Even with the significant side effects of burning True Essence now, Ling Xiao had gained another trump card. Facing an early Pulse Realm Seventh Layer Martial Master, even without using the Mighty Ape corpse, he could at least preserve his life.
Winning, though, remained extremely difficult.
Challenging across realms was far tougher than across levels. Unless he converted at least five pulses’ Gang Qi into True Essence, taking on a Seventh Layer Martial Master might actually give him a fighting chance.
Of course, even now, it was nearly impossible for an early Seventh Layer Martial Master to kill him.
His attack and survival methods were too numerous. Even if he couldn’t kill his opponent, they couldn’t easily kill him either.
Standing up, Ling Xiao stepped out of his room.
“You’re okay?” Leng Mei stood silently at the door, looking healed, her complexion much improved.
“Yes, Captain,” Leng Mei said, head lowered.
“Good. I’m heading out for a mission today. Want to come?”
Leng Mei’s strength was early Pulse Realm Fifth Layer—modest. But among Dream Elixir traders, many were below Fifth Layer, making this a potential growth opportunity for her.
“Can I?” Leng Mei was excited and surprised. In Hidden Dragon Camp, no martial artist ever treated a servant as human, let alone brought them on missions.
“No reason you can’t. But your strength is low, so follow my lead,” Ling Xiao said calmly.
“This servant obeys.”
By now, Hidden Dragon Camp disciples had formed teams and departed in plain clothes. Outside, few could identify them—no trace of the camp’s markings remained.
Ling Xiao, Ling Yixue, Yin Ran, and Leng Mei set out.
Yin Ran mentioned that over the past three days, rumors spread in Yun Kong City that General Lin Ze had taken the Twelve Tiger Guards and Hidden Dragon Camp elsewhere to destroy Dream Elixir.
Likely a ruse from the Border General’s Mansion. Ling Xiao didn’t care how it was done—nor did he need to. Lin Ze was seasoned at such games.
“Since we’re a team, let’s be open about our strengths, Yin Ran,” Ling Xiao said. Knowing Yin Ran’s true power would help assign tasks and judge foes.
“Of course!” Yin Ran nodded, releasing his aura.
“Half-step Martial Master with a 50% broken Martial Soul! Impressive, you’ve been holding back!” Ling Xiao sensed five of Yin Ran’s pulses had fully converted Gang Qi to True Essence. On paper, Yin Ran outmatched him—a true half-step Martial Master.
“Just a small trick,” Yin Ran smiled.
Ling Xiao knew Yin Ran had more up his sleeve, but pressing for it wasn’t wise. Most martial artists kept a few cards hidden for survival.
Next, Ling Yixue revealed her cultivation—early Pulse Realm Seventh Layer.
“A real Martial Master!” Yin Ran confirmed her strength.
The real surprise was Leng Mei.
She’d cultivated a technique called *Qi Concealment Art*, nearly as effective as Ling Xiao’s Mountain River Martial Soul template.
Her true level was early Pulse Realm Sixth Layer, not Fifth, with a 20% broken Martial Soul—Snow Plum Remnant.
It resembled a plum blossom standing proud in a blizzard, strikingly beautiful.
“Embarrassing. She’s been with me two years, and I never knew her strength,” Yin Ran said with a wry smile.
Leng Mei had been his maid, but he hadn’t cared for her like Ling Xiao did.
Ling Xiao understood her choice.
A servant with high strength wasn’t a blessing—it brought danger, not status. People might thrust deadly tasks on you.
“My turn!” Ling Xiao released his aura.
“Pulse Realm Sixth Layer peak! 40% Ghost Ship Remnant!”
He wouldn’t show his full hand—no need. This was enough for the mission.
“Wow, Ling Xiao, your progress is insane. When you fought Tian Guang, you were just late Sixth Layer with a 30% Ghost Ship, right? In just a few days, you’ve broken through,” Yin Ran said, now grasping why Ling Xiao felt more daunting than Ling Yixue.
His growth was lightning-fast.
“Alright, strengths shared. I’ve got the rundown. Let’s get to the mission,” Ling Xiao said, thinking, *I haven’t even shown my three complete Martial Souls. That’d shock you more.*
The four left the camp, heading out of Yun Kong City.
City-based Dream Elixir shops were guarded by Martial Masters—too tough. Ling Xiao targeted warehouses, production sites, and caravans outside the city.
Those had experts too, but weaker than the shops, making them easier prey.
Coincidentally, most camp teams chose the same strategy.
They crossed paths with a few along the way, but no one greeted—best to avoid trouble.
One team, though, deliberately caught up.
“Yin Ran, have you no shame? Beaten, and now you’re their lapdog?” The grating voice was Murong Shao’s.
Ling Xiao glanced back.
Murong Shao’s team had ten—all Pulse Realm Sixth Layer peak.
Tian Guang was among them.
“Heh, clinging to the strong isn’t bad. Worry about yourself, Murong,” Yin Ran replied coolly, brushing off the jab.
“You should cling to me, not them,” Murong Shao sneered.
“Sorry, I think he’s stronger,” Yin Ran said with a faint smile.
Murong Shao’s face darkened.
Yin Ran dared look down on him?
“You don’t even know my true strength, do you?” Murong Shao’s pupils narrowed, glaring at Yin Ran.
“Heh.” Yin Ran just chuckled, saying no more.
“Hahaha, this guy’s so desperate he brought a servant to pad numbers. No one else would join you, huh?” Murong Shao, stymied by Yin Ran, spotted Leng Mei and shifted his attack.
Earlier, he’d only noticed Yin Ran and Ling Yixue, ignoring the other two.
“Servant or not, still stronger than you,” Ling Xiao said calmly. “Tian Guang, and you eight others, think hard. Stick with Murong Shao, and you might never return to the camp.”
He’d long harbored killing intent toward Murong Shao.
Today’s aggression solidified it.
Not yet, though. Outside Yun Kong City, he’d find the right moment to strike.
