Chapter 39: Provocation

After scraping every last treasure from the stone chamber, Dustin Li turned his gaze toward the enormous two-headed corpse.

According to the records left behind by King Franklin Bu, this Two-Headed Beast was a fifth-order monster, its strength equivalent to that of a Martial King—tyrannical and unfathomable. The corpse alone was an invaluable treasure. Without hesitation, Dustin Li raised his hand, and with a flicker of spatial energy, the monstrous carcass disappeared into his storage ring.

"There's still nearly a month before the entrance examination. I might as well train here and push my strength to the next level."

The canyon's entrance was concealed by an intricate formation, shrouded in a dense, swirling white mist. It was the perfect sanctuary for training—rich in spiritual energy and free from unwanted intrusions.

Inside his storage ring lay a trove of medicinal pills, yet Dustin Li dared not consume them recklessly. Each one was at least fourth-grade, their potent medicinal power far beyond what his Energy Gathering Realm physique could withstand.

"A fifth-tier Spirit Gathering Array and some mid-grade Vitality Stones… Those alone should be enough to propel my cultivation forward."

Re-entering the stone chamber, he embedded several mid-grade Vitality Stones into the grooves of the Spirit Gathering Array. Instantly, the energy of the world surged, forming a dense, mist-like aura around him.

The effect was extraordinary. Within half a day, he reached the peak of Energy Gathering, First Layer, hovering on the brink of the Second Layer.

For those in the Energy Gathering Realm, the breakthrough from First to Second Layer was merely a matter of accumulating true qi—there were no significant bottlenecks, only the need for an ample supply of energy.

Dustin Li retrieved another mid-grade Vitality Stone and began absorbing its pure energy.

That night, a surge of powerful aura erupted from his body. His dantian brimmed to the point of saturation, preventing him from absorbing any more vitality. Finally, his cultivation ascended—

Energy Gathering, Second Layer!

Yet, he remained unsatisfied.

"The first diagram of the Death Wheel of All Things…"

Despite his rapid cultivation, the Source Law Diagram remained an enigma—far too complex to comprehend.

According to the Spirit of Reincarnation, there were nine Source Law Diagrams, and the first alone was already unfathomable. What of the remaining eight?

For the next month, Dustin Li remained in seclusion, focusing not just on cultivation but also on refining his Quick Sword Art and unraveling the mysteries of the Wheel of Life and Death.

Meanwhile, at Novaridge Martial Hall

Seated high upon the throne, the Palace Master of Novaridge frowned.

"Dustin Li still hasn't returned?"

The entrance examination was only seven days away. If he didn't return soon, it would be disastrous.

An elder, Jeremy, stepped forward, his expression solemn.

"Palace Master, according to our intelligence, Dustin Li left for Eight Wonders Mountain two months ago to train. Could he have encountered danger?"

The Palace Master shook his head.

"Dustin Li isn't reckless. If he's delayed, there must be a reason. What worries me most is Pablo Zhang making a move against him."

Jeremy hesitated.

"Should we send someone to search for him?"

The Palace Master sighed.

"If he's unharmed, he will return on his own. If something has happened… searching will be meaningless."

Just then, a booming laugh echoed from outside the hall.

"Haha! I heard that Novaridge City's so-called genius, Dustin Li, has vanished?"

Striding into the hall was none other than the Martial Hall Master of New Stone City, accompanied by a young woman clad in crimson robes—Alayna.

Her sharp, bright eyes swept across the hall, clearly searching for someone.

The Palace Master of Novaridge scowled.

"New Stone Hall Master, you arrive unannounced. What business do you have?"

The man smirked.

"The entrance examination is near, and we happen to be heading to Xandoria County as well. Thought we might travel together."

The Salmoris Sect Entrance Examination was held annually in Xandoria County, where the top young warriors of every Martial Hall gathered to compete.

Alayna stepped forward, her eyes burning with determination.

"Dustin Li defeated me once. Since then, I've trained relentlessly and have now reached Energy Gathering, Second Layer. I look forward to a rematch in the upcoming examination."

The New Stone Hall Master stroked his mustache, his gaze glinting with amusement.

"So? Where is he?"

The Palace Master's face darkened.

"You already know the answer, yet you ask."

For centuries, Novaridge City and New Stone City had been bitter rivals, and the hostility between their Martial Hall Masters was no different.

Seeing the Palace Master's displeasure, the New Stone Hall Master chuckled.

"It seems Dustin Li won't make it this year. What a pity. Well then, I won't take up any more of your time."

With that, he turned and left, his laughter still lingering in the air.

Three Days Later

Word spread like wildfire—Dustin Li had returned.

The moment he rode into Novaridge City, the Palace Master received the news and immediately summoned him.

"That brat—if he'd been a day later, he would've missed the assessment entirely!"

When Dustin Li entered the hall, he had already prepared an explanation.

"On my way back from Eight Wonders Mountain, I was ambushed. I sustained serious injuries, which delayed my return."

He deliberately omitted certain details—such as the assassination attempt by Pablo Zhang's three disciples, the hidden treasury of King Franklin Bu, and the Pearl of Life and Death.

Pablo Zhang's apprentices had been fifth-layer and seventh-layer Energy Gathering cultivators. If word got out that he had slain them, it would spark suspicion—people would wonder how he had achieved such an impossible feat.

And if the truth about the Pearl of Life and Death weren't exposed, powerful cultivators who sought mastery over Life and Death Laws would undoubtedly hunt him down.

The Palace Master clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with fury.

"Pablo Zhang. That old bastard… It must've been him!"

Then, as if noticing something for the first time, his gaze sharpened.

"Wait… Your cultivation—"

Dustin Li nodded.

"I broke through. Second Layer."

The Palace Master exhaled, shaking his head in amazement.

"A life-or-death struggle… Such battles force the body to evolve beyond its limits. No wonder you advanced."

Many seasoned martial artists deliberately sought perilous encounters, risking their lives to push their cultivation forward.

The Palace Master's expression hardened.

"No more delays. We leave immediately."

Stepping out of the hall, he raised his head and let out a long, piercing whistle.

A black shadow streaked across the sky.

"Black Cloud Eagle!"

The massive third-order flying beast descended. Its wingspan of twenty meters cast a dark shadow over the courtyard.

"Come." The Palace Master leaped onto its back.

Dustin Li followed, heart pounding.

"One day, I'll tame my own beast."

With a powerful gust, the eagle soared into the sky.

Two Days Later – Xandoria County

The city loomed ahead, its towering blue walls stretching for miles. Compared to this vast metropolis, Novaridge City was nothing more than a village.

Arriving at their designated Martial Hall residence, Dustin Li was immediately met with hostile gazes.

A young man in luxurious robes crossed his arms.

"You're Dustin Li?"

His voice dripped with contempt.

"I heard you defeated Alayna. Let's see if you're as good as they say."

Dustin Li smirked.

"So what if I did?"

The provocation had begun.