The two books contained not only common herbs and spiritual beasts but also many extraordinary items Ling Xiao had never seen or even heard of.
For instance, Master Baiyun once said that a person’s potential isn’t fixed and can be enhanced through external means, like certain rare spiritual herbs. These books detailed one such herb called the “Treasure Fruit.” Its name was unremarkable, but this fruit could gradually elevate a martial artist’s potential all the way to a divine-grade treasure body!
There were also bizarre spiritual herbs, objects, and beasts. For example, a medicinal herb called “Phoenix Grass” could grant a martial artist a chance at rebirth through fire.
Another was the blood of certain ancient ferocious beasts. Consuming or absorbing it could alter one’s bloodline, granting the terrifying abilities of those ancient creatures.
This reminded Ling Xiao of the golden dragon bloodline in his body. He’d long suspected it came from some ancient divine dragon, though he’d never confirmed it.
Today, *Beast Materia Medica* finally validated his theory, easing his lingering concerns.
Moreover, the book listed herbs that could aid in awakening his golden dragon bloodline, which was an even greater help.
Beyond herbs and beasts, there were spiritual objects like preserved ancient martial artists’ blood or items containing their residual souls.
Using these to refine pills could potentially grant the consumer an ancient martial artist’s martial soul or supernatural abilities.
Examples included martial souls like the “Moonlight Treasure Pagoda,” “Blood-Transforming Divine Blade,” “Golden Buddha,” or “Celestial Mirror.”
There were also supernatural abilities like “Three Heads and Six Arms,” “Summoning Wind and Rain,” or “Heavenly and Earthly Transformations.”
Ling Xiao had never imagined a martial artist could become so powerful, wielding strength to rival the heavens. It was staggering.
These two books opened a new world for him, solidifying his resolve to study diligently under Master Yang.
Previously, he’d been half-hearted, thinking the work here was easy and free from oppression.
Now, his mindset had completely shifted.
Alchemy, herbology, and martial arts would progress hand in hand, with no distinction in priority.
With his talent, comprehension, and the *Mountain River Martial Soul*, he could handle multiple tasks at once.
Speaking of the *Mountain River Martial Soul*, it was starting to lag behind his current cultivation.
As a quasi-gold-grade auxiliary martial art, it could support him up to the ninth peak of the Martial Vein Realm. Once he reached the Mortal Realm, he’d need a better auxiliary secret technique.
“Senior Sister Lan, thank you so much today. If you hadn’t shown me these books, I wouldn’t have realised how fascinating the Mysterious Realm is, with so many things to look forward to,” Ling Xiao said sincerely.
Though he knew Lan Yu’er had meant to challenge him, he’d genuinely benefited—and not just a little.
There was no need to hold a grudge.
“You’ve read through their contents?” Lan Yu’er was stunned.
She hadn’t even considered that Ling Xiao could memorise the books; at his speed, even finishing them seemed unlikely.
“I did,” Ling Xiao nodded.
A flicker of disdain crossed Lan Yu’er’s eyes.
She despised dishonest people.
But she said nothing. After all, Ling Xiao wasn’t her chosen disciple. If he wanted to lie or boast, that was his business.
Ling Xiao noticed the disdain but didn’t explain. He had no ulterior motives toward Lan Yu’er, nor was he her disciple. Her opinion of him didn’t matter.
Over the next day, Ling Xiao didn’t stay in the Medicine Hall library. Instead, he went to the Herb Mountain and Beast Mountain.
From noon that day until the evening of the next, he spent nearly all his time there—half at Herb Mountain, half at Beast Mountain.
Book knowledge was just text and images; reality was far more vivid.
He compared his memorised data with the actual herbs, gaining clearer understanding.
The books were highly accurate, but there were still some oversights.
These weren’t necessarily errors, just limitations in the herbologists’ knowledge.
But Ling Xiao’s *Mountain River Martial Soul* ability, “Analysis and Deduction,” could identify these gaps and devise solutions.
He was confident that if he refined pills, his results would be more perfect than those of peers at his level.
With a solid grasp of herbs and beasts, studying *Fire Control Methods* became much simpler.
As for *Basic Alchemy Techniques* and the other introductory texts, they were trivial.
Of course, he still needed to consult Lan Yu’er on some matters.
He didn’t care if she gave him attitude—knowledge gained was his to keep.
At first, Lan Yu’er responded perfunctorily.
But later, she actively sought Ling Xiao to discuss.
She was shocked to find that in certain aspects of herbs and beasts, Ling Xiao’s understanding was more thorough and comprehensive than hers.
This realisation humbled her proud heart.
Those who knew Lan Yu’er understood that, despite her arrogance, she was almost fanatical about learning.
In this, she and Ling Xiao were somewhat alike.
That night, Ling Xiao stayed up, consolidating everything he’d learned.
Knowing something wasn’t enough; he needed to fully understand and master it. Half-baked knowledge could be deadly.
The next morning, he stood, rubbing his legs. Today was his public sparring match with Yang Cheng and Li Anle.
He’d been so engrossed last night he nearly forgot.
He should’ve rested before the challenge, but instead, he’d worked through the night.
Since Master Yang wasn’t around, Ling Xiao went to Lan Yu’er to request leave. This senior sister was strict—if he left without permission, who knew what trouble awaited.
“No way!” Lan Yu’er flatly refused.
“Why not?” Ling Xiao asked, puzzled.
“First, you haven’t completed Master Yang’s tasks. Second, as your senior sister, I don’t think you stand a chance against those two,” Lan Yu’er replied tersely.
Ling Xiao smiled, “First, I’ve already fulfilled Master Yang’s requirements. Second, those two nobodies? I don’t even take them seriously. I’m challenging them for more resources and to deter others from bothering me.”
His response was firm, without a hint of hesitation.
