The spirit mountain was shrouded in misty clouds, entangled with wisps of black light. The originally radiant fur of the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer was now stained with mud, its mouth foaming black, viscous fluid. Its appearance resembled a wolf, eyes wide open but devoid of consciousness—looking eerily similar to the zombie beasts from apocalyptic movies, Li Pingcan silently thought.
Suddenly, the motionless deer abruptly stood up, antlers pointing skyward, and charged toward the spirit bear.
"Forgive our rudeness."
The four spirit beasts bowed slightly, watching the spirit deer with a mix of helplessness and sorrow. They positioned themselves at the four cardinal directions, radiating spiritual energy ripples. The ape leaped lightly, the white crane fluttered, and the striped tiger roared fiercely, causing the forest leaves to tremble like waves before settling down. This roar also momentarily stunned the charging deer.
The spirit bear, as the target of the attack, rose on its hind legs, its massive frame instantly overshadowing the deer. Just as the antlers were about to pierce its leg, the bear's paws struck the deer's neck with tremendous force, causing it to convulse briefly before collapsing unconscious.
Li Pingcan narrowed his eyes, observing how seamlessly the four beasts had coordinated their movements. Their techniques were clean and precise, subtly aligned with nature while embodying the essence of spiritual beasts. Inspiration flashed through his mind like countless stars, giving him a profound sense of mystery.
An idea took root in his heart.
Could he observe the movements of these five spirit beasts to comprehend a new martial technique?
Since ancient times, there had been records of humans adapting animal movements into exercises for strengthening the body—the famous "Five Animal Play" being one such example. But Li Pingcan didn't need health-preserving exercises like the Seven Departures Play; he wanted something far more powerful.
Most martial arts masters only mastered one or two related techniques. For instance, the Azure Dragon Hall Master could practice both the Azure Dragon Cloud-Reaching Hand and the Azure Dragon Fourfold Steps, making his combat style unpredictably versatile!In contrast, his elder brother Li Pingfu, due to the overwhelmingly fierce nature of the Black Tiger Technique, found it difficult to match with other compatible techniques, resulting in a rather one-dimensional fighting style.
While "overpowering all techniques with sheer force" might work in one-on-one combat, facing multiple opponents with just fists would inevitably lead to disadvantage. If he could comprehend a technique incorporating punches, body movements, palm strikes, footwork... even combinations like "Tiger-Crane Dual Form," it might resolve the historical limitations imposed by solely practicing the Black Tiger and White Crane techniques.
Li Pingcan could tell that these five spirit deer coordinated flawlessly, likely having trained together in this "battle formation" regularly. In combat, the five spirits would unite as one, unleashing power far exceeding their individual capabilities!
Yet despite this insight, his inspiration remained frustratingly elusive, as if something crucial was missing. The missing piece, he realized, was probably due to the absence of the fifth spirit.
His gaze involuntarily turned to the unconscious deer.
Noticing the bird's stare, the spirit bear grumbled: "Knocking it out is just a temporary measure. Under the demonic energy's corruption, the little deer will soon wake up and continue its rampage—neither fully deer nor completely demon."
The white crane's pure white feathers stood out starkly against the dark energy. "If not for the old mulberry tree's guidance, we wouldn't have known about you. We have no other options—please save our little deer."
Having lived together for centuries, the five spirits were practically one entity, leading carefree lives on the spirit mountain until this sudden calamity shattered their peace.
As a Druid, Li Pingcan could perceive all natural spirits across mountains and rivers. Conversely, the purer a mountain spirit was, the better it could sense a Druid's presence.
The mountain spirits were astonished, delighted, and blessed by this natural avatar's existence. Merely knowing of his presence filled them with indescribable joy.
The ancient mulberry tree had initially hesitated to disturb this revered being, but after the spirits' desperate pleas and careful consideration, it established a "bridge" for communication between the five spirits and the Druid.
Hearing their plea, Li Pingcan felt helpless too.
It wasn't that he refused to help.
The spirit mountain housed the largest concentration of spiritual beasts he'd encountered, many ancient and likely privy to numerous cultivation secrets that could greatly aid his future immortal path.
Setting aside long-term benefits, just considering the immediate rewards—according to the four spirits, saving the deer would earn their gratitude, allow him to observe their complete five-spirit battle formation, and receive their treasure offerings—Li Pingcan was genuinely tempted. Mixed with compassion for the suffering deer and disgust toward the "demonic energy," how could he refuse?
Was he unwilling to help?
Truth was, he didn't know how!
"I'll try first!"
After some thought, Li Pingcan gave them fair warning: "But my abilities are limited—success isn't guaranteed."
"Thank you so much!"
"Please do your best."
"Regardless of outcome, you'll forever be Tiger Elder's benefactor!"
Even so, the four spirits were moved to tears, eyes sparkling with boundless gratitude. Such sincere friendship... was truly touching.
Influenced by their emotion, Li Pingcan grew serious, examining the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer's eyes closely. Within its pupils, a crystalline object continuously emitted demonic energy—the root of this corruption.
For safety, Li Pingcan would never directly contact this source, though his Evil-Repelling Talisman provided substantial protection.
