Disciplining the Naughty Toad! 3
Kroo, kroooek—!
Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~! Sonic waves burst from the Clear Silver Bell Flower, creating a clear, resonant chime that rippled across the water's surface. But despite the serene, peaceful melody, its power was utterly terrifying. Everywhere the sound waves touched, powerful shockwaves erupted, shattering the ice spikes jutting from the beast's body.
Kroo!
'Now's my chance!'
As the creature lost its balance from the impact, shaking violently, Lin seized the moment. She poured every ounce of her spiritual energy into the Extreme Yang Heavenly Flame, unleashing a massive, scorching blaze that resembled a fiery bird.
Kroo-ruk! Kroo-ruk!
The blazing flames fully coalesced into the shape of a perfect firebird. Sensing no hope of victory, Bingdamwa whipped around to flee. But as always, Lin had been watching its every move intently—she wasn't about to let it escape now.
Kroo!
'Where do you think you're going!'
Whoosh—!
The enormous firebird-shaped blaze shot toward it like an arrow, so fast that even from a distance, the toad had no time to react. It took the hit head-on. For a strike from someone still only in the early-to-mid Qi Condensation stage, the power was simply unbelievable.
Why am I so strong lol? Even if Extreme Yang Heavenly Flame is a great divine ability from eating that spirit grass, is this normal for Qi Condensation level?? I'm shocked even after doing it myself lmao
Yeah, the Phoenix Flame from StrongestFireChicken123 definitely had an effect, no doubt. Without it, handling flames this powerfully on pure strength alone would've been tough. And she only taught a tiny fraction—just enough to escape danger—not the full technique. So how insane would the complete version be... Lin was already excited just thinking about it.
Heehee, once my proficiency goes up, I'll ask for the rest!
The later parts were probably the real core, so she wouldn't hand them out casually like before. But if she proved her worth, the generous StrongestFireChicken123 would surely teach her. Not just her—all the gallery members in the Dao Alliance were like that. No newbies had shown up in ages, so the veterans were starving for fresh blood. After years of roasting each other into oblivion, this perfect little newbie drops in out of nowhere. No wonder everyone was extra lenient and kind to Lin.
Starting her cultivation journey right at this time? She couldn't have been luckier.
Kraaang!
Huhu! Take that, you toad jerk! Gotcha at last!
Far off, the massive naughty toad lay skewered by Lin's flame arrow, fully roasted. She pinned it triumphantly underfoot with her tiny, adorable body, letting out a victorious roar that somehow wasn't intimidating at all(?).
Kraaaang—!
After all the twists and turns, Lin had won! And this wasn't just any fight—it was her first real cultivator duel since starting her path. More than a simple victory, it was a milestone: her debut win in the world of cultivation.
Kroo!
Huhu, time to collect the spoils!
Worried the roasted toad might somehow slither away, Lin hurriedly stripped it of loot. Victory pride was great, but nothing beat the thrill of spoils from a good fight! Unlike human cultivators, demon beasts were treasures in themselves—every part valuable, no waste. Catching this one unscathed? Huge win for Lin!
Nom nom—
Starving after the intense battle, Lin devoured the perfectly well-done toad without a scrap left. Soon enough...
Absorbed spiritual energy!
Realm advanced!
Kroo!'Realm up! Since it was stronger than me, the gains are massive!'
Compared to random spirit grass or beasts she'd scavenged in the forest, this was insane. A whole minor realm jump in one go—what fortune! Plus, the toad had once touched Core Formation, so its body was packed with nutrients. Perfect superfood for a growing hatchling like Lin!
Not only did her spiritual energy surge, but her body grew a bit too. Wings a little bigger, claws tougher! Kids really grow fast.
Kkek... Yours truly 'YongyongJukgesji' gets stronger every moment? (Pic of slightly thicker, cooler horns)
But the toad's gifts didn't end there—no, this was just the beginning. Like a golden goose, it kept spitting out fortunes.
Myriad Spirit Devouring Art
◈ Ability to wield unique ice crystals
Kroo!'Ice, huh? Awesome!'
She already handled fire, so not sure how useful it'd be, but dual fire-and-ice attributes? So cool! Any new ability was a win.
◈ Spiritual energy reservoir for Core Formation cultivators
◈ Essential for realm breakthrough
Next, the toad's demon core. A spiritual storage organ formed in Core Formation—like magic circles in her past life's fantasy novels. It made energy use smoother, a must-have for advancing. Perfect for Lin, who still needed one for her breakthrough.
Kroo!'Not perfect, but way better than starting from scratch!'
Building on existing beats creating from nothing—huge difference in difficulty. This would massively boost her Core Formation push.
Third: Part of the artifact it'd stolen.
Kroo!'The pearl decoration for the storage pouch! Here it is!'
The mysterious pearl from the immortal's pouch that saved the village long ago—the toad had swiped it for its power. Attaching it would complete the storage pouch.
Lin quickly slotted the pearl in. Shooo—!Fwaa—! It glowed brilliantly, restoring full form with amazing energy.
Yes! No more lugging stuff around!
No more grunting under heavy loads—Lin grinned ear to ear.
After gleefully collecting all the fun loot...
'Lemme see... think I've got everything.'
Sun setting, time to head back? She'd stripped the toad bare.
Krooo?
'Hmm...? What's that?'
Deep in the icy marsh cave, a strange stone caught her eye.
'That...?'
◈ Dangerously intriguing stone
Some incredibly dangerous-yet-fascinating rock. What could it be?