Man Xiong pondered for a moment before speaking.
"I'll stay in the cave for a few more days. While I'm at it, I'll continue teaching you," he said coldly."I'd like to see who exactly dares to scheme against my Qiyun Cave."
He looked at Wu Tian and added,"There's no need to worry. My master is still cultivating inside the cave. As long as we keep the gates closed, no one would dare force their way in."
"Calm your mind. I'll teach you the Silk Extraction Mantra."
"This spell is one of the core refining techniques of the Qiyun Cave lineage," Man Xiong continued."When cultivated to mastery, it can extract the essence of plants and trees, refining it into threads. Washed with wind and cloud, nourished by Nether Qi, it can be transformed into Yin Soul Silk."
"Whether used to weave banners, robes, or whips, it's extremely versatile. Even my own artifacts are woven from Yin Soul Silk."
"Over the years, most of my cultivation resources have been exchanged using it."
"This is true foundation-level knowledge. Do not take it lightly."
Wu Tian immediately understood—Man Xiong was trusting him more deeply now, even passing on a core lineage spell.
Without hesitation, Wu Tian prostrated himself and transmitted,"Disciple thanks Master."
Man Xiong froze briefly, then shook his head with a chuckle.
"You're clever. Very well—although I cannot officially register you yet, I am passing the Dharma to you. Calling me Master is not inappropriate."
"I only hope you can shed your beast body soon and transform into human form. Only then will the Great Dao truly be within reach."
He said no more and began patiently transmitting the Silk Extraction Mantra.
This spell was indeed complex.
Though still classified as a secret transmission mantra, not a supreme-grade spell, its intricacy surpassed even some high-tier techniques.
The incantation alone consisted of one hundred and forty-five ancient syllables, more than even the Thunder Resonance Mantra.
Once the transmission was complete, Wu Tian's system panel updated automatically.
Silk Extraction Mantra (Secret Transmission)Extracts the essence of plants and trees, refining it into fine threads.Produces Low-grade Spiritual Materials.Upon mastery, can extract cloud glow and clear wind as silk.When combined with appropriate diagrams, may produce Mid-grade Spiritual Material: Cloud Brocade Silk.
Wu Tian's eyes lit up.
Low-grade spiritual materials were only suitable for forging spell artifacts—far superior to mundane weapons, but largely useless once one reached the Cauldron Forging or Refining Law realms.
However, mid-grade spiritual materials were a completely different matter.
Wu Tian had learned at the Teaching Hall that cultivation tools were divided into spell artifacts, magic artifacts, and treasures.
Foundation Establishment and Nurturing Qi cultivators mostly used spell artifacts.Cauldron Forging and Refining Law cultivators forged magic artifacts.Only Dao Embryo and Primordial Spirit experts could wield treasures.
Low-grade materials produced spell artifacts.Mid-grade materials forged magic artifacts.High-grade materials were required for treasures.
In this world, even spell artifacts were rare—requiring multiple spiritual materials refined together.Magic artifacts were even more precious, often forged over decades with cauldron fire.
Among the three deacons of the Teaching Hall, only one had successfully forged a magic artifact—the Soul-Severing Hook, capable of slashing iron and severing souls.
That alone made him the lead deacon.
"Qiyun Cave actually possesses a lineage capable of producing mid-grade spiritual materials…" Wu Tian thought, quietly shocked.
For cultivators, relying solely on luck or slaughter for resources was unsustainable.Having a stable method of producing spiritual materials—that was true foundation.
"Alright," Man Xiong said. "Focus on cultivating the Silk Extraction Mantra."
He then asked,"How has your aperture-opening progress been these past days?"
Wu Tian replied honestly,"I've opened five apertures."
"So fast?" Man Xiong was clearly surprised."At this rate, you'll likely finish opening apertures and begin Qi circulation in two or three months."
After a brief pause, he added,"In that case, we must prepare a spell artifact for you in advance."
"A cultivator must possess not only the means to pursue the Dao, but also a tool to protect it."
"When a spell artifact is forged during the Qi Circulation stage and nurtured daily with Qi, it becomes attuned to the user. Only then can it be wielded effortlessly."
"Most cultivators later refine their original spell artifact into a magic artifact when forging their cauldron—saving immense effort."
"You're in a beast body. Think carefully about what kind of artifact you should forge."
While master and disciple cultivated within the cave, Huang Ren had already finished transporting supplies and was making his way toward one of the Thirty-Six Caves—
Wild Dog Cave.
Outside the cave stood a forest—not ordinary trees, but Ironwood Spirit Trees, their trunks as hard as iron. They were excellent materials for banner poles.
Wild Dog Cave held a unique position among the Thirty-Six Caves.
Its founding ancestor was a direct disciple of the sect founder, yet had carved a different path—combining the Hundred Beasts Yin Soul Dao into a unique lineage.
Its inheritance was profound, second only to the sect master's White Bone Demon God Dao.
Though recent generations were less talented, the current cave lord had still reached the Refining Law Realm and was rumored to have a chance at forming a Dao Embryo.
However, the Wild Dog Cave lineage was infamous.
Its disciples were eccentric, reclusive, and viciously vindictive—few dared to approach them.
Standing outside the cave, Huang Ren felt uneasy.
Just as he hesitated, laughter rang out.
"Where did this fatty come from? Daring to show his face at Wild Dog Cave—looking for a beating?"
Huang Ren jumped in fright.
Turning around, he saw a five- or six-year-old boy dressed in brocade robes, a silver ring around his neck, hair tied into twin buns, grinning mischievously.
Behind the boy stood seven or eight others—some teenage youths, others fully grown men.
One ugly young man sneered,"Fatty, this isn't a place for you. If you don't want to get beaten, lie down and roll out."
The boy clapped his hands and laughed."I've never seen a fat man roll before! You're so round—you'd roll really fast!"
The group erupted into jeers.
"Roll, fatty!""Roll like a ball!""Roll now, or we'll beat you!"
Huang Ren was humiliated and furious, but he dared not lose his temper here. His face flushed crimson, and he was already thinking of retreat.
But the boy had no intention of letting him go.
He was Tong Jin, the cave lord's son—six years old, doted upon, arrogant and unruly.
Now that he'd found a target for amusement, he wouldn't let it end easily.
Just as someone was about to strike, Huang Ren shouted desperately,
"Wait! I've discovered a spirit-transformed wild dog. I came specifically to report it to the cave lord!"
Tong Jin's eyes lit up instantly.
He stopped the crowd and grabbed Huang Ren."Speak! Where is that dog demon?"
Huang Ren clamped his mouth shut.
These disciples were too vicious. If he spoke now, they'd force him to lead the way—and forget about merit points.
Regret surged in his heart, but it was too late to turn back.
Gritting his teeth, he shouted loudly,
"I am Huang Ren, deacon of the Mess Hall! I request an audience with the Wild Dog Cave Lord—I have information regarding a dog demon!"
Tong Jin's face twisted with anger."Fatty, what do you mean by that?!"
Before he could finish—
A voice echoed from within the cave.
"Jin'er. Do not be rude."
(End of Chapter)