You're just a single demon beast? I have a whole army of beast tamers!

"Number C7, Qin Beast... First time submitting the task of raising it alone?"

The disciple checked the records on the jade slip, somewhat uncertain, "Fifteen catties, all of them are mid-grade first-level, of excellent quality... far exceeding the mission requirements."

Other disciples nearby were also turning in or accepting tasks, and they all turned to look when they heard this.

Some people whispered among themselves: "Fifteen catties? And it's only medium grade?"

He's only been on this mission for three months, right? How could he raise so many on his own?

A slightly shrill sound rang out, neither too loud nor too soft:

"Could it be... bought from outside?"

This kind of spirit silk isn't hard to find in the market, it's just a bit pricey.

To spend spirit stones to complete a task, tsk tsk, what a pretentious act.

Qin Shou looked up and saw that it was the Zhou surname cultivator who was always sarcastic and cynical.

His expression remained unchanged; he only addressed the disciples being inspected:

"If Senior Brother's verification is correct, then it's fine. My spiritual silkworm in my cave still needs tending, so I'll take my leave now."

Having said that, he took the jade talisman recording his contributions, turned around, and left.

He seemed oblivious to the whispers behind him and the cold, menacing gaze fixed on his back.

From that day on, Qin Shou noticed that...

The senior brother surnamed Zhou appeared near his cave dwelling much more often.

Sometimes it's just passing by nearby.

Sometimes they hide behind trees or in the shadows of rocks, thinking they are spying from a concealed position.

Even when Qin Beast went to the Beast Market,

I have also sensed a faint, lingering presence several times.

This person's cultivation has reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining.

His breath-concealing technique was also quite skillful.

If Qin Shou hadn't possessed two second-tier spirit beasts with keen senses, he probably wouldn't have been able to detect it.

"A clown jumping around like a tree trunk."

Qin Shou sneered inwardly, but did not take any action.

For him right now, improving his own cultivation level is the most important thing.

As long as this cultivator surnamed Zhou doesn't provoke him, he'll pretend he doesn't know anything for the time being.

But if the other party really dares to extend its claws...

A cold glint flashed in Qin Shou's eyes. Inside the treasure gourd, the Water Phoenix gently flapped its wings, and the Mystic Ice Fox raised its head.

Clearly, he intended to kill.

In the blink of an eye, a year has quietly passed.

Inside the Treasure Gourd space, the Golden Thread Python and the Glazed Wooden Kite, with abundant resources,

They successively reached the first stage of perfection.

The feedback force from the two minor breakthroughs

This allowed Qin Beast to take a significant and solid step forward on the path to the seventh level of Qi Refining.

We are not far from the seventh-floor summit.

On this day, the cave's protective barriers were activated.

Qin Shou opened the door and saw Zhao Ming with a beaming smile.

"Junior Brother Qin, did I disturb your cultivation?"

Zhao Ming came in, found a chair as if he knew the place well, and sat down.

With a hint of excitement on his round face, he exclaimed, "Something big has happened!"

The sect's once-every-five-years inner sect competition is about to begin in three months!

Nowadays, the true disciples and elite students of each peak are very active.

The prices of various elixirs, talismans, and magical artifacts in the market have all started to soar.

Junior brother, are you planning to participate?

Qin Shou poured him a cup of spiritual tea, remaining calm and composed.

"Senior Brother Zhao is well-informed."

However, as a junior disciple, I have only recently entered the sect and my cultivation is weak; I fear I am not destined for such a grand event.

"Sigh, I knew you'd say that."

Zhao Ming sighed, took a sip of tea, and said, "Actually, I know that we disciples of Lingcan Peak are good at production and cultivation, but fighting is not our forte."

But the rewards for this competition are really tempting!

I heard that the top ten will be directly awarded Foundation Establishment Pills!

The top 100 people can also purchase Foundation Establishment Pills at half price, which is 10,000 spirit stones!

This is an incredible opportunity!

He looked at Qin Shou, his eyes filled with probing:

"Junior brother, are you really not going to consider it? Even just going to see for yourself would be good."

Qin Shou shook his head, his tone indifferent: "Although I, your junior brother, have several spirit beasts by my side..."

However, if he were to face off against fellow disciples from Jiaolong Peak and Lingchong Peak who specialize in combat...

Even if I manage to win one or two matches by sheer luck, I'll still attract excessive attention. After all, I'm different from you; my sect has a Foundation Establishment ancestor by my side.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ming's eyes flashed with thought, then dimmed again:

"That's true... Junior brother, you've considered everything thoroughly. Unlike me,"

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "I'm currently at the ninth level of Qi Refining, stuck just before reaching perfection. I definitely have to give it a try in this competition."

For no other reason than to squeeze into the top 300

When he returned to see the patriarch, he looked much better.

As for the top 100... I don't even dare to think about it.

Qin Shou suddenly asked:

"If Senior Brother Zhao only wants to compete for a top 100 ranking, he may still have a chance."

"Huh?" Zhao Ming was taken aback and looked at Qin Shou in confusion.

"Senior brother, do you know whether the use of second-tier demonic beasts is permitted in this competition?"

Qin asked.

"That's absolutely not allowed! Unless it's a natal spirit beast."

Zhao Ming blurted out, then his eyes widened, "Junior brother, you mean...?"

With a slight thought, Qin Shou's spiritual light began to flash before him.

Four ferocious pythons and a sharp-eyed gray-feathered roc.

It appeared in the quiet room.

All five demonic beasts were at the peak of the first rank!

"These...these were all raised by you, Junior Brother?"

Zhao Ming looked on incredulously.

He knew that Qin Shou raised some spirit silkworms, but he never expected that...

This neighbor, who usually keeps a low profile,

They have quietly nurtured so many powerful battle spirit beasts!

"Not entirely. Some of them I captured from outside, and some I purchased."

Qin Shou nodded, "If my senior brother summons them to assist in the battle, as long as the tactics are appropriate, we should have a 60-70% chance of breaking into the top 100."

Zhao Ming's heart pounded. Top 100!

That's the right to buy Foundation Establishment Pills at half price!

But he quickly calmed down and hesitated before saying:

"But junior brother, why don't you go by yourself?"

With your spirit beasts and your own strength, your ranking will probably be quite high...

"As I just said, I don't want to attract attention. My backing isn't as strong as yours."

Qin Shou spoke calmly, reciting the words he had already prepared, "In addition, my ambition lies elsewhere; I only seek a peaceful cultivation."

If you are willing, I can lend them to you temporarily to help you.

All I need is for my senior brother to agree to one thing.

If I could really get the chance to buy Foundation Establishment Pills at half price...

They then gave me that spot.

Of course, I will personally cover the cost of the 10,000 spirit stones required for the purchase.

Zhao Ming fell silent, his brows furrowed, as if he were struggling violently.

Qin Shou did not urge him, but quietly sipped his tea.

After a long while, Zhao Ming let out a long sigh and said with a wry smile:

"To be honest, junior brother... my family's ancestor was Zhao Changfeng, the steward of Lingcan Peak."

He has been working hard for many years, and it's not entirely hopeless that he could raise a Foundation Establishment Pill for me.

Qin Shou looked up, not surprised at all, as he had heard Su Qingyi mention it before.

Zhao Ming's talent wasn't top-tier, yet he managed to reach the ninth level of Qi Refining at such a young age.

They must have no shortage of resources; it would be strange if they didn't have a background.