The Northern region didn't have a single Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator, yet, the little thing in front of him could squish that being to death, albeit in the future.
Tian Shen wasn't expecting such an intense reaction, so he simply played dumb.
"I'm not sure either. After killing one of them, I stumbled on an egg. I didn't expect it to hatch at all."
Tian Shen shrugged, though he couldn't help but be amused inwardly at Feng Yan's expression.
"You aren't sure? Then what are you sure about? Are you sure you can control her? Are you sure there is no risk?"
The Sect Master retorted, clearly displeased with his casual remark.
"Sect Master, don't you trust my talent?"
Tian Shen said with a smug grin.
"She might grow into a 4-star Beast, but by then, I've had the power to tackle her myself!"
Feng Yan opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out.
He was speechless.
Tian Shen's talent was real. That much was undeniable.
He wanted to remind him that no one from the Northern Territory had ever reached Foundation Establishment Realm, let alone Core Formation Realm.
But he didn't say it.
Confidence and Ambition was everything to a cultivator. Without it, even the most gifted would fail halfway.
So he kept quiet.
"If there's nothing else, Sect Master, I've got something to do. I'll be leaving."
Tian Shen planned to go attribute-hunting.
Yesterday, he had only collected Attribute Orbs from the outer disciples and the beasts in the Beast Valley.
He still hadn't touched the inner disciple's area.
That could give him a serious boost.
"Hold on."
Feng Yan stopped him.
"You've already reached Qi Refining Realm. You should head to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and pick a proper spiritual Qi technique."
He paused, then frowned.
"Actually—it's strange. You've gotten this far without cultivating a proper technique. Just from Spirit sword inheritance? Is it really that strong?"
"Spiritual Qi technique? That's for improving Spiritual Qi, right?"
Tian Shen's eyes lit up.
"Obviously. It doesn't just improve Spiritual Qi—it improves your cultivation."
Feng Yan explained patiently.
"Only by condensing Spiritual Qi into liquid form within the Dantian can you step into the Foundation Establishment realm!"
"Got it. I'm heading to the Pavilion now."
Tian Shen dashed off with no hesitation.
He wasn't sure why Feng Yan said he was at Qi Refining Realm while he was not, maybe system's doing.
He take it to heart, simply giving credit to the system currently eating five star.
[A/N: eat 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟, do nothing ;)]
It wasn't the system that conceled his cultivation, but that in this world, Cultivation Realm of cultivators are determined by the natural Spiritual Qi emitted from the body. Usually, no cultivator deliberately lowers the aura on their body. But there are also unusual ones who do the exact thing.
Feng Yan just thought he was one of the unusual ones.
...
"Welcome, welcome."
In front of the Technique Pavilion, the elder in charge spotted Tian Shen approaching and greeted him with enthusiasm, as if he had expected his arrival.
He rose from behind the counter and hurried to the entrance, smiling warmly.
"Elder Qi, you're too kind. Could you tell me where the Spiritual Qi cultivation methods are?"
Tian Shen asked politely, lips twitching into a half-smile.
He remembered well—when he first joined the Beast Taming Sect, this cold and prideful elder barely spared him a glance.
Now? A complete change of attitude.
Superficial people.
"You can check the second or third floor. However, the best spiritual Qi Technique we have is only of the 3-star grade. And it's quite picky—not everyone is compatible with it."
Elder Qi replied warmly.
There was a inner disciple next to him who was blatantly ignored, glared at Tian Shen with resentment.
Unable to bear the blatant favoritism, he turned to leave—but stopped in his tracks at Elder Qi's next words.
"You're now a 9th stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator. I heard you've already cultivated the Basic Poison Finger to its peak. That indicates a strong affinity for poison-type techniques. On the second floor, there's a 2-star Poison Qi Cultivation Technique. It might be a perfect fit for you!"
'9th stage of Qi Refining Realm!'
'What the hell?!'
The inner disciple's mind reeled.
That guy wearing an outer disciple robe had the cultivation of a 9th stage Qi Refining Realm? That was enough to earn the position of an High level Sect Elder.
Why was he still wearing outer disciple robes?
He was tempted to report this outrageous favoritism—but then hesitated.
A 9th stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator?
He couldn't afford to mess with that.
He sulked but memorized Tian Shen's face. He would definitely spread the word.
But he didn't need to.
Across the sect, core disciples—led by Feng Yin—were already spreading the story of Tian Shen's valor in saving the sect.
At the same time, the Beast Taming Sect issued an official announcement.
Tian Shen was to be promoted to an Honorary Elder, enjoying the rights and privileges of a sect elder.
The news exploded across the sect.
"He inherited the Spirit Sword and fought a 3-star beast?"
"He's incredible! I'm already in love!"
"I hope he notices me someday."
"No chance. Don't you know he's engaged to Senior Sister Feng? A lady of that caliber is the only one who matches Elder Tian!"
"He's the one who saved us back then?!"
"Wasn't he in the dungeon just a while ago? What the hell happened?!"
The Beast Taming Sect was in an uproar.
Many had been jealous of Tian Shen's meteoric rise—but none could deny his strength.
And above all, he'd saved their lives.
Even if they felt envy, gratitude came first.
Meanwhile, Tian Shen, escorted by Elder Qi, stepped into the Technique Pavilion, completely unaware that he was now being given a "good person card" by the masses.
His eyes lit up at the sight of the endless rows of techniques before him.
...
Tian Shen didn't plan to go overboard with choices.
He just needed.
One suitable Spiritual Qi Cultivation Technique.
One Movement Technique.
One Physical Body Refinement Technique
As for the Poison Qi Technique Elder Qi recommended?
No need.
He had raised the Basic Poison Finger not due to affinity, but thanks to his system's experience boost. Once a technique was unlocked on his panel, he could rapidly enhance it.
Whether poison, lightning, or fire—it didn't matter.
As long as he possessed the matching attribute, he could comprehend any technique.
And currently, he had three:
Poison, Thunder, and Fire.
Even if his natural talent didn't match a technique's type, the elements made up for it.
"I already have the Poison Finger. No need for a Fighting Technique."
"I also inherited a Sword technique—no need to pick another."
"That means I can focus on just three: a Spiritual Qi Technique, a Movement Technique, and a Physical Strengthening Technique."
Decision made, he smiled confidently.
Let the upgrades begin.