157: Chapter 157 Fire Fox Advancement

After the grandfather and his two grandchildren exchanged some simple pleasantries.

Ye Jing led his two grandchildren toward the mountainside. Along the way, Ye Jing recounted how he had obtained a second-rank moonlight spirit stone from three Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Lingxiao Sect.

This stunned Ye Tianhao and Ye Tianyao; they hadn't expected their grandfather to be able to evade three Foundation Establishment Cultivators. That was no ordinary feat of strength.

Seeing their looks of amazement, Ye Jing sighed helplessly.

"There's nothing to be surprised about. These old bones of mine almost didn't make it back. You juniors must not follow my example!"

"Grandfather, you really are ruthless," Ye Tianyao squeezed out after a long pause.

The three of them landed in a secluded forest.

As soon as Ye Jing landed, he summoned Heifen and the Poisonous Variant Bees to patrol the surroundings, then brought out a small defensive formation to envelop them.

This way, no matter what they did, no outsider could see them.

"Yaoer, release your Yao Beast!" Ye Jing commanded.

Ye Tianyao didn't hesitate and immediately summoned Xiao Chi. As soon as the half-man-tall fox landed, it saw Ye Jing after a long time and happily wagged its tail at him.

Ye Jing patted Xiao Chi and smiled, "It seems you've grown quite well!"

Beside them, Ye Tianyao also took out the fire-attribute spirit Ore. The moment the Ore appeared, the surrounding temperature suddenly became scorching hot.

This was the Crystal Ore Ye Tianyao and Ye Tianhao had obtained from hunting Red-Armored Lizards. Appraised as a first-rank spirit Ore, it could be used for Xiao Chi's rank advancement.

Seeing that Xiao Chi, a fire-attribute Yao Beast, had met the conditions for advancement, Ye Jing unhesitatingly used one hundred and fifty points of Immortal Light for the rank advancement.

In the eyes of his two grandchildren, visible spiritual power emanated from Ye Jing as the scorching Crystal Ore and Xiao Chi gradually began to fuse.

A wave of extremely hot flame aura surrounded them, allowing Ye Tianhao and Ye Tianyao to feel a powerful fluctuation of spiritual power.

When all the white light vanished, a fox one-and-a-half people tall appeared before them.

The fox was covered in flame-like crimson fur, each strand seemingly burning with an eternal fire. Its tail dragged across the ground, leaving behind sparks.

After its advancement, Xiao Chi raised its head and let out a clear fox cry, carrying the scorching pressure unique to fire-attribute Yao Beasts.

"First-rank fire-attribute Blazing Yao Fox, attribute: Fire, fused with first-rank fire-attribute Crystal Ore. Abilities: Blazing Claws, Fire Crystal Armor."

Ye Jing immediately spoke up, "Xiao Chi, let's see your Divine Ability!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Chi seemed to understand. Its front paws kicked hard against the ground, and the flames on its crimson fur suddenly surged three feet high.

Its once fluffy fur now stood up like sharp blades. It raised its right paw, and a ball of flame as refined as glazed glass condensed at the tips of its claws; the fire was not a scattered heat.

Instead, it was compressed into sharp claw-beams, leaving a faint trail of fire as it sliced through the air.

A distant tree was struck by these flame-like sharp claws, snapping instantly before bursting into a raging fire.

Ye Tianyao stared wide-eyed, subconsciously clenching her fists. "So strong! Is this the post-advancement Xiao Chi? It's truly incredible!"

As she spoke, she moved to pet Xiao Chi. The fox turned to look at her, the ferocity fading from its eyes as it withdrew its flames, allowing its master to stroke it.

Seeing this, Ye Jing looked at Xiao Chi with a hint of approval but didn't forget to remind her, "Advancement is only the starting point. Xiao Chi's Bloodline potential is not weak, but if it wants to go further, it will need higher-quality fire-attribute spiritual materials."

But that was a matter for the future; they would wait until Xiao Chi, like other Yao Beasts, Cultivated to the first-rank Late Stage.

