Chapter 15: Spirit Force

At the end of the Grand Mist Codex, a final note had been scribbled in a hurried yet elegant hand:

> "The power of the cauldron will vary according to the host's own strength—strong for the strong, weak for the weak. However, through diligence and constant improvement, the true power of the cauldron will one day be revealed."<

Reading this line, Ling Yue couldn't help but glance down at the cauldron mark faintly glowing on her palm. A complicated feeling stirred in her heart—part awe, part excitement, and a deep reverence for the magical potential this item held.

Long ago, Mr. Grand Mist had held the world in the palm of his hand. For someone of his status to rely on the cauldron meant its true capabilities were likely unimaginable. In Ling Yue's hands, however, its most useful feature thus far was refining spirit grasses into medicinal liquid.

But that wasn't the cauldron's fault—it was her own lack of ability that couldn't yet awaken the greater secrets within it.

"An ignorant person is innocent until they become aware; but when one's talent is revealed, it attracts jealousy." With this ancient proverb in mind, Ling Yue made a quiet vow: unless absolutely necessary, she would keep the secret of the black cauldron and the dimensional space of Grand Mist Sky to herself.

"Squeak." Little Squeak tugged at the hem of her trousers, urging her toward the opposite straw house.

This second straw house belonged to Mr. Grand Mist's lover, the Venerable Jade Poison Hand. Just like the previous one, it contained books and scrolls—though instead of medicinal texts, these focused on poisons and killing techniques.

One particular book caught Ling Yue's eye: The Ghost Sect's Thirteen Needle Manual.

It described a fearsome acupuncture technique developed by the Venerable herself. Unlike traditional medicinal acupuncture that healed, this method targeted a person's most lethal pressure points—created for the sole purpose of killing.

"These two old seniors really were a pair—one only knew how to save, the other only how to kill," Ling Yue muttered to herself with a smile, half in amusement and half in disbelief. She wasted no time in diving into the contents and began memorizing both this and the previous manuals.

Over the next ten days, Ling Yue didn't leave the Grand Mist Sky once. She spent all her time absorbing knowledge—reading everything from medicine and poison to biology and alchemy. Her memory was astounding; by the end, she had committed everything to heart, becoming intimately familiar with countless medical and toxic substances from across the continent.

"Now that the books are done, let's see how spirit force works." She exited the dimensional space and headed straight to the patch of Qingmu fruit trees.

According to the Grand Mist Codex, Mr. Grand Mist not only cultivated Yuan energy but also trained in the rare power of spirit force. The Codex included an introductory formula to harness this power. Ling Yue memorized the incantation and practiced carefully. Before long, she'd grasped the basics of using her spirit force.

A notable benefit was the ability to transfer objects into the Grand Mist Sky using only her mind.

Her first attempt was the Qingmu fruit.

"Qingmu fruit!" she repeated, focusing her thoughts with utmost intensity.

Failure.

She tried again. Failure.

Again. Still nothing.

"Guess I'm too impatient." Taking a step back, she tested smaller objects—a leaf, a pebble—and finally worked her way back to the fruit.

Two days of persistent practice later, Ling Yue finally succeeded. She had completely transferred an entire Qingmu fruit tree into her dimensional space. Once inside Grand Mist Sky, the tree flourished even more than it had outside, its branches full of lush green leaves and plump, juicy fruit.

"Yes! I did it!" she cheered aloud, elated.

This achievement was no small matter. With the Qingmu trees under her control, she could soon monopolize the entire supply in Autumn Maple Town. Compared to the Vitality Condensing Grass, Qingmu fruit was far more valuable in terms of market price and medicinal use.

Of course, the larger the item, the more spirit force it required. Even so, within the span of a day, Ling Yue had successfully moved every Qingmu tree she could find into Grand Mist Sky.

"Oh no!" Ling Yue's expression suddenly changed. "The Ye clan's assessment competition—it's already started!"

She'd been so deeply immersed in studying and training that she lost track of time. By her calculations, she had been in Seven Star Mountain for over a month. Today was likely the third day of the competition!

Panic gripped her. If she didn't hurry, she would miss the entire event.

Grabbing Little Squeak, Ling Yue bolted out of the mountain and sprinted toward the Ye family's martial hall.

---

Meanwhile, back in the Ye clan's martial hall, the annual assessment competition was in full swing.

All disciples under the age of twenty—regardless of branch or main lineage—were gathered, competing fiercely on the elevated stages arranged in a wide circle. Surrounding the arena were the family elders seated on the observation platform, their expressions sharp and scrutinizing.

At the center were Ye Huang Cheng and Ye Gu, seated on the highest chairs, their gazes never wavering from the action below.

This competition took place only once every three years and was of critical importance. Regardless of background or status, all eligible youths could participate. The top ten would be regarded as the elite of the Ye clan and receive greater cultivation resources, effectively shaping their futures within the family.

Even more prestigious were the rewards for the top three competitors: access to the Ye clan's martial shrine and the privilege of selecting a foundational martial technique for self-cultivation.

For any young member of the Ye family, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Years ago, Ling Yue's own mother, Ye Huang Yu, had stood upon this very stage. At only thirteen, she had shattered all expectations, besting every opponent to claim first place.

Now, all these years later, it was Ling Yue's turn to step into the arena.

For her, this wasn't just her first competition—it might also be her last.