Chapter 329 The Redemption of a Down-on-His-Luck Youth...

Unlike the outside world,

the energy here was even purer.

Little Fire was coiled in the lake at the center of the space.

The golden-red scales across its body brightened and dimmed with its breathing.

Wisps of water and fire power intertwined and flowed outside its body,

digesting the insights gained from the previous confrontation with the Void-Splitting Profound Gold Eagle,

as well as absorbing Spirit Crystals to enhance its strength.

Its aura was heavy and condensed,

seemingly making steady progress toward the Peak of Gold Rank Five or even the Sixth Order.

Little Skylark was perched in its nest, which was piled high with thunder-attribute Spirit Crystals.

With its wings folded, it was surrounded by fine azure wind vortices and silver electric arcs.

Occasionally, it would let out one or two clear, low cries,

as if engaging in a shallow exchange with the invisible thunder attribute.

Suddenly, the tranquility was broken.

Several streaks of light appeared out of thin air above the Beast Taming Space,

then fell like meteors,

landing accurately beside or in front of the two contracted beasts.

Little Fire snapped its lantern-like dragon eyes open,

carrying a trace of annoyance and vigilance at being disturbed.

When it saw clearly what had landed by the lava pool,

that trace of annoyance was instantly replaced by immense surprise!

That crystal, crimson as blood with flowing lava inside, emitting tempting Dragon Qi and scorching energy—

wasn't it the treasure it had sensed even through the space before, the one that made its mouth water?

And next to it were several pieces of pure Fire Attribute Spirit Crystals and familiar Molten Fire Essence... This... Master brought it more delicious treats?!

Little Skylark was also startled.

It spread its wind-thunder wings and took flight.

Looking at the dark green wood core with strange patterns and a restrained yet pure Wind-Thunder Origin aura, as well as the falling wind-thunder-attribute Spirit Crystals and Materials, the beautiful sparrow eyes were filled with surprise and curiosity.

These things

held an instinctive attraction for it!

Just as the two beasts were in a state of shock and joy,

circling the suddenly appearing resources somewhat at a loss,

above the Beast Taming Space,

Jiang Yun's Divine Sense condensed into a translucent spiritual consciousness phantasm

and slowly descended.

"Stop looking, it's all for you."

Jiang Yun's voice carried a hint of a smile

as it echoed within the space.

He first pointed at the crimson crystal

and said to Little Fire:

"Little Fire, this is an earth core molten dragon crystal, a top-tier Amethyst item. It contains pure fire-type spiritual energy and a trace of Earth Fire Dragon King aura. If you absorb and refine it directly, it should help you achieve a Breakthrough of two orders consecutively, reaching Gold Rank Seventh Order, and can further purify your Dragon Flame and strengthen your Physical Body. However, the energy is quite violent; you must proceed step-by-step when absorbing it and not be greedy for speed."

Hearing this,

Little Fire's massive dragon eyes immediately erupted with incredibly excited light.

It let out a low, joyful roar from its mouth,

its tail slapping the lake surface,

splashing up large amounts of firelight.

Breaking through two orders consecutively!

And it could even strengthen its Dragon Flame and Physical Body!

This was simply the treasure of its dreams!

It didn't even wait for Jiang Yun to finish speaking.

Its massive head lunged forward,

its tongue curled,

and it directly swallowed that earth core molten dragon crystal

in one gulp!

Then it closed its eyes,

and even more intense light began to seep from the gaps between its scales.

It had clearly started refining it with impatient haste.

Seeing this, Jiang Yun's phantasm

couldn't help but scold with a laugh,

"You glutton! You little ungrateful thing, I've raised you for nothing! All you think about is eating!"

Little Fire seemed to hear him;

its massive body moved slightly,

transmitting a trace of dependence and satisfaction.

However, the refining process did not stop for a second.

Jiang Yun shook his head

and looked at Little Skylark,

pointing at the wind thunder wood core.

"Little Skylark, this is a wind thunder wood core, Low Grade Diamond Rank. It cannot directly increase your Realm, but the Wind-Thunder Origin aura within can help you purify the quality of your Wind-Thunder power, making your storm and thunder skills more powerful and faster to release. At the same time, it will nourish your Bloodline Origin, making your Foundation more solid and your potential greater. You need to absorb and comprehend it slowly; do not be impatient."

Little Skylark understood.

It let out a clear cry

and vibrated its wings to fly next to Jiang Yun's phantasm.

With its large yet light head,

it affectionately rubbed against Jiang Yun's phantasm.

Its eyes were filled with gratitude and joy.

Compared to Little Fire's urgency,

it appeared much more steady and grateful.

Jiang Yun felt a warmth in his heart.

He reached out and gently patted Little Skylark's head.

"Alright, you go and refine it too. Hurry and improve; we have tough battles to fight soon, and I'll have to rely on you guys."

Little Skylark nodded,

rubbed against Jiang Yun once more,

and then flew back to the wind thunder wood core.

First, it curiously tapped it with its beak,

sensing the pure aura within.

