Chapter 4: Displaying One's Talent for the First Time

 Under the meticulous guidance of the old man, Lin Yu practiced assiduously according to the unique cultivation plan. He gradually became proficient in controlling the multiple spiritual roots within his body, and his strength steadily increased. However, he still had no idea how much his cultivation achievements had amounted to.

 One day, while the master and disciple were discussing cultivation insights in the Taoist temple, a sudden series of rapid knocks on the door shattered the tranquility. The old man's expression changed slightly. He went to open the door, and a middle - aged man in a gray robe rushed into the courtyard with a flustered look. Upon seeing the old man, he quickly bowed and said, "Senior, I apologize for the interruption! I'm the mayor of Qingfeng Town at the foot of the mountain. Recently, a fierce monster has appeared in the town. Many villagers have been injured, and we're completely unable to resist it. Having heard that senior is cultivating here, I've come especially to seek help. I hope senior can come to our aid and save all the people in our town!"

 After listening to the mayor's account, the old man's face grew solemn. He turned to look at Lin Yu, his eyes filled with a glimmer of expectation. "Disciple, this is an opportunity for you to test the fruits of your cultivation. Do you dare to fight this monster?"

 Lin Yu's heart tightened. He felt both nervous and full of fighting spirit. He understood that this was a challenge, but thinking about his hard - work in cultivation during this period and those innocent villagers suffering, he took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Master, I'm willing to give it a try!"

 The old man nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. "Good, then let's head to Qingfeng Town right away."

 The three of them quickly descended the mountain and rushed towards Qingfeng Town. Along the way, the mayor described the appearance and habits of the monster in detail. This monster resembled a black panther, with its entire body covered in black scales that were impervious to swords and spears. It was extremely fast and could spew out black poisonous mist, which was highly toxic. Once contaminated, a person would be paralyzed all over and endure excruciating pain.

 When they arrived at Qingfeng Town, the scene before their eyes was heart - rending. The town was in chaos, with houses collapsed and the streets filled with a pungent smell of blood. The injured villagers lay on the ground, moaning in pain, while their relatives cried anxiously beside them.

 Seeing this, anger welled up in Lin Yu's heart. He clenched his fists and secretly swore to eliminate this monster and protect these innocent people.

 Just then, a roar was heard, and the monster rushed out from the forest outside the town. Its eyes glinted with a bloodthirsty light as it stared fixedly at Lin Yu and the others.

 Without hesitation, Lin Yu stepped forward bravely, circulating the spiritual power in his body. The powers of various spiritual roots quickly converged in his meridians. He formed seals with his hands and muttered incantations. In an instant, a stream of flames shot out from his hands, hurtling straight towards the monster. This flame was condensed by the power of his Fire Spiritual Root, with an extremely high temperature. The air distorted wherever it passed.

 Sensing the power of the flame, the monster's figure flashed, easily dodging the attack.Subsequently, it opened its huge maw and spat out a ball of black poisonous mist, which enveloped towards Lin Yu.

 Upon seeing this, Lin Yu immediately mobilized the power of his Water Spiritual Root, forming a water curtain in front of him to block the poisonous mist. When the poisonous mist came into contact with the water curtain, there was a "hissing" sound, and pungent white smoke billowed up.

 Taking advantage of the moment when the monster was spitting out the poisonous mist, Lin Yu unleashed the power of his Thunder Spiritual Root. A bolt of lightning descended from the sky and struck the monster. The monster's body stiffened slightly when hit by the lightning, but it quickly recovered. Apparently, this strike didn't cause it much harm.

 Lin Yu's heart sank. He realized that the strength of this monster far exceeded his imagination. But he didn't flinch. Instead, he quickly adjusted his tactics. He infused the power of his Earth Spiritual Root into the ground beneath his feet, making his body more stable. At the same time, he controlled the power of his Wood Spiritual Root. The surrounding trees seemed to be summoned, and their branches grew rapidly, winding towards the monster.

 The monster struggled fiercely, breaking the winding branches one by one. But Lin Yu's attacks didn't stop. He merged the powers of several spiritual roots together, forming a spiritual - power light ball, which he smashed towards the monster with all his might.

 After the light ball hit the monster, there was a deafening explosion. The monster was sent flying back several steps by the powerful force, and some cracks appeared on its scales.

 The monster seemed to be completely enraged. It let out a earth - shattering roar and charged towards Lin Yu recklessly, several times faster than before.

 Lin Yu had no time to dodge. Just as the monster's claws were about to reach him, at the critical moment, the old man took action. With a gentle wave of his sleeve, a powerful spiritual force emerged.