As Zhang Yang opened the jade bottle, Wuying let out another smug chuckle. Ever since Chu Yuntian had consumed that Ten Thousand Year Spirit Milk, the creature had been intensely covetous.

After Chu Yuntian’s death, it hadn't given up hope; it searched again and eventually found the jade bottle hidden close to Chu Yuntian’s body. If this Ten Thousand Year Spirit Milk hadn't been sealed within the jade bottle, it would have been impossible for Wuying’s nose to miss it.

“Not bad. Once I brew the medicine, I’ll give you an extra dose!” Zhang Yang closed the lid and said cheerfully to Wuying, who excitedly tumbled around in delight.

Lightning, standing nearby, looked quite displeased and began calling out urgently, insisting that it too deserved credit for securing this spoil and should not be forgotten. Its antics made Zhang Yang erupt in laughter, and he promised to give it an extra dose as well.

Zhang Yang hadn't been overly concerned about this bottle of Ten Thousand Year Spirit Milk. Chu Yuntian had previously mentioned that what he found was the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Eye, which contained some Spirit Milk, but he hadn't taken it all.

Chu Yuntian had carried only two bottles on his person, which was enough for him. It was a pity he couldn’t refine it into a spiritual medicine; otherwise, the efficacy of the Spirit Milk could have been better utilized, and he wouldn't have been forced to consume the raw Spirit Milk, suffering the agony of the energy surge in the end.

This situation was also tied to his identity. Chu Yuntian, after all, was a figure of the Demonic Path, a solitary practitioner who didn't know how to concoct medicines himself.

To obtain finished spiritual medicine, he would need someone to refine it. Alchemists were exceedingly rare in the Demonic Path, and those who existed were typically within established sects.

Chu Yuntian likely didn't trust such people. The Righteous Path had plenty of alchemists, but the mere sight of him would cause most to either flee for their lives or fight him—there was no chance anyone would agree to refine medicine for him.

Even if someone from the Righteous Path dared to help, he probably wouldn't have dared to consume it. This predicament was why Chu Yuntian lacked spiritual medicine.

Had he been a member of a Demonic sect, possessing several doses of spiritual medicine wouldn't have been an issue given his strength. However, he was too accustomed to freedom and simply refused to join any sect or organization.

These were realizations that dawned on Zhang Yang later. After calming Lightning and Wuying, Zhang Yang finally got off the bed.

The moment his feet touched the floor, he still felt sore all over—a residual effect of overdrawing his acupuncture points. This sensation would likely linger for a few more days.

The cost had been high, but the rewards were significant. Setting aside the secret information about entering the fifth level, the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Milk and the sword art cultivated only by those at the fourth level were both treasures.

The more Zhang Yang reflected on that sword technique, the more he appreciated its profound depth. His strength hadn't fully recovered yet, but as soon as it did, he was determined to begin practicing it.

Since obtaining the Cold Spring Sword, Zhang Yang had lacked a truly suitable sword art; everything he had practiced before were merely common techniques that didn't suit him well. “Mr.

Zhang!” The moment Zhang Yang descended the stairs, he saw Huang Jing sitting in the living room. Upon seeing him, Huang Jing immediately stood up.

Beside her sat a man in his sixties, and tea cups rested before them, likely poured by Long Feng. “When did Miss Huang arrive?” Zhang Yang asked casually.

Long Feng was nowhere in sight; perhaps he had returned to his room to continue cultivating. “We arrived at noon, sir.

You were resting, so we dared not disturb you!” Huang Jing hastily replied. In truth, her statement was somewhat modest; they had arrived that morning and, unwilling to leave while he rested, hadn't even eaten lunch yet.

When they arrived, Long Feng had initially barred them entry. It was only after Huang Jing pleaded for a long time that they were permitted into the living room, and only there.

Long Feng strictly forbade them from disturbing Zhang Yang’s rest. Long Feng knew they were from the Huang family and was aware of their past actions; he held no fondness for them.

Once inside the living room, the pair finally learned the outcome of yesterday’s battle. Chu Yuntian was dead—the great demon had finally been eliminated by Zhang Yang.

This was the best news they could have received. They had spent the entire night anxious, sleepless, and when no news came by morning, Huang Jing volunteered to come here to gather intelligence.

Accompanying her was her paternal uncle, Huang Haoran. The original decision-maker for the Huang family was the Fourth Elder, the most astute among them, under whose guidance the family had achieved greater prosperity.

Regrettably, he had made a grave error this time and paid for it with his life. With the death of the Fourth Elder, the nearly retired Eldest Elder, Huang Haoran, stepped forward to stabilize the morale of the clan.

This crisis was averted largely because Huang Haoran had consistently supported Huang Jing; otherwise, the Huang family might have fractured long ago, or perhaps, without inviting Zhang Yang, they would have been utterly wiped out by the demon Chu Yuntian. “It’s alright.

