Chapter 26: Grand Fortune

“Problem? It’s not really a major issue. This jade talisman contains immense Yang energy, capable of illuminating the mind and dispelling external demons. It even holds the power of its previous owner, able to withstand a high-level attack from someone in the Vein Condensation realm.” The shadow spoke, laying bare most of the talisman’s abilities in a single breath.

Yet Lin Fan felt lost amidst the explanation. Just moments ago, the shadow had hinted at problems with the talisman; now, it seemed nothing but praise.

“You must be quite confused right now. But since fate has brought us together, I’ll explain.” The shadow glanced at Lin Fan, continuing, “The demon clan is shrouded in darkness; after being suppressed deep underground, that’s truer than ever. What they crave most is Yang energy. Your talisman is like a beacon in the abyss, sure to attract any Vein Condensation demon. Tell me, is this jade talisman not a major problem?”

Lin Fan was shocked, cold sweat breaking out instantly. What were Vein Condensation demons? Their strength rivaled, if not surpassed, the core disciples of Heavenly Capital Gate. Should such a being attack, he would be doomed beyond redemption.

“Du Mu Ci is truly ruthless, trying to have someone else kill me. Not only is he powerful, but also so cunning. If I don’t kill Ding Dang, he’ll become a grave threat.” Lin Fan’s eyes blazed with fury, murderous intent rising. He’d never liked Du Mu Ci, but now he was determined to end him without delay.

“You’re angry now, aren’t you? You want to slaughter that man.” The shadow’s tone turned mocking.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. That so-called Divine Son’s strength is unfathomable—he’s already half a step into the Celestial realm, perhaps has fully entered it. Even if you train for another ten years, you’ll never be his match.” A cold bucket of water poured over Lin Fan. The shadow had no reason to deceive him; every word rang true.

“If ten years won’t do, then twenty. I’ll have my day eventually.” Lin Fan replied without hesitation, brimming with confidence.

“Hmph, you think others will give you time? How naïve. Forget ten years—even if he acts now, he could kill you countless times with a single finger.” The shadow snorted derisively, as if mocking Lin Fan’s overconfidence.

“That’s why I must struggle, seize every opportunity to strengthen myself. When the time comes, why should I fear a Divine Son? Whoever threatens me shall fall.” Though the shadow’s words were true, Lin Fan refused to lose faith.

“Good—what a fine determination! Cultivation is a battle against destiny, a relentless march to unrivaled supremacy.” For once, the shadow nodded approvingly.

“But don’t lose heart. Now that I am awakened, I shall lend you my strength, sparing you some effort. In exchange, I require you to provide me with treasures to devour. The stronger I become, the greater my aid to you.” The shadow laid out his terms, and Lin Fan understood there was no such thing as a free lunch.

“Treasures? Impossible! Even the core disciples of Heavenly Capital Gate rarely possess them. Where am I supposed to find treasures for you to devour?” Lin Fan exclaimed, shaking his head repeatedly. Weapons in this world were divided into Treasure Weapons, Magic Weapons, Ancestral Weapons, Sacred Weapons, and the legendary Divine Weapons. All were rare; even Treasure Weapons were reserved for Vein Condensation experts.

“Hmph, nothing is impossible. When I devour treasures, your strength grows as well. It’s mutual benefit. If you can’t even see this much, how could you ever reach the summit or survive calamity?” The shadow sounded disappointed, though he didn’t blame Lin Fan. The boy’s background was humble; he’d never seen true grandeur. His current achievements were already impressive. If he were an heir of a great power, Treasure Weapons would be nothing; even Ancestral or Sacred Weapons would cause no surprise.

“Very well, I’ll find a way to secure such treasures for you. But first, I want to see what you can do.” Lin Fan gritted his teeth, agreeing, though he still harbored some doubt toward this mysterious artifact spirit. He probed, testing.

“Hmph, you won’t be at ease unless you see my methods. Previously, your ability to devour flesh was crude—barely extracting thirty or forty percent of the energy. Watch closely.” The shadow cast Lin Fan a disdainful look, then suddenly acted. Countless rays of light descended, a terrifying suction spreading from his hand.

The distant corpse of the Yaksha, cleaved in two, floated up. Half a quarter later, a blood-red pill appeared where the body had been, radiating a dense wave of vital energy.

“What is this?” Lin Fan’s heart trembled. He couldn’t identify it, but sensed it was extraordinary.

“This is a Blood Pill—condensed from all the essence within that Yaksha. If you consume it, you’ll gain all his strength. In other words, your power will increase by exactly one elephant, or one hundred twenty-eight thousand catties.” The shadow waved his hand, carelessly tossing the Blood Pill to Lin Fan, as if the pill, refined by a ninth-level Yaksha, was beneath his notice.

Yet to Lin Fan, it was earth-shattering—a method bordering on myth.

“This… this is simply unbelievable—what fortune!” Lin Fan examined the Blood Pill, his soul surging. He felt a trace of doubt, but as soon as he swallowed it, all suspicion vanished.

An unprecedented sensation flooded his body. For a moment, Lin Fan felt his blood boiling, bones trembling, his skin itching as if torn by millions of ants. Yet he could distinctly sense his strength growing.

“This speed…” Lin Fan was in disbelief. His power quickly broke through to one elephant—one hundred twenty-eight thousand catties—and continued rising at a remarkable pace.

Half an hour passed before the changes ceased. Lin Fan clenched his fist, feeling an unprecedented might suffusing his body. He felt as though a single punch could shatter the heavens or demolish a small mountain.

He unleashed the Seven-Star Linked Pearl technique; dazzling rays and falling starlight appeared. Two enormous mammoths manifested—his strength had reached a terrifying level, even surpassing earlier estimates.

“What’s the cause?” Lin Fan frowned. According to the shadow, he should have gained the strength of one elephant, but he’d clearly exceeded that, his total increase nearing one hundred sixty thousand catties.

“No need for doubt. That Yaksha possessed royal blood. It’s precisely because you refined his bloodline that your power soared so dramatically.” A faint, weary voice drifted over. The shadow had grown more translucent, clearly drained by the Blood Pill’s refinement.