In the next moment, another 1.6 million points evaporated, and the Body-Stabilizing Rune interface refreshed:
[8 Skills (Level Six): Body-Stabilizing Rune (0/16000000)]
"Ten million points? How did it also start growing tenfold?" Zhang Chen looked at the Golden Finger interface, with only 1.8 million points remaining, and his gaze fell upon Penetration Transformation: "Penetration Transformation is extremely important to me, be it for escape or thieving Incense Points, it all relies on it."
The key point was that Penetration Transformation only required 400,000 points, so Zhang Chen directly invested in Penetration Transformation.
[10 Skills (Level Five): Penetration Transformation*Piercing Stone*Dripping Water (0/4000000)]
[Note: During penetration, you can transform into a drop of water.]
Zhang Chen froze upon seeing this and then was overjoyed: "This skill is amazing! This skill is amazing!"
Previously, when I used Penetration Transformation, the water flow I transformed into was the same volume as myself, but now I can transform into just a drop of water.
The difference is simply worlds apart, with the concealment ability increased manifold.
For instance, Zhang Chen can transform into morning dew, and by then, who would care about a drop of dew?
However, it’s not without flaws; it can’t withstand impacts beyond Level Five strength. If attacked beyond this threshold, it will immediately revert to its original form.
Zhang Chen, delighted, transformed into a drop of water without further ado and seeped into the soil, disappearing without a trace.
Shortly after Zhang Chen left, divine lights flickered on the horizon, descending upon the battlefield. After a quick inspection, they hurriedly turned away and departed.
Meanwhile, Zhang Chen stealthily returned to the Daoist Temple, remaining completely undetected.
Having killed a divine spirit this time, it was bound to cause a huge commotion. The strong of the Yellow Heaven Dao would undoubtedly investigate thoroughly, and the Gong Family would not let it go either. He didn’t dare to continue flying around in the open as a Vampire Bat, so he cleaned all traces of himself and returned quietly to hide in the temple.
Zhang Chen hid away while the outside world was engulfed in a mighty tempest, yet this storm could not reach Huangli Temple. After all, even though Gong Li was a top-notch master in Great Victory, they wouldn’t be easily killed. No one would expect such outstanding disciples at Huangli Temple.
Xiaodouding was filled with joy upon seeing Zhang Chen’s return, eagerly approaching and chatting with him, snuggling close to Zhang Chen.
Upon returning to the temple, Zhang Chen checked the Pool of Faith below and found it dry, feeling somewhat disappointed. He then began organizing his recent gains and losses.
Zhang Chen was satisfied with the Mountain-moving Technique, but he lacked a weapon handy enough for him.
"A weapon that fits," Zhang Chen thought of that steel fork. If he could acquire that steel fork, defeating enemies would be like crushing dry weeds.
Unfortunately, that steel fork was taken by the Princess. Although reluctant, Zhang Chen felt there was nothing he could do.
The issue of the weapon could only be left to future opportunity and his luck.
Killing continued daily in the Northern Land, and Zhang Chen was quietly cultivating in the temple, thinking about how to acquire more points.
"Should I leave the Northern Land and seek fortune to the south?" Zhang Chen mused.
"Not yet," said the Great Freedom Celestial Demon, emerging stealthily and mysteriously.
"Why is that?" Zhang Chen inquired.
"In the Spiritual World, during the First Heaven, many things will fall into the Northern Land, like the body of the Ba Snake. A space storm won’t destroy the Ba Snake’s body. If we can consume its essence, we’ll gain many benefits," said the Great Freedom Celestial Demon. "Moreover, I recall that there is also an Ascension Pool in the Spiritual World, First Heaven. I wonder if any Creation remains within."
"Ascension Pool? What is that?" Zhang Chen asked.
"No idea!" The Great Freedom Celestial Demon shook its head. "I only know the Ascension Pool is very important, but I’ve already forgotten the specific memories."
