Lin Yuan held the pale-green monster core in his hand.
It was only the size of a walnut, yet a gentle current of spiritual energy flowed within it.
The Gray Sapling in his spiritual sea trembled continuously, as though urging him to let it absorb the core.
"Let's see what you can do."
The moment he focused his consciousness on the monster core, streams of green essence flowed from it.
Unlike the spiritual herbs, the essence within the monster core was richer and more vigorous.
The Gray Sapling absorbed every strand without leaving a trace.
Crack...
A crisp sound echoed through Lin Yuan's spiritual sea.
The sapling's gray bark peeled away once more, revealing a trunk that was now half emerald green. The tiny bud at the tip of one branch slowly bloomed into a third leaf, while a fourth leaf began to emerge.
A warm current spread through Lin Yuan's entire body.
His muscles tightened, his bones emitted faint popping sounds, and the spiritual energy within his meridians became much denser.
He hurriedly sat cross-legged.
The surrounding spiritual energy rushed toward him as if drawn by an invisible force.
Minutes passed.
A muffled explosion echoed within his dantian.
Body Tempering Realm... Second Stage!
Lin Yuan slowly opened his eyes.
"So the growth of the Martial Soul also strengthens my cultivation."
This was something no one had ever told him.
Perhaps no one else had ever possessed a Martial Soul like his.
He stood and picked up the wolf's corpse.
The monster core was gone, but its hide and fangs could still be sold in Azure Maple City.
At least today's trip had not been in vain.
The next afternoon, Lin Yuan returned to the city.
As he entered the marketplace carrying the wolf hide over his shoulder, many people looked at him in surprise.
"Isn't that Lin Yuan?"
"The one with the Mortal Grade One Martial Soul?"
"He actually hunted a Gray Wind Wolf?"
"That can't be. He probably found it already dead."
Ignoring the whispers, Lin Yuan walked into the Beast Treasure Pavilion.
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged shopkeeper with sharp eyes.
He glanced at the wolf hide before nodding.
"A First-Order Gray Wind Wolf."
"You hunted it?"
Lin Yuan simply replied, "I did."
The shopkeeper studied him for a moment but asked no further questions.
"I'll give you fifty silver coins."
Lin Yuan nodded.
"Deal."
Receiving the heavy pouch of silver, he left the pavilion.
For someone who had been living frugally, fifty silver coins was enough to support him for several months.
But before he had taken more than a few steps, several youths blocked his path.
Leading them was a tall young man dressed in embroidered robes.
Lin Yuan recognized him immediately.
Wang Jie.
The son of the Wang Family's second elder.
During the Awakening Ceremony, Wang Jie had awakened a Common Grade Ninth Martial Soul and had always enjoyed mocking Lin Yuan.
His eyes fell upon the pouch hanging from Lin Yuan's waist.
"So the trash has made some money."
The youths behind him laughed.
"I heard you killed a Gray Wind Wolf."
Wang Jie smirked.
"You must have been lucky."
Lin Yuan calmly answered, "Move."
The smile on Wang Jie's face disappeared.
"Still acting proud?"
He stepped closer.
"A Mortal Grade One Martial Soul should know his place."
Without warning, Wang Jie threw a punch.
Lin Yuan reacted instantly.
He sidestepped, causing the fist to graze past his shoulder.
The onlookers gasped.
"He dodged!"
Wang Jie's expression darkened.
He attacked again, this time much faster.
Lin Yuan raised his arm to block.
Bang!
The impact forced him back three steps.
Although Wang Jie was also in the Body Tempering Realm, he had reached the Third Stage, giving him greater physical strength.
Lin Yuan flexed his numb arm.
"So that's the difference between one stage."
Wang Jie laughed.
"You should've stayed in the forest."
"I'll teach you that some people can never offend those above them."
As Wang Jie prepared to attack once more, a stern voice suddenly rang through the street.
"What is happening here?"
The crowd immediately parted.
An elder wearing the robes of the Azure Maple Academy walked forward.
His sharp gaze swept over the group.
Wang Jie's face stiffened.
"E-Elder Sun..."
The elder looked from Wang Jie to Lin Yuan before speaking coldly.
"Fighting is forbidden within the marketplace."
"If you wish to settle your grievances, do so during the academy's monthly challenge."
"Now disperse."
Wang Jie clenched his fists but dared not disobey.
As he walked away, he glanced back at Lin Yuan.
"Enjoy your peace while it lasts."
"One month from now, during the academy challenge..."
"I'll cripple you in front of everyone."
Lin Yuan watched him leave without a word.
His eyes remained calm.
One month.
That was enough time.
He lowered his gaze to the Gray Sapling within his spiritual sea.
Its four emerald leaves swayed gently, radiating a vitality far greater than when it had first awakened.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"If you want to challenge me in one month..."
"Then I'll make sure you're facing a completely different Lin Yuan."