Attempting [Animal Speech] to communicate proved futile—the deer had completely lost rationality. After consideration, he decided to combine [Nature's Gift] with [Resistance Boost], creating an "immunotherapy" approach!
Healthy spirit beasts could resist demonic energy. The deer had been vulnerable because its vitality was already weakened before infection. By enhancing its resistance to supernatural forces and bestowing a luck blessing, it might overcome the corruption.
"Medically speaking, without specific treatment, we can only boost immunity!"
"Activate [Resistance Boost]."
An invisible light enveloped the deer. As resistance increased, the black energy visibly faded slightly, delighting the spirits.
"Activate [Nature's Gift]!"
A refreshing breeze rustled leaves as the deer received a "recovery" blessing. Under both skills' combined effects, the dark energy receded noticeably.
"It's actually working?"
Li Pingcan exhaled slowly. Frankly, the pressure had been immense—failure would have left no alternatives. Using his precious [Golden Evil-Repelling Talisman] wasn't worthwhile, especially since demonic energy resembled cursed pollution more than conventional evil spirits, making the talisman's effects limited.
From beneath the trees came the spirits' cheers:
"The little deer is saved!"
"The old mulberry tree was right!"
"Look—it's waking up!"
Vigilant against potential relapse, they watched as the deer blinked dazedly: "Tiger Elder, Bear Second, Ape Third, Crane Fourth... why are you all here?"
Memories gradually returned, its pupils focusing as human-like fear and gratitude surfaced: "Thank you, benefactor."
Li Pingcan fluttered his wings modestly: "No need for formalities—I merely tried my best."
"Might we know your honorable name, benefactor?" Bear Second asked respectfully.
Outwardly, Li Pingcan appeared just an ordinary songbird, inconspicuous on the spirit mountain. Yet the five spirits dared not underestimate him—any being roaming the mountain so effortlessly while concealing all aura must be an ancient, formidable spirit!
They never imagined he was truly just a mortal bird, only sensing profound mystery.
"Call me 'Nightingale'—'fellow cultivator' will suffice."
Li Pingcan's current form was a common nightingale.
Tiger Elder and company hesitated to address him so casually, chorusing instead: "Venerable Nightingale," giving Li Pingcan a taste of immortal prestige.
Exchanging names deepened their rapport. Li Pingcan inquired about the demonic disaster's origins.
The five spirits scowled. Tiger Elder growled: "Had that cultivator not tricked me away from the mountain, leaving the deer vulnerable, his cultivation wouldn't have let him challenge all five of us!"
Their description matched Li Pingcan's impression of Immortal Official Liang. While a lone spirit beast couldn't oppose a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, the complete five-spirit formation could overpower him. Their defeat stemmed from being outmaneuvered, resulting in the deer's suffering.
Seeing their indignation, Li Pingcan balanced on a wingtip, testing: "Do you want revenge on Immortal Official Liang?"
"Revenge?" Tiger Elder shook his head, the others sighing.
Though furious enough to swallow the official whole, they were powerless against him.
Spirit Ape explained gloomily: "Dynastic destiny protects officials. Killing them triggers imperial pursuit and karmic backlash. Moreover, officials can activate dynastic treasures in emergencies, unleashing transcendent power and mobilizing earth-pulse arrays for offense or defense."
Li Pingcan grew solemn. If true, didn't this make Great Yu Dynasty officials virtually invincible? While ninth-rank officials might be killable, the true threat was the imperial system itself—even successful assassins would face endless pursuit.
No wonder every cultivator coveted official positions!
"Unless defecting to another dynasty... not exactly easy!"
He probed further: "Any way to evade the dynasty's destiny detection?"
"Not impossible," Tiger Elder rumbled. "Establishing a sacred site can shield one from imperial perception."
"Sacred site?"
"The Great Yu Dynasty itself is a colossal sacred site. After submitting to the dynasty, sects gain permission to establish smaller ones. Heretical cults and demonic paths secretly create tiny sacred sites to siphon dynastic destiny, enabling opposition."
Li Pingcan pressed for details, but Tiger Elder, being outside the imperial system, only knew superficial information—critical knowledge like construction materials remained secret.
He pondered deeply.
Even if he cultivated successfully, he could never join the imperial system—exposing his spiritual roots would mean familial destruction. Thus, boarding the Great Yu's mighty vessel was impossible.
Moreover, while officialdom offered privileges, nothing came free—an official's rise and fall depended entirely on political achievements benefiting the destiny-enriched dynasty.
Successful officials prospered; failures faced confiscation and worse. The white crane once witnessed an official committing a "grave error"—not only was his family exterminated, but his cultivation and lifespan were stripped, reducing him instantly from a lofty Foundation Establishment expert to a mere first-stage Qi Refining cultivator.
Essentially enslaved to superiors' satisfaction—far worse than his previous life's "996" work culture! The Great Yu's ship might be grand, but one needed exceptional skill to stay aboard!
"The sacred site's secrets are hard to obtain from officials. Probably only heretics and demonic cultivators possess such knowledge... but that's distant future planning. As a rogue cultivator avoiding imperial conflicts, I'd remain safe."