Beside them, Ye Tianyao was already infatuated with her brand-new Xiao Chi. She didn't forget to say to Ye Jing, "Thank you, Grandfather!"

Seeing his granddaughter so happy, Ye Jing wore a kind expression. He looked at Ye Tianhao and smiled, "Haoer, do you want a Contract Beast?"

Seeing this, Ye Tianhao quickly replied, "Grandfather, I haven't decided what I want yet! I'll focus on practicing my sword skills and passing the Qingyun Sect's trial first!"

"In that case, it's good that you can settle your mind to hone your sword first. There are many intricacies involved in Sect selection."

Ye Jing said no more, simply patting him on the shoulder.

By now, Ye Tianyao was sitting on the back of the Blazing Yao Fox, swinging her legs and teasing, "Brother! When you have time, you should compete with my Xiao Chi. Let's see if your sword is faster or if Xiao Chi's Blazing Claws are more powerful!"

Xiao Chi seemed to understand, letting out a short fox cry. It pawed at the ground lightly, leaving several claw marks with sparks, looking very eager to try.

Looking at his sister's charming appearance, Ye Tianhao curled his lips into a smile. "A challenge it is, then. I'll make sure you know just how formidable a Sword Cultivator can be!"

Seeing his grandchildren bickering, the smile on Ye Jing's face deepened. He then said, "Haoer, Yaoer, it's getting late. Grandfather should head home."

Seeing that Ye Jing was about to leave, Ye Tianhao and Ye Tianyao exchanged a look and quickly stepped forward. They handed all the Cultivation Techniques and Secret Manuals they had acquired over the past year to Ye Jing.

"Grandfather, you've come all this way, and your grandson has nothing much to offer in respect. I only have these techniques and resources; let them be left for the Family!" Ye Tianhao said hurriedly.

"Yes, Grandfather, and this 'Wind Walking Art'—the clansmen will surely find it useful!" Ye Tianyao added.

Seeing this, Ye Jing declined, "Haoer, Yaoer, you are Cultivating away from home and are in need of techniques and resources yourselves. You earned these; keep them for your own use. You don't need to worry about the Family."

"Grandfather, how can you say that!"

Ye Tianhao pressed the brocade box more firmly into Ye Jing's hand, his eyes full of determination.

"The Family raised us. Now that we've found Opportunities outside, it's only natural to give back. Besides, many of these techniques are suitable for the clan's juniors to begin with."

"Instead of keeping them with us, it's better to let the clan's children access them earlier. That way, someone can step onto the path of immortality in the future and strengthen the Ye Family!"

Ye Tianyao also nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Grandfather! You don't have to worry about us. If we lack techniques, we can just go get them ourselves!"

Seeing the sincerity in their eyes, a surge of warmth filled Ye Jing's heart. He reached out and rubbed the tops of their heads, his eyes thick with affection.

"Very well, Grandfather will accept your kind intentions. Having juniors like you is the fortune of our Ye Family."

As he spoke, he waved his hand to collect the items given by his grandchildren, then gave Ye Tianhao and Ye Tianyao each a Storage Pouch. "These are Spirit Stones and crimson blood wine from Grandfather. You two, train hard! Be careful in everything; do not trust others easily, and above all, do not be aggressive or pick unnecessary fights."

Hearing this, the two nodded heavily and said in unison, "We will remember, Grandfather!"

Xiao Chi seemed to sense the atmosphere of departure and approached Ye Jing's feet, its crimson head gently rubbing against his pant leg. Its previously flamboyant flame aura was completely withdrawn, leaving only docility.

Ye Jing patted its head and said softly, "Xiao Chi, protect Haoer and Yaoer well."

Xiao Chi raised its head and let out a low cry, as if accepting the charge.

By the time Ye Jing finished his instructions, the horizon was painted with layers of sunset. The orange-red glow spilled into the forest, turning everything crimson.

Ye Jing took one last look at his grandchildren, rose on his sword, and waved to them. "Go now, Cultivate well. Grandfather will be waiting at home for your good news."

With that, he flew away on his sword.