Then, it carefully drew out a wisp of Wind-Thunder power

and began trying to communicate and absorb it.

Seeing that both beasts had entered their states,

Jiang Yun's spiritual consciousness phantasm slowly dissipated,

exiting the Beast Taming Space... his consciousness returned to his body.

Jiang Yun found that he had already walked near the academy's main road.

The flow of people was gradually increasing.

He stretched his limbs,

preparing to summon Little Skylark to return to Lingqi Valley to check the situation,

but his gaze caught a dejected, staggering figure by the roadside.

It was the same person from the second floor of the Myriad Phenomena Treasury,

the tall, thin youth whose azure jade spirit marrow had been snatched by Wang Chao.

Liu Tao.

At this moment, Liu Tao

had his head lowered,

his eyes hollow,

as if his soul had been sucked out.

He clenched his fists tightly,

his lips pressed into a straight line,

yet he couldn't hide the despair and despondency radiating from his very bones.

His walking posture was somewhat stumbling,

as if he might fall at any moment.

Jiang Yun stopped in his tracks.

Looking at Liu Tao in this state,

he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

He clearly remembered the words Liu Tao said during the dispute with Wang Chao.

"I clearly saw this azure jade spirit marrow first and just bought it for 600 contribution points!"

"I saved for a whole month to get those contribution points..."

Six hundred contribution points.

For a Common student with no background who relied entirely on doing missions to save up, it was definitely not a small amount.

That might have been from him living frugally,

giving up all other opportunities for improvement,

and perhaps even risking his life to take on dangerous missions.

It was all the hope he had painstakingly accumulated.

That box of azure jade spirit marrow

might have been related to his beast's Breakthrough,

or an important attempt,

or even influence his future path in the academy.

But all of this

was easily taken away by scum like Wang Chao using power,

who even wantonly humiliated him.

This kind of blow

was not just a loss of resources,

but a trampling of dignity and faith.

Looking at Liu Tao's current state,

it was clear he hadn't recovered from the blow,

and might even be crushed by it.

Jiang Yun wasn't a saint, but he had his own sense of justice.

Wang Chao and his gang tried to rob him,

so he robbed them back—

they deserved it.

However, this box of azure jade spirit marrow

never belonged to Wang Chao in the first place;

it was Liu Tao's legitimate gain.

It was currently of no use to him either.

Keeping it would at most result in exchanging it or giving it away later.

But for Liu Tao,

it might be the key to changing his situation.

"Since we've met again, it must be fate."

Jiang Yun thought to himself.

"This thing was his to begin with. Returning it to its original owner is only right."

"It can be considered... putting a period on that farce and leaving a glimmer of hope for this student who still has some backbone."

He didn't want to be some savior;

he was just following his heart,

doing a small thing he felt was right and convenient.

Thinking of this,

Jiang Yun no longer hesitated.

Toward that dejected back ahead,

he called out softly,

"Liu Tao."

The voice wasn't loud,

but it clearly reached Liu Tao's ears.

Liu Tao, immersed in immense loss and indignation,

shuddered all over.

Subconsciously and blankly, he turned around.

The moment he turned,

an object traced a parabola

and flew steadily toward him.

Liu Tao caught it out of pure reflex.

It felt warm and smooth,

carrying a familiar wood-attribute energy and the tactile feel of the box.

He looked down,

and his whole person was like he'd been struck by lightning.

He froze on the spot instantly,

his eyes bulging,

his pupils filled with an incredible light!

Lying quietly in his hand... was precisely the box he had valued as much as his life, only for it to be forcibly taken by Wang Chao!

The azure jade spirit marrow!

"This... this..."

Liu Tao's lips trembled.

His mind went blank, almost unable to think.

He snapped his head up, looking in the direction the object had come from.

He saw not far ahead,

the back of a youth wearing ordinary academy casual clothes,

leisurely merging into the crowd on the main road.

That back didn't look particularly tall,

yet it seemed to support the heavens,

filled with an indescribable greatness and mystery!

He threw it over?

Who is he?

How did my azure jade spirit marrow end up in his hands?

Could it be... he took it back from Wang Chao?

But how did he know this was mine?

And why would he give it back to me?

A series of questions like boiling water

surged in Liu Tao's mind,

leaving him shocked, confused, and dazed... yet also filled with an unbelievable wild joy and gratitude!

He came from an ordinary background,

with no background or backing in the academy.

His talent wasn't top-tier either;

he relied entirely on a stubborn refusal to lose and hard work to get where he was today.

He was used to being ignored,

used to bearing everything alone,

and even used to enduring silently when oppressed.

He never imagined

that at his most desperate and helpless moment,

a complete stranger

would, in such a near-dreamlike way,

return the most precious thing he had lost!

This sudden kindness and help

was like a warm and intense light,

instantly dispelling the gloom and icy chill accumulated in his heart!

"Benefactor... thank you... thank you!"

Liu Tao tightly gripped the jade box he had regained.

