Chapter 108

Chapter 108: Foundation

When the Spiritual Manipulation method activated, both individuals’ auras multiplied severalfold, far exceeding ordinary seventh-level Gathering Qi cultivators.

"How incredible! They actually possess such abilities!"

Yang Lingrui blurted out in amazement, never having witnessed Spiritual Manipulation before.

Feng Linghua leaned over and whispered, "Young Master Lin might not know – this technique can only be used by those who’ve mastered Spirit Communication level cultivation methods. They channel surrounding spiritual resonance through unique guidance principles from their Spiritual Communication Technique, merging it with their bodies. Different methods create varied forms and effects."

"Elder sister’s talent surpasses all in our Feng family’s generation. She grasped the Book Path’s Spiritual Manipulation Inheritance, hence her current combat strength."

"I see. My thanks, Miss Hua. Today truly broadened my horizons," Yang Lingrui replied gratefully.

Only now did he understand how elite disciples from noble families and sects wielded such formidable techniques. This explained stories of them defeating stronger opponents effortlessly. Against such foes, his own tricks would barely serve as stopgap measures.

Whoosh!

Swish-swish-swish!

During their conversation, the combatants renewed their clash. Wang Weiming’s fingers danced as he summoned a moonlight ribbon – deceptively fragile yet sharp enough to slice through anything instantly.

"Restrain! Freeze! Shatter!"

Three spirits of words escaped Feng Lingyue’s lips, materializing as spell scripts around her. The attacking ribbon abruptly halted mid-air, quivered, then exploded into glittering spiritual resonance particles.

"Rupture!"

Her finger flick launched a spell script that became a razor-thin streak aiming at Wang Weiming’s forehead.

"Bring it!"

Wang Weiming raised his palm. Multiple ribbons wove into a shimmering light curtain barrier. The "Rupture" command struck like a pebble hitting water, creating ripples before disappearing.

This basic exchange left Yang Lingrui breathless. Both the moonlight ribbons and word spirits carried the destructive force of second-rate mountain-opening talismans – without either using spiritual treasures!

"So this is the foundation of noble families and sects…"

Yang Lingrui’s chest tightened. What he considered trump cards were mere casual strikes to these fighters. The Yang Family seemed insignificant compared to these centuries-old powerful forces. Only through the Immortal Master’s Support had they barely reached this stage.

Yang Lingrui understood this was merely the starting point of entering the turbulent currents.

"I must remain diligent. I must keep striving," he repeated silently in his heart.

These were the words spoken by the two Elders when he first embarked on the Path of Cultivation. Now, after enduring countless trials, the simple phrases carried layers of bitterness and resignation.

On the battlefield, Feng Lingyue advanced to drive Wang Weiming a hundred yards away, shielding her sister’s group from collateral damage.

Both combatants stood at the sixth level of Gathering Qi, wielding Spirit Communication-grade cultivation methods with equally refined techniques. Without revealing their ultimate trump cards, neither could overpower the other.

As their clash reached its peak, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within the treasure land suddenly rippled.

"This…"

"The harbinger of spiritual insect metamorphosis!"

"The larvae are molting!"

Cultivators throughout the area recognized the signs. After ten days of anticipation, the spiritual insects’ transformation had finally begun.

Across the Feng family’s five spiritual insect colonies, the metamorphosis commenced simultaneously. Yang Lingrui immediately sat cross-legged, focusing his senses to catch every wisp of wind-borne information. Noticing this, Feng Linghua summoned a white-haired paintbrush. Channeling spiritual power, she drew a golden bell midair to encase Yang Lingrui in protective isolation.

The Feng family’s days of preparation for harvesting Essence now faced jeopardy from Wang Weiming’s untimely interference. Should the larvae’s transformation be disrupted, their entire effort would crumble.

Fury blazing, Feng Lingyue materialized a blank tome and unleashed her killing move. Gray-flamed spell scripts erupted skyward. Sensing lethal intent, Wang Weiming soberly raised his snow-white jade ruler, conjuring a radiant moon.

"Annihilate!"

"Hao Yue Dang Kong!"

Their simultaneous shouts preceded the collision of destructive force and lunar brilliance. The thunderous explosion could have routed any Eighth Level cultivator. Only Feng Linghua’s golden bell prevented Yang Lingrui from losing focus.

"Negative…"

"Negative…"

"Still nothing…"

Sweat beaded on Yang Lingrui’s brow as he processed each breeze’s report.

"Found it!"

His eyes snapped open, locking onto the third spiritual insect colony where Mayfly Essence had manifested within a specimen. With Wang Weiming occupied by Feng Lingyue, this was the moment to act.

But as he rose, the world blurred. Feng Linghua, the guards, even the distant combatants froze – the spiritual insects’ metamorphosis had awakened hidden illusion arrays. The Feng family’s position coincided with a massive one.

"Linghua!" Feng Lingyue cried after repelling Wang Weiming, only to find the landscape transformed. The white-clad provocateur had vanished.

Large illusion arrays typically nested teleportation arrays within, disorienting victims before warping their time perception. Though the family had equipped Feng Linghua with anti-illusion spiritual treasures, her fourth-level Gathering Qi cultivation and lack of spiritual resonance left her vulnerable.

Clenching her teeth, Feng Lingyue focused on escaping the maze-like formation to rescue her sister.