Ling Xiao had been practicing the "Vajra Five Transformations" for a month, and today he had finally mastered the first transformation, "Skin Refining,"! This was inseparable from his hard work and talent, and with the personal guidance and supervision of the Supreme Elder, it was inevitable that he wouldn't achieve a breakthrough.
However, Ling Xiao had endured considerable hardship this month to achieve this first transformation. Besides the intense daily physical training, he was subjected to the scorching sun, and finally, the tormenting cold and heat. The pain was truly unbearable for the average person. Fortunately, Ling Xiao had a tenacious character, otherwise he would have given up long ago. Now, he had finally reaped the rewards, having mastered the first transformation. His body could now withstand the full force of a high-level Xuan practitioner without issue, having reached the strength of a beginner's defense. Once he achieved the second transformation, "Tendon Refining," he would be able to withstand the full force of a high-level Xuan practitioner.
By then, in Meteorite City, as long as he didn't encounter a spiritual master, surviving shouldn't be a problem. Now, with the cultivation formula for the last three phases of the Vajra Five Transformations, bestowed upon him by the Supreme Elder, the technique is complete. The last three phases are "Refining the Organs," "Refining the Bones," and "Refining the Blood." Each phase offers exceptionally strong defenses. Even a full-strength attack from a legendary King-rank or even Earth Emperor-rank powerhouse might be enough to withstand the fifth phase. While the rank of this defensive technique isn't specified, the Supreme Elder speculates it's at least Green-rank or higher.
Why speculate? Because the Supreme Elder himself has only achieved minor success in the third phase, "Refining the Organs." While the first phase of the "Vajra Five Transformations" doesn't require spiritual herbs, the remaining four require a significant amount of spiritual herbs and elixirs. Otherwise, the brutal training can torment a person to death before they even reach the final stage. Spiritual herbs and elixirs are inherently rare. Even someone as powerful as the Grand Elder could only obtain third-tier spiritual herbs, which allowed him to cultivate to the third stage of the Lesser Success stage. Even if he needed fourth-tier or even fifth-tier spiritual herbs and elixirs to reach the fourth stage, he would be unable to achieve them.
After bathing and changing, Ling Xiao was dressed in a perfectly tailored black, tight-fitting martial arts uniform, with a cloak draped over his back. He appeared remarkably elegant and extraordinary.
His long, inky hair, flowing freely like a waterfall, further highlighted his uninhibited personality. His sharp, piercing eyes shone with a captivating brilliance, and his jade-like, delicate face was a sight to behold.
"Young Master is truly charming," Bai Yuxi admired inwardly, a blush rising to her cheeks as she gazed at Ling Xiao, who was standing close to her.
"Yuxi, have I become more handsome?" Ling Xiao asked proudly, gazing at himself in the mirror. "Well, young master, you look good," Bai Yuxi replied, her face flushed.
"Hehe, this young master thinks so too," Ling Xiao said narcissistically.
Bai Yuxi naturally agreed with Ling Xiao's words. Her heart now belonged almost entirely to him. If Ling Xiao took her body, she wouldn't resist at all; she would even be delighted.
After leaving the room, Ling Xiao and Bai Yuxi emerged.
As they made their way into the hall, many servants respectfully greeted Ling Xiao with "Sir Steward."
Now, Ling Xiao's status was different. When he achieved the top five in the family test, he became a Steward. The family assigned him several more servants, and his stipends were more than ten times better than before. He received a monthly allowance of 200 gold coinshe very perks of a Steward. Furthermore, since Ling Xiao had been chosen by the Grand Elder as his successor disciple, and the Grand Elder had moved in with him, Ling Xiao's status naturally held a high esteem. Even the clan elders had to offer a polite smile when they saw him. The reason was simple: he was the Grand Elder's disciple, a status that could overwhelm many.
Over this incident, the Second Elder even smashed his most precious vase when he returned home. He had assumed his grandson, Ling Kuang, was a near-perfect candidate for the Grand Elder's successor. Ling Kuang possessed excellent qualities in every way, most importantly, his attributes matched those of the Grand Elderoth possessing the Gold Element. Had he been the Grand Elder, he would have chosen Ling Kuang. Unexpectedly, the Grand Elder chose Ling Xiao, the weakest of the bunch, a low-level profound practitioner, and even offered to take him on as his disciple. Ling Xiao seemed deeply unhappy, leaving him furious but helpless. Everyone was baffled by this, secretly sighing at how unpredictable the world truly was! They could only exclaim in amazement at Ling Xiao's incredible luck.
After dinner, Ling Xiao was summoned by the Grand Elder.
Looking at this secretive old man, Ling Xiao found it hard to understand why he had chosen him as a disciple. He sighed to himself, "It seems my character is so good wherever I go; even this old man has taken a liking to me."
"Old Master, are you asking me for a reward?" Ling Xiao asked casually, unfazed by the Grand Elder's status.
The Grand Elder chuckled, "You little brat, you've robbed me of so much in the past two weeks! How dare you ask again? I'll smash your head off!"
"Hehe...it's just a few crappy weapons and a few bottles of pills. Why are you so hung up on them? You're such a stingy master!" Ling Xiao rubbed his hands and chuckled dryly. The Grand Elder's face turned green upon hearing this. This little brat actually called these second-grade mid-level weapons and second-grade elixirs "junk weapons" and "little pills." You know, if these things were released to Meteorite City, they would cause a frenzy of scramble.
"Since they're just junky weapons and little pills, I don't mind if you bring them back to me," the Grand Elder said, flicking his beard slightly.
