[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-581":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2309241,4512,"Chapter 581: Level 10","starlight-professional-chapter-581",581,"\u003Cp>“Fellow cultivator, rest assured...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was quite surprised by Lao Lü’s declaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this was about fiercely defending his own rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man seemed genuinely confident he could break through to Qi Sensing Seventh Layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it might also be out of desperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the strongest visible combatant on Poison Dragon Ridge—Black Snake—was still under his control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Or maybe he’s deliberately lulling me into complacency, waiting for a chance to kill me? To eliminate all future threats?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing never hesitated to assume the worst intentions in others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Five Families of East Peak, whether their foundation was seized by the Fei family or by himself—was there really much difference?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days later, the Fei family indeed sent a paper crane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stated that if Poison Dragon Ridge contributed manpower, they could be exempted from this year’s tribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it was Lao Lü who led Lin Xu into battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that Qingfeng Hollow’s Xu family, San Yue Tan’s Yin family, and the ‘White Bone Alliance’ at Burial Ground had all been forced to participate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Green Water Wang’s family had been compelled to send several skilled fighters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the others, Poison Dragon Ridge had received a certain degree of ‘favorable treatment.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was planting an oak sapling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A paper crane suddenly flew over, carrying Song Yunqian’s anxious voice: “Fellow cultivator, hurry to East Peak! Bring the healing berries!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Using a paper crane to deliver a message? This must be urgent... the combat must have reached a conclusion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s thoughts shifted instantly, and he arrived at East Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside a large mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carved corridors and painted beams, exquisitely decorated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faint sounds of women weeping drifted through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing walked to the innermost chamber and found Tie Luo Sanren and two others present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also there was a young man—Lu Feng!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Song Yunyun married, this youth had been shamed into determination and had now broken through his bottleneck, achieving Qi Sensing Fourth Layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing gave a slight nod and stepped inside, where he saw Lao Lü lying on a bed, barely breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, several women wailed loudly without tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The healing berries were already used, but the effect was poor...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yunqian came over and explained: “It’s said he was infected by corpse qi from the Xie family...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing nodded—he knew they’d already tried every treatment; calling him here was merely a formality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of his bond with the old man, he sighed inwardly and raised his hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sphere of emerald light appeared, brimming with vitality, flowing into Lao Lü’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Natural Healing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the healing berries that treated minor wounds, his ‘Natural Healing’ talent could instantly restore even moderate injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lao Lü struggled, opened his eyes, and looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of joy appeared on Tie Luo Sanren’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fang Xing shook his head: “His injuries aren’t the main issue—the core problem is the corpse qi corroding his foundation; his lifespan is nearing its limit...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natural Healing could mend wounds, but it could not restore lost lifespan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Lao Lü was dying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Hu Liuniang and the others turned pale; the women’s wailing grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough! All of you, leave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Lao Lü seemed unusually spirited—perhaps a final surge of vitality—and glared at them, driving them out, leaving only Fang Xing behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My household affairs are complicated—forgive me for troubling you, fellow cultivator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand and cast a soundproofing talisman: “Ah... I’d give anything for one more sip of century-old monkey wine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing nodded and tossed him the wine gourd at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! You brat—you’ve been lying to me all along! You’ve got this much stored up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lao Lü pulled the cork, gulped down a large mouthful, and immediately his cheeks flushed red; clutching the gourd like a giant monkey, he said: “This time, all five families are done for... After the great battle, Xu family and Yin family lost people, the White Bone Alliance lost one white skeleton, Song family was wiped out, I’m critically wounded, my third brother is missing—likely dead... Fei family—hah! Fei family!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes, fell silent, then suddenly opened them again and took another sip of century-old monkey wine: “I ask for nothing else—just that you watch over Feng’er a little. Among my descendants, he’s the only one with any promise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fellow cultivator, rest assured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lao Lü immediately showed a hint of relief, then pulled out a thin booklet: “All I’ve learned in my life—I’ll offer it as a gift... It’s merely crude martial arts. I’ve already passed down my techniques; this booklet, please take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Fang Xing accept it, Lao Lü sighed: “My lineage’s core practice is the ‘Spirit Invocation Method,’ but since our founder, we’ve never summoned any true deity, nor had any senior who achieved Yin Spirit form. We’ve regressed further and further, forced to rely on spirit-beating techniques and secular martial arts, creating this ‘Great Sage Armor Fist’—a laughingstock... Ah, my master, on his deathbed, dreamed only of offering a divine ancestor to establish a true ‘Dharma Lineage’ like the Upper Divine Palace—but how impossibly difficult is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve lived a life of mediocrity, accomplished nothing—I’ve shamed my sect...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If only I’d stayed in the Zhou Shenchao... would things have been different?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing fell silent. He hadn’t expected that such an old cultivator, on his deathbed, would still be fixated on the Zhou Shenchao!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is it about that place that holds such appeal?