Toward the back that was about to disappear into the crowd,

he used all his strength

to shout in a low but incredibly sincere voice.

Even though the other party might not hear him,

he tried to widen his eyes,

wanting to see his benefactor's appearance clearly.

Unfortunately, he only caught a profile outline and a receding back.

The only relatively clear thing... was the token hanging from the other's waist.

Under the sunlight, it seemed to flash with a luster different from ordinary Bronze or silver tokens... a purple-gold glow?

"A purple-gold token?"

Liu Tao was stunned,

even more confused in his heart.

The Identity Tokens of academy students

varied in color

according to Rank and authority.

But purple-gold... he seemed to have never heard of it.

Could it be some special status?

Or were his eyes playing tricks on him?

The mysterious back had completely merged into the crowd

and disappeared.

Liu Tao stood on the spot,

not moving for a long time.

He tightly hugged the regained azure jade spirit marrow,

feeling the warm energy within,

his heart filled with a sense of relief like surviving a disaster and deep gratitude.

That mysterious back

and that possible purple-gold token

were deeply engraved in the bottom of his heart.

"No matter who you are... this kindness, I, Liu Tao, will remember it! If there is an opportunity in the future, I will surely repay it!"

Liu Tao looked toward the direction Jiang Yun had disappeared in

and silently made a vow.

In his originally dull eyes,

a spark called hope and fighting spirit was rekindled.

He carefully put away the azure jade spirit marrow,

straightened his originally somewhat hunched back,

took a deep breath,

and strode toward his residence.

He needed to use this spirit marrow to increase his strength as soon as possible!

Only by becoming stronger himself

could he stop being bullied by others

and have the ability to seek out his benefactor's identity.

Perhaps... in the future, he could also be like his benefactor,

helping others who need help... On the other side,

Jiang Yun had already thrown this little interlude to the back of his mind.

To him,

this was just something done in passing,

a small matter following his heart,

not worth dwelling on.

As he walked back to Lingqi Valley,

he was thinking about more realistic and urgent issues.

"contribution points... are still too few."

Jiang Yun checked the pitiful balance of 680 points in his token.

Recalling those Diamond Rank and meteor level treasures he saw on the second floor of the Myriad Phenomena Treasury, which cost thousands or even tens of thousands of contribution points,

his desire for contribution points became incredibly intense.

Having seen the richness and luxury of the Myriad Phenomena Treasury,

he understood even more clearly

that in this world where beast taming is supreme,

resources are Realm!

They are combat power!

They are everything!

To improve rapidly,

to let Little Fire and Little Skylark step onto higher evolutionary stages,

to explore this world,

all required massive, top-tier resource support!

These resources,

as things stood,

could mostly be found in the Myriad Phenomena Treasury,

provided you could pay enough contribution points.

"The first floor is just an appetizer, and the second floor is like a snack before the main course... then what kind of earth-shaking treasures are hidden in the third, fourth, and even the highest fifth floor? radiant sun Materials? Legendary Legacies? Or even... clues related to the Holy King?"

Jiang Yun's heartbeat couldn't help but quicken a bit.

It was curiosity about unknown Treasure Troves,

and also a yearning for Peak power.

"I must earn a large amount of contribution points as soon as possible!"

Jiang Yun clenched his fist,

his gaze becoming firm and sharp.

"Only by having enough contribution points can I exchange for everything I need and support my beasts and me to go further!"

He quickly calculated the ways to earn contribution points next.

"The Trial Tower has reached its limit for now; I can only go back after my strength improves."

"The Mission Hall is the conventional channel; I can see if there are high-paying S-Rank or even higher-level missions suitable to take on."

"Also... over at the Appraisal Institute, Vice President Vice Dean Ming Jing seemed to have made a promise before, but as the President of the Appraisal Institute... can I also obtain contribution points? Perhaps the speed of earning points wouldn't be slow? Maybe the identity of Grand Tutor Dongxuan should also be appropriately utilized within the academy..."

One by one, the ideas became clear in Jiang Yun's mind.

"First, return to Lingqi Valley to see how Tiezhu and the others are doing with recruiting new members, then distribute some useful resources to them and instruct them to check out the Mission Hall. While I'm at it, I'll return to the Holy Son Courtyard to see how Fox Immortal is doing. If we can go on missions together, no matter how difficult an S-Rank mission is, it might be very easy."

With the plan set,

Jiang Yun no longer delayed.

He communicated with Little Skylark, who was refining the wind thunder wood core in the Beast Taming Space.

"Little Skylark, stop for a moment and carry me back."

"Chirp!"

A clear sparrow cry responded.

The next moment,

the Storm Thunder Sparrow, surrounded by surging Wind-Thunder power, appeared beside Jiang Yun.

It affectionately lowered its head.

Jiang Yun leaped onto the sparrow's back.

"Let's go, back to Lingqi Valley!"

As the words fell,

a blue-silver streak of light streaked across the sky,

carrying Jiang Yun as it sped toward the Longxiang Pavilion's new base.