Three highly practical skills!
[Shape-shifting] granted Li Pingcan the ability to briefly fly by transforming into a black bird, while changing into fish or deer could help conceal his human identity. Perhaps this would become a crucial skill for future "travels with spirit beasts."
"Now I can truly be brothers with Little Black."
Soaring together, even leveraging Little Black's wind-breaking assistance, watching the raven defecate on disliked people's heads. Birds, after all, can't control their sphincters—perfectly normal!
[Fire Control], like [Water Manipulation], was elemental magic manipulating existing fire and water. This reminded Li Pingcan of his past ingenious ideas. Without needing fuses, simply by spreading flames, he could detonate gunpowder. Even the most formidable Blood Qi martial artists or Divine Execution warriors couldn't withstand massive gunpowder explosions, making it perfect for ambushes.
Unfortunately, gunpowder was strictly regulated this dynasty, requiring household registration for purchases. Obtaining large quantities demanded unconventional secure channels—otherwise officials would come knocking for "tea."
[Resistance Enhancement] was even more impressive—a spell resisting supernatural forces. Imagine immortals chanting incantations to summon storms and lightning, only for attacks to harmlessly bounce off a "max-resistance" body—absolute dominance in magical combat! Currently lasting only fifteen minutes, each level upgrade extended the duration.
"Though not offensive, Resistance Enhancement drastically improves survival rates—must prioritize leveling up." Li Pingcan quickly allocated skill training schedules.
The system panel continuously displayed notifications: [Skill Proficiency +1].
Days passed with diligent, unrelenting practice.…………
The Ancestral Tree never blossomed.
In Li Pingcan's memory, he'd never seen Grandpa Peach Tree flower.
During vibrant springs with wildflowers blooming everywhere, beneath the peach tree he practiced [Breath of the Tree], now reaching the fifth layer. As bodily impurities gradually expelled, his spirit and Blood Qi peaked with increasing clarity.
Sometimes Li Pingcan wondered if practicing Breath of Tree explained his exceptional wood affinity.
After daily training, he experimented with [Shape-shifting].
[Shape-shifting Proficiency +1]
With the system prompt, a completely black-feathered bird materialized, strutting chicken-like to the stream.
Perhaps proximity breeds similarity—having spent so much time with Little Black, Li Pingcan had transformed into a large raven.
"How bizarre."
Instinctively rubbing his chin with wingtip feathers in contemplation, he examined himself. The stream reflected the black bird's image through rippling water—an eerily unfamiliar sight that unsettled him momentarily.
Averting his gaze, he realized human self-awareness remained too strong—this would require acclimation.
Under azure skies with breezes rustling feathers, sudden flying urges overwhelmed him. Wind buoyed his body as unsteady flaps gradually stabilized. Perspectives elevated—peach trees became emerald carpets, distant Peach Blossom Village's cooking smoke shrank to dots.
"Is this the feeling of flight?"
Surveying the earth brought inexplicable exhilaration. No wonder conquering skies was a human dream.
Activating [Dance of the Wind] to reduce drag, his speed increased until the spell's duration neared expiration, forcing return to Grandpa Peach Tree's branches.
Fifteen minutes covered fifty li effortlessly bypassing terrain barriers. The four-day journey Weiyuan Escort Agency took to Dragon Spring Town could be completed in mere hours with sufficient "mana." Incredibly convenient.
In that moment, Li Pingcan understood the carefree elegance of immortals soaring through skies.
Next, he attempted deer transformation.
By the stream, a handsome spotted deer admired its slender legs and sturdy antlers in the water's reflection, visibly pleased.
Suddenly leaping into the stream, it transformed midair into a carp playfully plunging underwater. After exploring aquatic realms, he burst forth as a bird, triumphantly perching on the highest branch.
Peach leaves rustled curiously as if fascinated by the spectacle.
Li Pingcan cheerfully boasted: "Grandpa Peach Tree, impressive right? Flying, swimming, sprinting—I can even transform into different birds. Currently eagles are my most powerful form."
"Too bad I can't become a whale—would've sprayed enormous water jets for you!"
Flapping wings dramatically, he drew huge circles midair while chattering excitedly.
The ancient peach tree listened peacefully, quietly gathering leaves to shade the talkative bird from harsh sunlight. From afar, it resembled a grandfather tenderly embracing his mischievous grandson.
…………
"Grandpa Peach Tree, I'm leaving."
After his bragging session, Li Pingcan felt refreshed and energized.
Bearing countless hidden pressures, occasional mental release was necessary.
Bidding farewell, he transformed into a crimson crucian carp entering the stream—a shortcut.
All Peach Blossom Mountain streams flowed into Gourd River, merging with Qing River tributaries before reaching the Great Yu's mother river, eventually emptying into the sea.
Drifting downstream without fin movements, Li Pingcan soon reached Gourd River.
"I wonder if any salamander carp remain."
"Perhaps I'll bait them as live prey."
Maybe even catch treasure fish.
Though Gourd River was too small—even Blood Qi Species salamander carp were rare, let alone treasure fish.
With this thought, Li Pingcan ostentatiously waved his red tail, swimming briskly toward Qing River.
Previously relying solely on [Water Manipulation] consumed too much "mana" for deep river exploration. Now [Shape-shifting] allowed gill breathing, conserving energy to properly investigate mysterious underwater realms.
…………
Azure water shimmered overhead reflecting white clouds as silk-algae tangled plants drifted. Several crucian carp swimming nearby got suddenly caught in a vortex.
Alerted, Li Pingcan focused until reaching Gourd River's confluence with Qing River, activating [Water Manipulation].
Invisible forces altered turbulent currents. Crossing the vortex, water clarity turned murky with plunging temperatures.
Qing River's broad surface and strong flow stirred more riverbed sediment.
After prolonged swimming—having shifted from crucian carp to a variegated silver carp—waters cleared again.
His vision caught a clam shell opening, soft flesh undulating as an irregular white pearl formed.
"Quite beautiful."
Leaving the wild clam undisturbed, he remained focused on his mission.
Approaching the riverbend, he froze.
"Hmm? This is..."
Fish eyes gleaming excitedly, he spotted lush red aquatic plants growing on black silt—an entire field of wild Blood Qi vegetation!
The underwater world, though rarely visited by humans, concealed treasures ordinary people could only dream of finding!