I Tame Beasts by Feeding

A large part of the Dragon’s Roar Sword’s value came from the faint spirit it contained. Although the spirit was extremely weak—far from what one would call a true Artifact Spirit—it was still astonishing.

Because of this spirit, the Dragon’s Roar Sword far surpassed ordinary Magical Treasures, making it the prototype of a Spirit Treasure. If Yu Changsheng hadn’t confiscated Huang Suyu’s sword in time, the battle would have been even more brutal.

But no matter how precious the spirit within the Dragon’s Roar Sword was, to Yu Changsheng, it was worthless if he couldn’t use it. Destroying it wouldn’t be a loss, especially since he didn’t use swords anyway.

The only problem was that erasing this wisp of a spirit now would mean the Dragon’s Roar Sword would forever lose its chance to become a true Spirit Treasure.

Under Yu Changsheng’s vast, ocean-like Divine Thought, the spirit of the Dragon’s Roar Sword trembled uncontrollably. Yet, it still exuded an air of defiance, preferring death to submission. The Sword Body quivered as if it would shatter itself at any moment.

Yu Changsheng wasn’t surprised. The sword had been nourished day and night with Huang Suyu’s Essence Blood. Even though Huang Suyu was dead, his mark was ingrained in its very aura, making it difficult for anyone but its master to wield.

Thus, even though Yu Changsheng could obliterate the spirit with a single thought, it refused to yield.

Yu Changsheng sneered as his Divine Thought slowly enveloped the sword. ’Quite stubborn. But your own master died at my hands. What’s the point of holding out?’

Hearing this, the Dragon’s Roar Sword trembled. A blood-red light flared from it, and the tip of the blade turned, seeming to want to stab Yu Changsheng.

"Heh."

Yu Changsheng chuckled. Under the pressure of his Divine Thought, the Dragon’s Roar Sword was powerless to struggle. Seeing how difficult it would be to tame, he felt neither anger nor regret.

He shook his head helplessly. His Divine Thought formed a Seal around the sword, and it immediately stopped trembling, its brilliant light dimming.

’Forget it, this will do. I can still use it by force, can’t I? When the time is right, I should be able to sell you for a good price.’

’And if I ever make you self-destruct, the explosion will surely be impressive.’

Having made his decision, Yu Changsheng stopped threatening the spirit. He withdrew his Divine Thought and returned the Dragon’s Roar Sword to his pouch.

A Dragon’s Roar Sword with a spirit would fetch a much better price.

In the previous battle with Huang Suyu, all of his miscellaneous Magical Treasures had self-destructed. Fortunately, he found plenty more in Huang Suyu’s Hundred Treasures Pouch, along with a good number of Elixirs.

With a thought, he summoned his three sleeping Spirit Beasts. Yu Changsheng was surprised by what he saw.

’They’re recovering so quickly?’

The three Spirit Beasts had been badly injured in the battle, especially the Colorful Star Deer. To shield Yu Changsheng from Huang Suyu’s final attack, it had been grievously wounded and knocked unconscious. But now, the massive gash on its abdomen had already scabbed over. Its aura was stable, and by the looks of it, it would be back on its feet in no time.

’Is it because of that... so-called blessing and fortune from the Wanxiang Sect I received for climbing to the 8,000th step?’

Yu Changsheng grew thoughtful. It was a good thing his three Spirit Beasts were out of danger. Still, he gently pried open each of their mouths and fed them some Elixirs to speed up their recovery even more.

’By the looks of it, their cultivation levels should see a great leap when they wake up. A blessing in disguise, I suppose.’

After doing all this, Yu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief, a faint smile gracing his lips.

’So much for Huang Suyu’s things. But Elder Li’s Foundation Establishment Pill was a pleasant surprise, and on top of that, a spot in the Sword Cleansing Pool. That will allow my physical body to grow even stronger. Excellent.’

This battle had taught Yu Changsheng the profound benefits of a powerful physical body. He wouldn’t neglect this aspect of his training and would seize any opportunity to improve it.

’Then again, I’m Elder Wei’s disciple now. Even without Elder Li’s recommendation, it shouldn’t be too hard for me to get into the Sword Cleansing Pool.’

Yu Changsheng thought to himself, not dwelling on the issue for too long.

’The Foundation Establishment Pill... my master is helping me refine one, so I’m not in short supply. In that case, it might be better to save this one for the family.’

Yu Changsheng mused on this. Yu Taoran had been stuck at the Qi Refining Peak for many years, unable to break through without a Foundation Establishment Pill. If he gave it to him and he succeeded, the Yu Family would officially have a Foundation Establishment Expert among its ranks. The benefits would be endless.

Even though his family could offer him almost no help at his current level, Yu Changsheng still wanted to support them however he could. He was bound to travel far in the future, and he would have more peace of mind if his family was strong enough to protect themselves.

’Then it’s settled. I’ll save this Foundation Establishment Pill for the family. As for myself... what I have should be enough.’

A sharp glint flashed in Yu Changsheng’s eyes as he put the Foundation Establishment Pill away.

’After all, it might not be impossible for me to break through to Foundation Establishment without relying on an elixir.’

A Foundation Establishment Pill was merely an aid. True geniuses broke through naturally and had no need for such things. However, Yu Changsheng was well aware of his own talent—or lack thereof, with his Three Spirit Roots. He wasn’t entirely confident he could succeed without one.

After stowing the Foundation Establishment Pill, Yu Changsheng took out the last item to examine it carefully. It was the gift he received for reaching the 8,000th step of the Celestial Ladder.

It was a fist-sized Stone Box, grayish-black in color with streaks of dark red. Its surface was coarse, and he couldn’t identify the material.

Haphazard patterns were carved into its surface. It emitted no light or aura, and even when Yu Changsheng tried to inspect it with his Divine Sense, he couldn’t penetrate it in the slightest.

Yu Changsheng was intrigued. ’To be able to block my Golden Core-level Divine Sense, the material of this Stone Box must be extraordinary.’

He thought for a moment. Since his Divine Sense was useless, he curiously tried to open it by hand. He channeled a sliver of Magical Power into it, but it was like a stone sinking into the ocean. After trying for a good while, the Stone Box remained completely inert.

’It seems I need to be at the Foundation Establishment realm to open it.’

’That makes sense. Everyone else who reached the 8,000th step was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. It’s only normal that I can’t open it.’

Yu Changsheng frowned, his eyes flickering as he mulled it over. He could probably force the Stone Box open with the power of his Foundation Establishment Body, but he was worried that might destroy whatever was inside.

’Forget it. I’ll just wait. Once I reach Foundation Establishment, I’ll see what kind of treasure is inside.’

Yu Changsheng shook his head and stored the Stone Box away, deciding not to force the issue. He could have asked someone for help, but he wasn’t in a hurry. He would simply wait until he reached Foundation Establishment and open it himself.

Items from the Celestial Ladder all had corresponding cultivation requirements. Even if he managed to open it now, he likely wouldn’t be able to use the contents without being in the Foundation Establishment realm.

Just as Yu Changsheng was sorting through his recent gains, the Jade Tube in his robes vibrated slightly. The Array outside his pavilion rippled—he had a visitor.

Yu Changsheng scanned the area with his Divine Thought. A young man, an Inner Sect Disciple, had appeared in his courtyard at some point. He wore a smile, held a gift in his left hand, and was speaking softly toward the door.

"Is Junior Brother Changsheng in? I am Shen Xingchen, an Inner Sect Disciple. I’ve come especially to pay a visit."