The Demon Hunting Hall of the Ye Family, located halfway up Lingyun Peak of the Ye Family, is a magnificent two-story palace.
The entire hall is constructed from century-old Sinking Iron Wood, with countless lifelike spirit beast statues carved into it, making the hall appear even more transcendental.
Ye Jingcheng walked into the hall and registered, only to see that inside, many Ye Family members were busy hustling around, with a few people having beast blood stains on their clothing, looking somewhat fierce.
It was evident they had just returned from the depths of the Taihang Mountain Range.
Among them was the most renowned Pill Master of the Ye Family, Ye Haiyun.
Ye Haiyun was squatting down, looking at an exotic beast spread on a cloth on the ground, shaking his head after a long while.
The exotic beast on the ground was about the size of a regular fox, but its fur was bright red like fire and full of spirit, though it had an injured front leg, with the wound starting to blacken and dry.
Especially notable were its spirited eyes, which were beginning to dim gradually, as if life was about to slip away at any moment.
It whimpered, with its voice growing weaker.
The Red Fox's injuries were severe, and it was deeply poisoned. The fact that it was still alive was a testament to its tenacity and considerable potential.
"This Red Flame Fox is beyond saving. It's a pity for such a demon beast with potential to reach Tier Two Peak!"
As Ye Haiyun spoke, other Ye Family members also sighed in regret.
The Demon Race values bloodlines more than the Human Race does.
A superior bloodline can reach higher realms.
Conversely, a poor bloodline consumes more resources than a cultivator's cultivation, which contradicts the original intention of cultivators raising spirit beasts.
The Red Flame Fox in front of them still had a glimmer of hope for treatment, but at least a Tier Two Spirit Pill would be needed.
Even if the Red Flame Fox survived, it might not retain its former potential, making such pills extremely precious to the entire Ye Family.
Only Ye Jingcheng stood by, eyes wide open, for the mysterious Ancient Book within him started to flip pages for the first time.
The final image settled, and the dazzling pages turned eerily to the middle, revealing a page with a nine-tailed red fox, exuding a fearsome aura!
Its claw seemed poised to tear the very sky!
Seeing this phenomenon, Ye Jingcheng realized the Red Flame Fox was anything but ordinary.
And his Ancient Book was related to nurturing spirit beasts.
However, at the moment, he did not dare to come forward.
Even if the Ancient Book within him could give it a try.
Having lived two lifetimes, he understood well the principle that "a jade in the open invites trouble."
"Aren't there two Flying Cloud Leopards as well? Once grown, they might reach Tier Two, comparable to an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. They're our greatest find from this expedition, and the Jing Generation can have a good selection!" The more stern Third Elder Ye Haiyi continued.
This expedition cost the Ye Family considerably but yielded substantial results exploring a Demon Valley.
As a distinguished Beast Taming Clan, there were still many within the clan from the Jing Generation without suitable spirit beasts.
This wasn't because the Ye Family didn't raise spirit beasts, but because good spirit beasts were truly scarce.
"Jingcheng, you don't have a spirit beast either, right? You can choose a young one here; there are enough choices this time with five cubs available!" Ye Haiyi used a Sound Transmission Talisman to convey information, then noticing Ye Jingcheng present, also spoke up.
He then spread his hands. As the Spirit Beast Bag lit up, five different young beasts appeared before them.
The two Flying Cloud Leopards were clearly very lively, stretching their heads around fearlessly, even letting out a series of intimidating low growls!
The other three included one Cyan-Scaled Snake and two Jade Ring Rats.
Those three appeared somewhat lifeless.
Their constitution and potential were evidently several layers weaker.
Ye Jingcheng had memorized the appearance of these spirit beasts since childhood, once full of anticipation, and still liked them now.
"Grandfather, let my fourth and second brothers pick first!" Despite his eager eyes, Ye Jingcheng seemed to recall something and reluctantly declined.
The fourth and second brothers he mentioned were also family members without suitable spirit beasts, both possessing three spirit roots with slightly better talent than him.
"It's fine. Within the Ye Family, your alchemy talent is good, and you're diligent in cultivation. You pick first!" Ye Haiyi had a favorable impression of Ye Jingcheng.
Among the Jing Generation, Ye Jingcheng might not have the best talent but was undoubtedly the most diligent, seizing every moment to cultivate, studying alchemy books and practicing alchemy skill in his spare time.
In the Cultivation Realm, a lack of talent doesn't necessarily mean no future, but a weak mind always means no future!
Ye Jingcheng still shook his head. If he chose first and didn't pick the Flying Cloud Leopard, it wouldn't make sense.
Seeing Ye Jingcheng persist, Ye Haiyi said no more.
He continued to observe the Flying Cloud Leopard, also awaiting the arrival of other Jing Generation members.
Not much time passed before a few Ye Family-attired youths entered with wide strides.
Leading them was Ye Jingcheng's second brother, Ye Jingyong, with a broad chest, followed by fourth brother Ye Jingyu, sixth brother Ye Jingli, and seventh sister Ye Jingyu.
Ye Jingcheng greeted each in turn.
Then naturally settled at the end.
Witnessing this, Ye Haiyi and Ye Haiyun exchanged glances, their eyes showing a slight shift.
They sighed inwardly.
In the Cultivation Realm, such humility is not necessarily a good thing!
Both exchanged a look and planned to find a chance to advise Ye Jingcheng.
Predictably, Ye Jingyong and Ye Jingyu chose the two Flying Cloud Leopards.
Meanwhile, Ye Jingli and Ye Jingyu chose the Cyan-Scaled Snake and Jade Ring Rat, respectively!
Each extracted their Clan Tokens to allocate Contribution Points, with the Flying Cloud Leopard being four hundred, and the Cyan-Scaled Snake and Jade Ring Rat two hundred Contribution Points each.
Then came Ye Jingcheng's turn.
His mind was racing; he didn't have many Contribution Points and couldn't trade for two spirit beasts.
Unless he negotiated a discount for the Red Flame Fox.
"Grandfather, how many Contribution Points for the Red Flame Fox?" Ye Jingcheng inquired.
Feeling a bit uneasy.
The others' eyes filled with shock and confusion.
The Red Flame Fox was on the verge of death; Ye Haiyi had brought it back just for an attempt.
"This Red Flame Fox is almost dead!" Ye Haiyun reminded.
"If Contribution Points aren't enough, you can temporarily borrow some from the clan."
Ye Jingcheng had learned alchemy from Ye Haiyun, who couldn't bear for him to choose such a Red Flame Fox.
"I understand, Grandfather. I believe this Red Flame Fox's life force is impressive, and it might have a turnaround." Ye Jingcheng nodded, indicating he understood.
"Of course, if too many Contribution Points are needed, I'll just exchange for the Jade Ring Rat." Ye Jingcheng quickly added.
"Then I'll give you both for a total of two hundred fifty Contribution Points!" Ye Haiyi devised a balanced solution.
Ye Jingcheng readily agreed, quickly producing his Clan Token for Ye Haiyi to deduct the required Contribution Points.
"Thank you, Grandfather, and Fourth Uncle!" Ye Jingcheng hastily expressed his gratitude.
After the transaction, Ye Jingcheng chatted with his siblings for a while before leisurely heading back to his courtyard with the two spirit beasts in tow.
At that moment, if someone could see within Ye Jingcheng, they'd notice the Ancient Book emitting continuous and mysterious spiritual light!