The geniuses brought by Fang Yuan from the Lower Realm quickly settled in the Sun Moon Sect.
They sat in the Dao Discussion Hall with the sect's disciples, listening to the elder deacons explaining profound Daoist arts; they ventured to the Secret Spirit Spring to absorb the essence of heaven and earth; and enjoyed treasures rarely seen in the Lower Realm.
In just a few days, the cultivation progress of these geniuses soared rapidly, even surpassing many of the local disciples of the Sun Moon Sect.
This astonishing pace of advancement caused many elders and deacons to clap and exclaim, "Indeed, our Emperor has a keen eye for talent; the people he chose are truly extraordinary!"
However, the incredible speed of their cultivation was actually due to the sudden increase in spiritual energy as they entered the Upper Realm, leading to a temporary burst of power.
After some time, these outstanding cultivators' progress would gradually stabilize.
---
Elsewhere, through the teleportation array, Lin Jing was brought to the Hundred Poison Cavern, which was now referred to as the Sun Moon Sect's breeding base.
"Master Lin, this place is entrusted to you," said Fang Yuan, leading Lin Jing to a valley.
Here, Lin Jing witnessed a shocking sight:
In the valley, there were dozens of orderly beast pens, each filled with various types of demon cubs. Some were released and were playing together.
These newborn magical beasts were not yet intelligent. Some splashed in the mud with scales and wings, others bumped into each other with horns, and some fiery red creatures were spitting small flames.
The valley was filled with the cries of the beasts, and the Sun Moon Sect disciples who were in charge were frantically trying to manage the chaos.
"So many demons..." Lin Jing's mouth slightly opened in shock. Even though she had a natural talent for taming demons, she felt overwhelmed.
"Watch your words," Fang Yuan lightly flicked his finger and corrected, "These are spirit beasts, which will need to be registered."
Fang Yuan then smiled meaningfully: "From now on, you can resume your old profession, but this time, it's not a martial arts hall..." He paused, "But a Pokémon dojo."
"Poké... what?" Lin Jing furrowed her brows in confusion.
Fang Yuan continued, speaking to himself, "Think about it: even if your talent is limited and your cultivation doesn't progress much, as long as you control an army of a million demons, no matter if they are Martial Saints or higher-level cultivators, they won't be able to do anything to you!"
Lin Jing couldn't help but press her hand to her chest. Her talent allowed her to store demons within herself, but the thought of containing millions of them felt overwhelming.
However, the method Fang Yuan suggested made her heart race, and she could almost imagine a grand battlefield with millions of beasts.
Looking at the endless army of beasts before her, Lin Jing swallowed nervously and took a deep breath, finally nodding seriously, "I will try my best."
"Very good." Fang Yuan was pleased with her response, then took out a jade box from his sleeve.
Upon opening the box, a fragrant scent filled the air. Inside lay a red pill, about the size of a dragon's eye, with faint golden lines swirling around its surface.
"This is the 'Xisui Tongxuan Pill.' After consuming it, it will cleanse the marrow and enhance your talent," Fang Yuan said as he handed the jade box to her. "Try it."
This pill had come from the Sun Moon Sect's treasure vault, and it was effective for cultivators below the Martial Saint level.
Fang Yuan had already outgrown it, but among his friends, only Lin Jing had a decent martial arts talent, making her the perfect candidate.
Lin Jing's fingers trembled as she held the jade box, and she looked up in disbelief, "This... such a rare treasure, are you truly giving it to me?"
"Of course!" Fang Yuan smiled lightly, "After you consume the pill, you need to sit in meditation and let the medicinal power slowly spread. How about this: you go into seclusion for a while. I'm very much looking forward to seeing your martial arts talent after you improve!"
"I understand." Lin Jing's face flushed red as she nervously accepted the pill, tucking it away like a treasure.
In that moment, she was filled with hope for the future.
---
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
At noon, a deep voice echoed from outside the Sun Moon Sect's mountain gate.
"Fang Daoist, I have arrived as promised!"
The voice was like the sound of pine trees in the wind, resonating through the mountains.
"They've arrived."
Fang Yuan's figure flickered and turned into a streak of light, speeding out of the gate.
Looking up, he saw the Qing Song Daoist standing on a green jade flying boat.
The boat was transparent, exuding a gentle spiritual light under the sunlight, and mist seemed to swirl around it, giving it an otherworldly aura.
"Fang Daoist."
The Qing Song Daoist greeted him, and when Fang Yuan stepped onto the boat, the man didn't immediately activate the magic tool. He stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Before we depart, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Speak freely."
Fang Yuan stood casually at the bow, glancing at him.
Qing Song Daoist hesitated, then said, "On this journey, we only need to maintain appearances... I hope you can hold back your sharp edges and not be too... not too unconventional."
Qing Song possessed the talent of "Eagle Eye," which wasn't particularly strong but allowed him to sense the true nature of others.
When he first met this elder of the Sun Moon Sect, he hadn't felt the calm demeanor of a millennia-old master. Instead, he sensed a sharp energy, like a blade unsheathed, radiating fierce power!
Had it not been for Fang Yuan's unfathomable cultivation level, Qing Song might have mistaken him for a young and impetuous cultivator.
That's why he decided to offer a reminder.
"Understood."
Fang Yuan responded readily, his eyes glinting with understanding.
He always followed the principle of "I don't trouble others, and others don't trouble me." As for this journey to the Upper Realm—he hadn't planned to act against Zhang Xuan Ting and others, but they had been the ones to provoke him first.
In the end, it was just self-defense. Even as the Sun Moon Sect's Elder, he was forced into this position.
"I'm glad you understand."
Seeing Fang Yuan's easy agreement, Qing Song chuckled and stepped aside to allow Fang Yuan to board.
"Please, enter and rest. Let me drive the ship."
---
During the journey, Fang Yuan had some free time, so he asked Qing Song about the situation of the Four Great Continents.
Qing Song stroked his beard thoughtfully and slowly replied, "Though the Northern Continent is home to many sects, the true rulers are those detached from the mortal realm, the gods."
"Gods?"
"Indeed," Qing Song nodded. "However, these gods follow the Dao of Non-Action and rarely interfere in the mortal world. So, on the surface, the Northern Continent is still ruled by human cultivators."
He then frowned slightly, "But in recent years, the demon forces have been regaining power, and their influence is growing stronger."
"As for the other three continents..." Qing Song shook his head with a bitter smile. "I've been stuck in the Northern Continent for most of my life, and I don't know much about the Western, Southern, or Eastern Continents."
Fang Yuan didn't press him for more information, as this was the first time he had ever heard of gods.
After all, this elderly Qing Song was a peak cultivator at the Celestial Realm. If even he spoke highly of these "gods," they must be something extraordinary.