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘When I’ve cultivated further, perhaps I should sneak in and take a look?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But in that region, the spirit path thrives—perfect for sects practicing Spirit Invocation. Aside from government suppression, there’s little wrong with it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lao Lü’s vitality fading fast, Fang Xing quickly stepped out and called the others in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, wailing filled the Lü family mansion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spring passed, autumn came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lao Lü’s death, Tie Luo Sanren became the leader of Poison Dragon Ridge’s East Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fei family made no comment on the losses suffered by the families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, two more years passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing noteworthy occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only notable event during this time was news from the Fei family: Song Yunyun had given birth to a son, named Fei Yong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the expanded bamboo grove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sat cross-legged, merging with nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his status bar, notifications kept appearing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You performed a cultivation session and gained ‘Natural Knowledge’ and ‘Natural Baptism’...】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After accumulating many such prompts, a new one appeared:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Your Druid class has reached Level 10. Choose a new talent: Tree Warder \u002F Beast Master?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Choose ‘Tree Warder’!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing made his long-decided choice without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a daze, he felt himself merging with the surrounding plants, becoming a towering ancient tree, sprouting and growing alongside the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Tree Warder: Your understanding of plant domains has deepened. The number of tree men you can awaken has increased. Every plant you plant gains additional experience!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course... the Tree Warder talent is this simple and unadorned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on Fang Xing’s lips: “At Level 10 Druid, even my Druid combat power alone should match a Dao Foundation cultivator...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The breakthrough came so smoothly—is this what they mean by ‘the best warriors leave no famous exploits’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just look at how chaotic the Fei family became trying to elevate one Dao Foundation cultivator—breaking through major realms was never easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s breakthrough seemed quiet and uneventful, free of calamity—yet it was the result of meticulous planning and hidden effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not concealed himself, had not so many on East Peak absorbed the tribulations, could he have cultivated in peace for over a decade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, outsiders would never know—and would only later marvel at him as a blessed cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So much...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Fang Xing now sensed his own body, he suddenly noticed tiny green lights emerging from the bamboo groves, flowing into him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the experience bonus from the Tree Warder talent, accelerating his future advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gazed at a century-old Qingling Bamboo ahead, and with a thought, his plant growth talent activated—the bamboo instantly grew taller and straighter, its stalk turning iron-gray, breaking through its limit to become a millennium-old Qingling Bamboo!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A millennium-old Qingling Bamboo—its value is already considerable...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And this time, the cost was still there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing silently felt the difference from before: “With the Tree Warder talent, I’ll need to plant more trees going forward...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at his status bar and saw more notifications continuing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Your ‘Wild Shape: Fish Demon Form’ has been enhanced and upgraded to Mountain Serpent \u002F Water Naga Form!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I didn’t choose the animal domain, my Wild Shape talent still remained—and after reaching Level 10, it has indeed changed...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s face lit up with delight; the Mountain Python and Water Naga were both powerful transcendent creatures, comparable to Foundation Establishment cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Mountain Lord Transformation and Green Snake Transformation had improved, the gains were slight, insufficient to match a Foundation Establishment cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been decided from the moment he chose his core form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I had chosen the [Beast Master] talent, perhaps the Mountain Lord, Owl, and Green Snake could all have developed corresponding mythic beast forms, allowing me to transform into more transcendent species and achieving greater combat power…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But my current combat power is already sufficient; leveling up quickly is more important.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main reason Fang Xing chose the [Tree Tender] talent was that the Druid class became increasingly difficult to level as one advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once gained a level per year, but at high-rank Druid, especially above level 15 when approaching Legend, he might not gain a single level for a decade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this stage, the experience gained from planting trees became crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had chosen [Beast Master], he could have gained experience through herding, but the time and energy spent would rarely be proportional to the gains, and the experience gained would be less than that from [Tree Tender].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Druid class has a threshold at level 5; now all my talents have been enhanced…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve stayed at Poison Dragon Slope long enough; it’s time to go out and see what’s beyond…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, Druid advancement will slow further; I should consider forging a Foundation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The [Green Wood Technique] scripture he obtained only covered up to forming a Foundation; after that, he must join Green Wood Ridge to acquire the subsequent cultivation methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, he already had some ideas on how to forge a Foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ve reached the ninth layer of Qi Sensing and cultivated the [Primordial Dragon-Snake Qi], which already provides a slight boost to Foundation formation… As long as I acquire a single Foundation-grade spiritual object, success is certain. Even if I fail, with Natural Healing, I won’t suffer serious injury, let alone die…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1825,"2026-06-20T11:03:22.760Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","dd270933663d38938e5a359c5bcc1f2cfbef92dfa78ee1415b759a975687b9a8","starlight-professional-chapter-582","starlight-professional-chapter-580",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]