Crow Immortal: I Can Duplicate Infinite Resources

Chapter 229: Above the Crow Flock

For spiritual birds like the crows, increasing strength had always been a simple, crude affair: find a spiritual item and eat it. Whether consuming it led to becoming a true spirit beast—or advancing from the early to mid or late stages of Qi Refining—depended entirely on the bird’s innate aptitude.

Consequently, the flock led by the large crow was a mixed bag. Apart from the 35 true spirit crows, there were dozens of ordinary ones. Some had eaten spiritual items but lacked the potential to evolve; others were too old, too young, or simply unlucky.

Even among the 35 spirit crows, some were stuck at the early stage, unable to break through to the middle or late stages.

Under normal circumstances, achieving a flock with 25 late-stage Qi Refining crows simultaneously would require decades of luck, countless fated chances, and a stable environment free from cultivator interference.

Yet, thanks to Han Yu’s meticulous nurturing, such a flock now existed: one large crow on the verge of Foundation Establishment, supported by 24 late-stage subordinates.

With the large crow ready to advance, Han Yu consulted his copied Jade Slips. Having a backup of the entire Technique Pavilion was convenient; he didn’t need to waste merit points or visit the archives to verify his theories.

Comparing multiple texts, Han Yu confirmed that the large crow could indeed consume a Foundation Establishment Pill to aid its breakthrough.

It was just that no one had ever been extravagant enough to feed such a precious pill to a beast.

Han Yu replicated a Foundation Establishment Pill and fed it to the large crow. He then prepared two more as backups and settled in to wait.

After swallowing the pill, the large crow closed its eyes and nestled onto a bed of Spirit Stones Han Yu had prepared.

At first, it was quiet. Then, the Spiritual Qi from the stones and the surrounding air began to surge into the bird’s body like a whirlpool.

Half an hour later, the crow’s five-foot-long body began to tremble—first slightly, then violently.

Large patches of feathers molted off in clumps. Wherever a feather fell, a new one grew in its place at a visible speed. The new plumage was longer, harder, and etched with golden, thread-like patterns.

Moments later, the golden patterns faded, and the feathers returned to a deep, lustrous black.

The crow’s beak sharpened into a dagger, and its claws gleamed with cold, metallic light.

Finally, the large crow spread its wings. Already broad, they instantly expanded by another two feet. If not for the black feathers, no one would believe this human-sized raptor had started life as a common crow.

Han Yu thought the breakthrough was complete, but a thought projected into his mind from the crow: it wanted more Foundation Establishment Pills to maximize its new power.

Han Yu didn’t hesitate. He handed over both backup pills and asked if it needed more.

Thank you, Master. These two are enough.

The crow spread its wings again, rapidly absorbing Spiritual Qi to digest the medicinal potency of the additional pills. Its aura, already at the Foundation Establishment level, climbed higher still.

Another half hour passed before the aura finally stabilized.

Even without a direct comparison, Han Yu knew his crow had surpassed the average Foundation Establishment spirit beast immediately upon breaking through.

The bird’s dark golden pupils fixed on Han Yu with joy and excitement. Through their mental link, it eagerly conveyed its new abilities.

Post-breakthrough, it could freely alter its size, shrinking down to become as inconspicuous as an ordinary crow.

Its combat abilities had evolved drastically. Where it once cast simple Wind Blade Techniques, it could now manipulate the wind itself to amplify power. A single wind blade now carried the full force of a Foundation Establishment spell, and with sufficient Qi, it could fire rapid volleys effortlessly.

That was only the beginning. It could cast Wind Control Technique on itself for extreme speed, turning its claws, beak, and wings into lethal weapons comparable to high-level artifacts.

Defensively, it could weave wind into a protective barrier. Offensively, it could manifest wind blades directly beside an enemy, bypassing their guard.

“So, essentially, you can manipulate ‘wind’ now, correct?” Han Yu asked with a smile.

The large crow nodded proudly. It shrank down to the size of a normal bird and hopped onto Han Yu’s shoulder, nuzzling him affectionately.

“This is similar to a human cultivator having an innate Wind variant root… Not bad, Black Raven. You’ll be even more helpful to me now.”