Chu Yuntian has been executed; you can rest assured now!” Zhang Yang smiled slightly, sitting down on the sofa opposite them, cradling the languid Lightning in his arms. Both Huang Jing and Huang Haoran felt a prickle of fear toward the adorable creature, much like the white horse they had seen in the courtyard.

They had been intently watched by Zhuifeng upon their arrival, which had left them unnerved. “Mr.

Zhang, great kindness requires no words of thanks. You are the savior of our Huang family.

From now on, whatever you command, our entire family will obey without question, willing to go through fire and water!” Huang Haoran stood up and bowed deeply to Zhang Yang, his demeanor utterly sincere. What he said was true; Zhang Yang was indeed the savior of their entire clan this time.

Had Zhang Yang not intervened, Chu Yuntian would have certainly slaughtered every member of the Huang family. “Mr.

Zhang, this is my uncle, Huang Haoran. His words represent our entire family!” Huang Jing murmured from the side, clarifying Huang Haoran’s standing to assure Zhang Yang of the weight of his pledge.

“Mr. Huang is too polite.

Going through fire and water isn't necessary, but I do have a small favor to ask. I wonder if Mr.

Huang could facilitate something for me?” Zhang Yang smiled gently. The Huang family’s deference was not solely due to him saving them, but also an attempt to foster goodwill.

He had already demonstrated his formidable strength. For a family that had once been a martial arts lineage but had now devolved into an ordinary secular clan, befriending someone like him offered nothing but advantages.

“Mr. Zhang, please command whatever you need.

There’s no question of convenience or inconvenience!” Huang Haoran remained standing and immediately responded without hesitation. He was an intelligent man, aware of the capabilities of someone like Zhang Yang.

The Huang family had already offended him once; they could not afford another misstep this time. Gaining his complete favor was nearly impossible, but maintaining a good relationship would only benefit the family.

Huang Haoran clearly understood that by cultivating a long-term connection, they might eventually have the opportunity to ask Zhang Yang to help train cultivators again, though this depended entirely on how well they behaved going forward. He certainly could not let such an opportunity slip by.

Therefore, he would unhesitatingly agree to any request from Zhang Yang at this moment; it was a crucial factor in whether the Huang family could rise again. “I know your Huang family was once a family of Inner Strength practitioners.

I hope to examine all the ancient texts you have collected!” Zhang Yang spoke slowly, fixing his gaze on Huang Haoran as he finished. For a family steeped in Inner Strength tradition, their collection of secret manuals was their foundation; they would never lend them out.

It was like how the Zhang family’s secret arts were previously forbidden even to their female members. If Zhang Yang were to tell the Long family that he wished to peruse all their secret codices, even with the Long family’s current strength, they might turn hostile.

Thus, when asking this, Zhang Yang held a slight degree of apprehension. Of course, it was only a slight concern.

The Huang family was no longer an Inner Strength lineage; if they were smart, they wouldn't refuse Zhang Yang’s request. The world of Inner Strength cultivation was one ruled by the strong and dictated by the law of the jungle.

Zhang Yang was not one to bully the weak, but to achieve his goals, using certain means was acceptable; he wasn't entirely a saint. “Mr.

Zhang, I thought it was something serious!” Huang Haoran laughed, shaking his head, and continued, “Mr. Zhang, to be frank, this recent lesson has taught us a great deal.

We are no longer a family of Inner Strength practitioners, and possessing these items is truly not a good thing. Since you have requested it, I will immediately have someone bring all the materials over for your safekeeping!” After a pause, Huang Haoran’s tone held a hint of melancholy as he added, “But no matter what, these are relics left by our ancestors.

I only hope that should a cultivator reappear in our Huang family one day, you might permit our disciples to return and copy some materials to help us regain our status as an Inner Strength lineage!” Huang Haoran was extremely generous, offering all their holdings to Zhang Yang. He was very astute.

Once this incident became known, other Inner Strength practitioners might covet these items. Regardless of the claimant’s strength, it wouldn't be good news for them.

These relics had become a ticking time bomb. Even if Zhang Yang hadn't asked, they would have sought a secure way to handle these things.

Zhang Yang’s request perfectly suited their current needs. If another Inner Strength practitioner came demanding the materials, they would have an excuse and wouldn't have to live in constant fear over these texts.

Moreover, his words left a strategic loophole. If the Huang family genuinely produced a cultivator in the future, they could request to copy some materials back.

Whether Zhang Yang would agree to their copying was, in fact, secondary. He wasn't a fool; the family hadn't left themselves entirely without backups.

A copy already existed, meticulously hidden, known only to him and one other elder. This experience had been profoundly instructive for the Huang family.

Yet, this incident had only hardened their resolve to cultivate new practitioners. Without their own cultivators, they remained a secular family—no matter their superficial glory, they were mere fat on the chopping block for any Inner Strength practitioner to target.

True strength lay only in possessing strength oneself.