Since the Great Freedom Celestial Demon mentioned the Ascension Pool, Zhang Chen decided he could wait a bit longer.
After all, the Spiritual World shattering would only last a few days, so he might as well wait.
The day after Zhang Chen returned to the temple, Xie Lingyun arrived.
Xie Lingyun appeared dust-laden, clad in armor, and her eyes were filled with weariness.
"Sister has been quite busy lately," Zhang Chen said, brewing a cup of hot tea for Xie Lingyun as she entered.
"Don’t mention it! That crazy Gong Family has stirred up countless troubles in the Northern Land. My Inspection and Supervision Department has been busy quelling them all, barely managing to handle the situation," Xie Lingyun said with a tone full of grievance.
"What happened to the Gong Family?" Zhang Chen feigned ignorance and asked.
Xie Lingyun didn’t hide it: "A big figure from the Gong Family died, giving them the chance to cause chaos, making the Northern Land restless."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lingyun said, "I believe the Gong Family’s intentions aren’t just about the obvious. Their goal is to find the Tree of Life Coffin and, while at it, target the Martial Artists of the Northern Land, trying to secretly plunder the Creation there. Of course, my department can’t just watch the Gong Family create chaos, so we’ve clashed with them several times."
Zhang Chen suddenly realized it was indeed his fault, but the Gong Family had used it as an excuse.
"That space channel is about to close; what a pity!" Xie Lingyun commented, sipping some tea.
"A person shouldn’t be too greedy," Zhang Chen responded.
"True enough," Xie Lingyun smiled, then added, "However, with the herbs obtained from the Spirit Secret Realm, the Divine Soul Dao and Martial Dao might surge with growth, perhaps even contending with those Divine Cultivators. Many Martial Artists consumed herbs in the Spiritual World, causing their Spiritual Powers to soar, crossing into the Soul Emergence realm. Moreover, many have acquired mysterious inheritances, absorbing great benefits in the Spirit Secret Realm, potentially leading many to the Yin Spirit Realm or even aspiring to become Yang God Great Cultivators."
Zhang Chen, sitting by the side, mused aloud: "That indeed is a good thing for cultivators across the land."
"For cultivators, it is good news, but for ordinary people, life is getting harder. People not only have to toil but also provide faith, just like cattle and horses confined within fences..." Xie Lingyun sighed softly. "Our department’s power is somewhat stretched thin; it seems harder to fully grasp the world’s trends."
Zhang Chen was unsure how to respond, as this was all related to him. He could certainly be considered one of the instigators.
"In a while, I’ll be leaving the Northern Land," Xie Lingyun stated.
Zhang Chen, hearing Xie Lingyun’s words, was startled: "Leaving the Northern Land? Where to?"
"Shangjing!" Xie Lingyun said with a cheerful smile, "For promotion!"
"Congratulations," Zhang Chen was momentarily taken aback before swiftly offering congratulations.
"Would you like to come with me?" Xie Lingyun asked.
"You know my identity," Zhang Chen replied with a wry smile, shaking his head. "Shangjing is too unfriendly to me."
Hearing this, Xie Lingyun sighed softly, with a hint of regret in her eyes. She truly admired Zhang Chen’s prowess and character, but his background posed a significant issue.
"I had originally thought of forging a few identity documents for you, but after thinking it over, it seemed unsuitable. It’s only during the upheaval in the Northern Land, when many fall, and the people scatter, that you might find some documents that suit you better than any I could forge. Too many eyes are on me, and nothing I do escapes their notice," Xie Lingyun admitted with a touch of helplessness.
Hearing this, Zhang Chen chuckled, appreciating Xie Lingyun’s goodwill. Just as he was about to speak, a sudden rumble of thunder echoed in the cold winter sky.
"Why is it thundering in the dead of winter?" Xie Lingyun, startled by the thunder outside, wore a look of surprise as she quickly stood up and went to the window to look out.
Zhang Chen, however, was suddenly filled with a sense of prescience: the First Heaven of the Spiritual World should have been destroyed!