The crow hopped excitedly before him, cawing happily, then bowed low to express its loyalty.

Han Yu chuckled, scooping the shrunken bird into his palm. “I’ve never seen you this small before.”

“Even back with the Old Daoist, you were always bigger than the others.”

He played with the bird for a moment before letting it go.

Soon, the crow reverted to its seven-foot form—it had to return to the flock, and it couldn’t very well show up looking like a commoner. It had a reputation to maintain.

Understanding its intent, Han Yu released the Little Crow, the Flame Crow, and the 24 late-stage elites from his Spirit Beast Bag, allowing them to pay respects to their newly ascended leader.

The large crow then returned to the main flock outside the peak.

This time, Han Yu followed. He used a second Spirit Beast Bag to collect nine of the remaining ten spirit crows, leaving only one mid-stage Qi Refining crow behind to lead the remnants. He also left 100 Spirit Stones and 300 pounds of spiritual rice—a gift from the Sect—specifically for nurturing the next generation.

Once the arrangements were made, the large crow announced its return.

The entire flock bowed their heads in silent, absolute submission.

Feeling the flock’s reverence and affection, Han Yu smiled and spread his arms, standing firm against the wind.

His robes snapped in the gale.

The flock understood his will instantly.

Led by the large crow, they rose as one, forming a dark, swirling storm beneath him. They lifted their master into the sky, climbing higher and higher until they pierced the clouds.

Standing atop the living storm of crows, Han Yu gazed at the horizon, his heart swelling with freedom.

The youthful sharpness he had suppressed for years—buried deep for survival—finally surfaced, filling his gentle eyes with a piercing light.

For the Sect’s trust, for the preservation of its future, and for the mystery of the Demon Star, he had to walk the world.

And even without those burdens, the path of cultivation was long. To move forward, he had to seek his own fated chances in the vast unknown.

Wanchun Valley had given him everything it could. Staying would only mean stagnation.

That day, after sparring with Elder Lü, Han Yu bowed solemnly.

“Master, I want to leave the mountain.”

Elder Lü paused, stunned. “So soon? Isn’t that too hasty? Why not wait a little longer?”

Han Yu shook his head gently. “No need, Master. My mind is made up. Delaying further would only add a sliver of cultivation base; it wouldn’t bring meaningful progress.”

“I am fully prepared. The Sect will cover my tracks, and the Central Heaven Domain is still confused about the Demon Star’s identity and location.”

“It is safe enough.”

Elder Lü fell silent for a few breaths before sighing. He accepted the inevitable.

“Very well, disciple. I have taught you everything I can. Remember this above all else: your safety comes first.”

Han Yu nodded. “I do not know when I will return. I only hope that when I do, I will find Master has successfully broken through to the Golden Core realm.”

Elder Lü chuckled and waved a hand. “Don’t worry about me. I will do my best; the rest is up to fate.”

That evening, after practicing the Star Luo Traction Technique, Han Yu informed Sect Leader Qi of his decision.

Sect Leader Qi nodded. “It is time.”

“With you leaving, it is hard to say who is safer—you or the Sect.”

“Regardless, until the turmoil of the Demon Star subsides, you and the other ‘seeds’ bear a heavy burden. Do not return to Wanchun Valley lightly, understand?”

“Disciple understands,” Han Yu replied.

“You may involve yourself in Sect affairs in places like the Nanli or Xiyue Kingdoms, but never reveal your true name or traces. Your safety is paramount.”

As he spoke, Sect Leader Qi handed Han Yu a leaf that looked like carved jadeite.

“This is a communication tool. It functions within a range of 1,000 miles.”

“Once a year, come within 1,000 miles of the Valley and report your safety. That will be enough to put our minds at ease.”

Han Yu took the leaf. As it touched his hand, it began to glow, its light intertwining with the faint aura rising from the wooden root bracelet on his wrist.

Sect Leader Qi stared for a moment, then smiled. “That leaf was refined from the Ancestral Tree.”

“It seems even the Ancestral Tree is reluctant to see you go. Go to the mountain gate tonight. Spend some time with it before you leave.”