"Moreover, while I can't enter the system, my descendants might—there must be ways around destiny tracking."
Having saved the deer and gained these cultivation insights already satisfied him immensely. Gaining accurate intelligence through worldly experience would require countless setbacks.
Noticing it was nearly time to rendezvous with his brother, Li Pingcan composed himself and made a final request: "Could you five demonstrate your formation for me?"
"With pleasure!"
Delighted to finally repay Venerable Nightingale, they considered this simple demonstration grossly inadequate repayment.
...........
[You observed the five spirits' formation on the spirit mountain, comprehending the tiger's ferocity, deer's serenity, bear's steadiness, ape's agility, and crane's grace—all embodying spiritual beasts' essence. Deeply inspired, you successfully awakened the skill [Beast Form Intent].]
Li Pingcan flew back through the cave's ceiling hole, bat-like in dodging stalactites before resuming human form and sneaking quietly into the main cavern.
Only Lei Yunyun, who'd been watching for him, noticed and whispered sympathetically: "Stomach trouble? Can't be helped—only dry rations left."
The remaining meat was reserved for martial arts masters maintaining combat readiness.
Her gaze was understanding—childhood vegetable aversion and subsequent "digestive difficulties" made her empathize deeply.
Li Pingcan shot his elder brother an exasperated look—couldn't he find a better excuse?
After brief small talk, he feigned discomfort and closed his eyes to meditate, instead examining [Beast Form Intent]'s description:
[You can execute techniques embodying the five spirit beasts' essence, unleashing their unique powers and stimulating bodily potential. This ability breaks through martial arts' conventional limits.]
Breaking martial limits!
Li Pingcan thrilled. Conventionally, martial arts peaked at Grandmaster level, comparable to eighth-stage Qi Refining cultivators. If he could continually surpass this ceiling, might he reach Foundation Establishment equivalence? This truly pioneered immortal "body refinement" cultivation!
"The Great Yu Dynasty's destiny system is overwhelmingly dominant—a single spell can erase warriors effortlessly. Thus, martial artists are merely grassroots stabilizers, even battlefield cannon fodder."
"Suppressing martial arts while promoting immortality has always been state policy!"
Before embarking on martial arts, Li Pingcan had held some admiration for it. But as he learned more, he realized the entire dynasty looked down on "crude martial brutes"—simply because, in this strength-worshipping world, martial artists weren't strong enough!
If Beast Form Intent could truly break limits, even just reaching "Foundation Establishment" equivalence might shift imperial dynamics.
"First record the insights to teach elder brother, solving the Black Tiger Technique's limited versatility."
Immersed in contemplation, Li Pingcan mentally replayed the five spirits' movements, attempting to derive an unparalleled technique. Naturally gifted in martial arts, with the skill's assistance, every insight solidified into proficiency, leveling up to generate new insights—a virtuous cycle.
Silence reigned, broken only by rapid notifications: [Beast Form Intent proficiency +1]
...........
Before the demonic energy fully dissipated, while martial artists remained scarce, Li Pingcan revisited the spirit mountain to observe the formation again, gaining more martial insights.
In gratitude, the five spirits presented precious herbs, fruits, human cultivators' notes, martial manuals, and weapons.
Li Pingcan declined regretfully. While consumables were safe, carrying cultivators' notes risked discovery—especially given Immortal Official Liang's ruthless handling of county elites. Caution was paramount.
As long as the five spirits remained, he could retrieve the items later.
Asked whether ordinary people could relocate the mountain after leaving, the spirits shook their heads—the mountain's illusionary array was extremely deceptive. Only with powerful spiritual sense and the old mulberry's leaf might one rediscover it.
Sighing, Li Pingcan acknowledged his spiritual sense, while decent, remained mortal-tier. Returning would likely require formal immortal cultivation.
Releasing the Treasure-Seeking Bees, he watched the usually aggressive insects perch docilely on the deer's antlers—true bullies only at home.
Smiling, he entrusted the bees to the spirits' care to minimize losses.
After consuming three spirit fruits and two herbs, he asked routinely before leaving: "Do the Five Elemental Spirits exist?"
Initially just casting a wide net, he was stunned when Tiger Elder revealed: "At Taichang Mountain's western slopes lives a spirit beast called 'Tunneling Turtle'—it might possess Metal Spirit energy."
Li Pingcan froze—Taichang Mountain sounded familiar. Then it clicked: wasn't that where the legendary meteorite had been taken by a "mysterious being"?
So it was the turtle!
"Taichang's a mundane mountain—spirit beasts live there?"
Bear Second explained: "The turtle enjoys underground hibernation—sleeping constitutes cultivation. Rock-like and nearly undetectable when dormant, it's notoriously grumpy when awakened. If you seek it, we can provide items to mitigate its temper."
They feared the turtle's foul mood might offend the venerable one.
No wonder his previous search failed—underground, with earth-pulse senses, it registered as mere stone.
Accepting the bear fur and crane feather gifts, Li Pingcan gazed intently at the distant mountains, spirit soaring.