After condensing nine drops of Blood Essence, Han Yu realized that the road ahead for the Blood Refining Art had reached a dead end.

Old Man Li had warned him many times that this coagulation method was not an Orthodox Cultivation Path, but merely a Pseudo-Immortal Method. Reaching nine drops confirmed those warnings. The technique lacked any defined meridian pathways for a subsequent Circulation Cycle, making it impossible to break through to the first layer of Qi Refining and complete a true energy circuit.

Han Yu was not overly concerned. His foundation remained the Green Grain Qi Refining Heart Method from Wanchun Valley. With the daily refinement of the Mystic Heart Fruit, he estimated that the spiritual seed within his dantian would sprout in another month, elevating him to the second layer of Qi Refining.

Unlike Old Man Li, who was driven by a desperate urgency to follow heretical shortcuts, Han Yu’s progress was steady and fruitful.

Speaking of the old man, Han Yu wondered, how far has he actually progressed?

The following morning, after finishing his patrol, Han Yu waited for the old daoist to complete his rounds.

“Little Brat, you looking for me?”

Old Man Li’s voice was a raspy growl. As he approached, Han Yu saw that the old man’s eyes were a chaotic map of bloodshot veins. He was clearly still relying heavily on Blood Food to fuel his cultivation. His aura was stagnant; he was likely still far from achieving nine drops of essence.

“Master Daoist, is it safe to visit the Green Grain Market yet?” Han Yu asked.

“Aye, it’s open. They never found the demonic cultivator. The Inner Disciples patrolled for a month and then got bored,” Li Quan said. “You want to head there, kid?”

Han Yu nodded.

His progress with basic magic had plateaued. Thanks to the mind-sharpening effects of the Mystic Heart Fruit, he had pushed the Wind Control Technique and Water Control Technique to their absolute limits for his current level.

With his blood cultivation stalled and his orthodox path requiring only time, he needed to broaden his horizons, learn the common lore of the cultivation world, and find new ways to ensure his survival.

“Fine. Come with me tomorrow,” Old Man Li agreed.

The market was close to Wanchun Valley and generally safe for sect members.

That evening, Han Yu bypassed his usual spell practice and blood coagulation. He saved his replication energy for the following day’s excursion.

He was settling in to rest when the two crows flew through the window. The larger crow dropped a long, crimson object that landed with a soft thud. It was a three-foot-long vine, vivid red and winding like a serpent.

Han Yu’s heart leaped. After a month, they had finally brought him another spiritual treasure. As he picked it up, the Blood Essence in his veins stirred in response.

“Is this the Spirit Blood Vine Senior Brother Sun mentioned?”

Han Yu felt a twinge of disappointment. He had no use for something that boosted vitality right now, especially with his Blood Refining Art at a standstill.

“You two want this?” he asked the crows.

“Caw!”

“Caw-caw!”

They both nodded eagerly. Han Yu handed the vine over. “Eat up. Let’s see if this brings you any new tricks.”

The crows crowded in, affectionately pecking his palm before tearing into the vine with beaks as hard as iron. A thick, crimson fluid flowed from the plant, filling the stone hut with a medicinal aroma.

Within minutes, the vine was drained, leaving behind only a translucent, hollow tube that looked exactly like a shed snakeskin.

“Caw!”

The smaller crow barked, demanding attention. It opened its beak, and a faint cyan light began to glow. With a sharp puff, it spat a streak of energy that carved a deep, jagged groove into the stone wall.

“Magic?” Han Yu’s eyes widened. “Little Crow, have you become a spirit beast?”

The small crow nodded proudly, then immediately collapsed onto its belly, looking completely drained.

“Only one shot, then?” Han Yu smiled, stroking its head. “Not bad. We’ll get you more spirit-rich food. Once you can use it more often, it’ll be a real trump card.”

The large crow let out a jealous “Caw!” and landed on his other shoulder.

“Feeling left out?” Han Yu teased.

The large crow pressed its cool, fragrant beak against his cheek.

“Alright, you willful bird. What can you do?”

The large crow tilted its head and spat out an identical cyan light, marking the wall with the same precision.

“The same spell. Good,” Han Yu praised. Between his own Blood Droplets and these two, he had a significant layer of protection.

“Caw!”

The large crow suddenly took flight and vanished out the window.

“Did I not praise him enough?” Han Yu wondered aloud.

The little crow seized the moment to hop into the large crow’s favorite spot on Han Yu’s shoulder.

“He’ll have your hide if he sees you there,” Han Yu warned.

The little crow shook its head defiantly, then took flight as well, soaring into the moonlit sky.

Han Yu watched as a cluster of black dots appeared above the spirit fields. He realized with a start that the large crow was leading a flock of nearly twenty wild crows.

The bird hadn’t just gained a spell; it had gained the ability to command its own kind. It was a king among crows. The large crow circled once, showing off its new army, before leading them in a disciplined sweep across the sky.

Eventually, the flock dispersed, and the two spirit crows returned to the hut.

Han Yu praised them both, instructing them to follow him from the clouds the next day as he headed to the market.

Finally satisfied, the large crow wagged its tail feathers and hopped about playfully before leading the smaller one to their nest.

Early the next morning, Old Man Li’s raspy voice echoed outside the door.

“Time to move, Little Brat!”