared at the spot where the message had been sent.

Upon arriving, Lin Feng discovered that below lay an expansively wide plain, stretching as far as the eye could see without a horizon.

On this plain were patches of artificially cultivated dry land, each separated by clear field boundaries.

Moreover, over these fields, dense energy condensed into thick mist, dimming the sunlight above considerably.

However, to Lin Feng's surprise, those cultivated lands were growing rows of exceptionally vigorous medicinal herbs.

These herbs appeared to be classified into several grades, planted on different plots; the highest grade even served as ingredients for refining nine‑grade mysterious pills!

Although there were only a few such herbs, this still left Lin Feng astonished.

"Wow, good stuff. Never thought there'd be a place like this on Zhongzhou Continent!"

Looking at the herbs below, Lin Feng couldn't help but murmur in amazement.

"Envious, aren't you? But these aren't ours, you know."

When the former exclaimed in awe at the herb fields below, one of the two women beside him immediately laughed, flew up, and said.

Hearing the voice, Lin Feng turned and instantly saw that the newcomer was Zhao Ran, the one who had summoned him here.

"Zhao Sister, what did you summon me for?"

Seeing that beautiful face, Lin Feng immediately went to grasp the former's small hand, asking somewhat puzzled.

"What's the matter, you heartless one? Can't I call you when there's nothing?"

Hearing Lin Feng's question, Zhao Ran immediately rolled an annoyed white eye.

"Uh, of course not a problem."

Upon hearing that, Lin Feng quickly nodded, smiling as he pulled Zhao Ran's soft, fragrant body into his arms.

"Cough cough."

While the two in front were being affectionate, the other woman beside them could no longer stand it, so she deliberately let out a few gentle coughs, interrupting them.

"Ah, it's all your fault; you almost made us forget the matter."

Startled by the cough, Zhao Ran immediately pounded Lin Feng's chest lightly with a small fist.

Then she pointed at the other woman, her face displeased, and questioned Lin Feng, "Didn't I tell you earlier that my close friend was waiting for you? Why has so much time passed with no response?"

Hearing this, Lin Fangfang looked over, and a gentle face immediately came into his view.

Although this woman's looks were slightly inferior to Zhao Ran's, her gentle smile was like a clear stream, intoxicating anyone with a uniquely feminine grace, especially beside the pair of huge, sturdy granaries behind her.

Overall, this woman was indeed not inferior to the more beautiful Zhao Ran.

"Uh, so it's Miss Tian Yan, sorry; I was away for a long time due to some matters and never had time to come here."

Seeing it was Tian Yan, Lin Feng, feeling at fault, quickly apologized to her.

After all, regardless, he indeed made her wait this long.

Hearing that, Tian Yan gave a gentle smile, then shook her head and softly said, "No problem; after all, I've waited all these years, a little more time doesn't matter. However, I wonder whether the matter we discussed before can continue this time."

Seeing that she truly wasn't angry, Lin Feng breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Although a Half Saint cultivator means little to him now, the other is Zhao Ran's close friend, and any issue could trouble Zhao Ran.

However, as soon as those words fell, Lin Feng, not wanting to waste time on this, continued, "Miss Tian Yan, since you're Zhao Sister's close friend, I'll speak plainly. I can…"

"First, as I mentioned before, that secret technique can help you break through to Dou Saint, though it carries some danger. However, your own body will need to be replaced once, into someone else's. Not to reveal everything, but at least the skeleton, and thus you might…"

"This method, while offering a surprising boost in potential, also has drawbacks. Though I've already refined it for you, if you mind, you may have to endure the barrier of another's body, and if your soul can't withstand it, it will be completely annihilated…"

After hearing the first method described, Tian Yan's beautiful eyes instantly lit up.

After all, the daring to boost potential is highly prized on the continent, even considered by some to surpass rare treasures that quickly enhance strength.

Most importantly, there are now so few things that can still raise her potential.

If she can successfully gain higher potential, her future achievements will undoubtedly be greater.

However, Tian Yan was not swept away by Lin Feng's words; after the excitement, her long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and then in a gentle voice, with a hint of urgency, asked, "Mr. Lin Feng, what about the second method?"

"The second method is that I possess some Ninth‑rank Tai‑Xu Ancient Dragon essence blood, which was also of Eight‑Star Dou Saint level in its previous life. If you consume this essence blood, not only can you break through to Dou Saint, but it will also expand your meridian capacity, allowing your Dou Qi to circulate more swiftly."

"Ninth rank, and also Eight‑Star Dou Saint level Tai‑Xu Ancient Dragon essence blood?!"

After hearing Lin Feng's words, not only Tian Yan but also Zhao Ran, standing beside her, couldn't help but stare in stunned disbelief at the man before them.

As for Tian Yan, upon hearing this, she involuntarily inhaled a cold breath, causing the massive granary before her to lift slightly, becoming even larger and sturdier.

"Exactly, it's the Eight‑Star Dou Saint level Tai‑Xu Ancient Dragon essence blood."

Then, with a flick of his palm, a sphere of golden‑red blood about the size of a pinky finger hovered in the air above his hand.

At the moment the droplet appeared, Zhao Ran and Tian Yan instantly sensed the Dou Qi in the surrounding world becoming turbulent.

"Truly worthy of a former Eight‑Star Dou Saint‑level powerhouse's essence blood; its might is indeed extraordinary!"

Seeing that sphere of essence blood, only pinky‑sized, capable of affecting the surrounding world's Dou Qi, the two women couldn't help but part their red lips in utter astonishment.

Hu

He was dazed for a long time; Na Tianyan then couldn't help but let out a heavy breath, and said helplessly: "Mr. Lin Feng, you really have given me a tough problem; both of these methods make my heart flutter nonstop!" (End of chapter)