"There's no point in asking for something back after you've given it away. Let's get down to business. I wonder what the old man wants me to do?" Ling Xiao smiled and quickly changed the subject. "Little rascal," the Grand Elder cursed softly, then said sternly, "You've already mastered the first transformation, and your training speed is quite good. But the second transformation will be even more difficult and arduous. Do you have the confidence to handle it?"
Ling Xiao, his eyes gleaming with confidence, said, "Of course, no problem. Thinking a mere external martial art can stump a genius like me? You're kidding."
"Haha, in that case, let's begin the second transformation," the Grand Elder said with a sly smile.
Ling Xiao shrugged and said, "No need to work so hard. This kind of training requires a balance of work and rest. Besides, I'm very busy today, so let's put this aside for now." With that, he pulled away and ran away, completely ignoring the Grand Elder's stern authority.
The Grand Elder watched Ling Xiao flee, but instead of getting angry, he smiled a forlorn smile and muttered to himself, "Grow up quickly, little one. Time is running out!"
Ling Xiao naturally didn't hear the Grand Elder's subsequent sigh. At this moment, he had already run out of the house and headed for the market.
Today, he was mainly going to buy some outdoor tools for a trip to the Desolate Mountains in a few days. He wasn't going to the Desolate Mountains to earn gold, but rather to admire the spiritual beasts and herbs there. Through his recent exploration, he had grown increasingly interested in this continent. He knew some incredible spiritual herbs could revive a person's bones and improve their cultivation, and there were also powerful spiritual beasts that could breathe fire and water. How impressive would it be to have one of these powerful beasts as a mount!
So, Ling Xiao had decided to make the trip to the Desolate Mountains.
Now, Ling Xiao was a key target of the Ling family. As soon as he left the Ling family's territory, two Xuanshi-level masters immediately followed him to prevent any further mishaps. These two were loyal guards of the Ling family, and among the most powerful of the family's twenty-four Tiger Guards. They were referred to by the same title: Tiger Six and Tiger Seven. Both were ranked among the top ten Tiger Guards, possessing the cultivation of mid-level Xuanshi, making them experts in Meteorite City.
These two were assigned by clan leader Ling Cang. Initially, the Second and Fifth Elders strongly objected, accusing Ling Cang of favoritism by using the Tiger Guards to protect Ling Xiao. However, after Ling Cang explained that this was the order of the Grand Elder, the two dared not utter a word.
Ling Xiao, far from being annoyed by the people following him, actually felt a sense of cool, like a wealthy dandy, bullying others with his power.
Buying some outdoor supplies took little time, finishing everything in just an hour.
After shopping, Ling Xiao was in no rush to return. He returned to the city's most popular restaurant, Weixiangju. The last time he and Bai Yuxi came out together, they had tasted the food here and thought it was quite good. Unfortunately, Luo Qingshuang interrupted their interest and nearly destroyed the restaurant.
Weixiangju, after its renovation, was still booming.
Wealthy merchants, nobles, and scions of wealthy families were seen entering and exiting with beautiful women in their arms, grinning lewdly, their faces radiating a sense of frivolity.
Seeing this, Ling Xiao couldn't help but regret not bringing Yuxi with him. Now, seeing other women in their arms, he felt envious.
"I just can't believe that a handsome young master like me wouldn't be flirting with a beautiful woman." Ling Xiao shook his cloak behind him and strode into Weixiangju.
Ling Xiao wasn't boasting. He had always been very handsome, but now, not only had he become a Mystic, but he had also mastered the first level of the Vajra Five Transformations, transforming his skin. His overall aura had improved several times, making him even more imposing and handsome. As soon as he entered Weixiangju, he was immediately showered with flirtatious glances from the beauties. This delighted Ling Xiao greatly, and he couldn't help but raise his thick eyebrows, feeling incredibly pleased.
The owner and waiter at Weixiangju both recognized Ling Xiao. He had made such a deep impression on them last time. The Ling family's genius was once again able to cultivate. Recently, it was rumored that he had become a Xuanzhe and had even been accepted as a successor disciple by the Ling family's Grand Elder. This news practically shook Meteorite City.
The owner personally and attentively escorted Ling Xiao upstairs and gave him the best seat.
As Ling Xiao ascended, whispers began to circulate downstairs. "That was Ling Xiao from the Ling family just now, wasn't it? Didn't I hear he'd become a cripple? How come he's so high-spirited now?"
"That's right! He's able to cultivate his profound strength again. A month ago, he defeated Luo Qingshuang, the daughter of the Luo family, right here. I recently heard he was noticed by the Ling family's Grand Elder and accepted as his successor disciple."
"No way! He's so impressive! Even a humble beginning can turn things around! What luck!"
"Of course. Be respectful to Ling Xiao next time you see him. Did you see the nurses following him just now? They're both filled with malevolent energy. They're probably the Ling family's Twenty-Four Tiger Guards."
...
Upstairs, Ling Xiao sat on a soft couch covered in animal skins, feeling perfectly comfortable and relaxed.
"Young Master Ling, what would you like to eat?" the shopkeeper greeted Ling Xiao respectfully.
"I heard you have spirit snake soup here. Bring me three servings, plus ten pounds of wolf meat, and five pounds of wine!" Ling Xiao shouted, wanting to enjoy the luxurious life of a wealthy young master. "Yes, Young Master Ling Xiao," the shopkeeper replied respectfully.
Just as the shopkeeper was about to leave, a sweet voice, as sweet as the chirping of an oriole, rang out, "Young Master, this meal is on me!"
Ling Xiao looked in the direction of the voice and was stunned!