244: Chapter 244 Dawn

Third-Rank Peak Evil Spirits appearing in groups was a rare sight even in Evil Spirit gathering areas in the outside world.

The quality and density of Evil Spirits here had exceeded normal parameters.

He now only hoped this valley wasn't a dead end and that there was an exit at the other side.

"Fortunately, the army of tens of thousands of Evil Spirits outside the valley doesn't seem to show signs of swarming in, otherwise..."

At the thought of those densely packed, tide-like Evil Spirits rushing into this relatively narrow valley, Qin Yan couldn't help but shiver.

That would be a true dead end.

With a complex heart, Qin Yan began to rest.

However, he did not fall into a deep sleep, but entered a shallow sleep state unique to martial artists that maintains partial perception.

To survive in adversity, maintaining sufficient energy is just as important as keen alertness.

Otherwise, during the combat process, Qin Yan might have a momentary lapse in spirit.

Then the protagonist dies, the book ends, and flowers are scattered.

...

The following days turned into a monotonous, arduous, and pressure-filled repetition.

Every day at dawn, Qin Yan would pack his tent and set off, holding his long spear, cautiously exploring the depths of the valley.

Combat became almost a daily routine, and the strength of the Evil Spirits he encountered remained stable at the Third-Rank Peak level, forcing Qin Yan to go all out.

What weighed even more heavily on his heart was that the length of this valley far exceeded his imagination.

One day, two days, three days... seven consecutive days passed, and Qin Yan still saw no end to the valley, nor any obvious changes in terrain.

On both sides were still the towering mountain walls that seemed unchanged since ancient times.

Ahead was still the winding path that seemed to have no end.

April 17th, night.

Qin Yan finished his routine training in a relatively dry, leeward spot.

As the spear shadows ceased, he slowly exhaled a mouthful of turbid air.

After setting up the tent, he didn't rest immediately but, with a thought, summoned the familiar panel.

[Level: Third-Rank Peak]

[Blood Refining: Blood Gang Realm (Blood Qi transforming into Gang)]

[Vitality: 1,665 Cal]

[spirit: 76 Hz]

[Martial Art: Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear Blood Refining Chapter, Eighth Revolution (75%)]

[Spear Technique: Stage Four (3%)]

[Alchemy: First-Grade Alchemist (34%)]

[Skill Points: 0]

[Note: As long as you work hard, there will be rewards]

"75% now..."

Qin Yan's gaze fell upon the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear. "A pity. If I hadn't needed to spend so much time and energy exploring the valley path and dealing with various sudden attacks these days, the progress might have been even faster."

He had to explore the valley.

For no other reason than the food he brought was only enough for him to survive in the valley for one month.

Now trapped in this valley of unknown length with a bleak road ahead, if he couldn't get out within a month, he would starve to death.

"If only I could break through to the Fourth Rank..."

A Fourth Rank Martial Artist is as different from a Third Rank as clouds are from mud.

Once stepping into the Fourth Rank, True Qi is generated within the Dantian, and the life force will undergo a qualitative leap.

At that time, the physical body's dependence on food and water will be greatly reduced.

By relying solely on absorbing True Qi, it would be enough to maintain physiological functions for a long time.

And those legendary super-powerhouses have long since transcended the shackles of mortal diet.

With every breath, they can transform the essence of the world, sun, and moon into 'food' to nourish themselves.

Truly reaching the mysterious realm of 'dining on wind and drinking dew.'

Unfortunately, he was currently at the Third-Rank Peak.

Suppressing his wandering thoughts, Qin Yan began to consider a pressing issue.

"Next, should I prioritize using the acquired Skill Points on Spear Technique skills?"

Spear Technique was currently at Stage Four 3%. If he invested Skill Points, it might improve by a small margin in the short term.

If it could reach 4%, achieving five feet of Spear Light.

Then he would have a better grasp when dealing with the increasingly stronger Evil Spirits.

After all, even if he practiced the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Spear to the Ninth Revolution Perfection, it would only satisfy the most difficult condition for breaking through the Third Grade Limit—Perfection in a Body Tempering Martial Art.

A true breakthrough still required a massive amount of resources to drive the final qualitative change of the blood, which was exactly what he lacked most right now.

In this valley infested with Evil Spirits and fraught with danger, where was he supposed to find resources?

Improving immediate combat power seemed more urgent.

However, after much deliberation, Qin Yan ultimately decided to temporarily hold onto the Skill Points.

"The Evil Spirits I'm encountering now are still within a controllable range.

Stage Four mid-level Spear Technique, combined with Layered Aura and Blood Gang, is sufficient for now."

"Skill Points... better save them for now.

It won't be too late to use them when I truly encounter an insurmountable crisis and need an explosive breakthrough."

In Qin Yan's martial path cognition and planning, breaking through realms always held the most central position.

It represented a leap in life level, a qualitative change in total Vitality, and a sublimation of the source of power.

It was the most fundamental milestone on a martial artist's path of cultivation.

Therefore, even when in danger and constantly facing combat.

The scales in his heart always tipped towards prioritizing the consolidation of his foundation to pave the way for impacting the Third Grade Limit.

...

Time continued to flow amidst oppression and slaughter.

April 18th.

Qin Yan was like an untiring killing machine, struggling through the valley.

Wherever the spear shadows reached, the black mist dissipated.

In one day, twenty-five Evil Spirits, all at the Third-Rank Peak, turned into jumping numbers on the purification ring around his wrist.

Sweat mixed with what was either Evil Spirit ashes or rock dust, leaving streaks on his face.

April 19th.

Encounters became more frequent, and Qin Yan's spirit and physical strength were both undergoing severe tests.

The long spear remained sharp, and Vitality continued to surge.

Twenty-seven Evil Spirits became sacrifices on this lonely path forward.

April 20th.

Qin Yan's advancement speed did not slow down; instead, due to his gradual familiarity with the environment and improved combat instincts, his efficiency increased.

The blood-gold light at the tip of the Ink Trace Spear became the most lethal yet fleeting scenery in this deep valley.

On this day, thirty Evil Spirits became stepping stones on his path to survival.

Looking at the valley path ahead that still wound out of sight, a trace of imperceptible fatigue flashed in his eyes, but it was immediately replaced by a deeper resolve.

April 21st.

With one thrust of the spear, the sharp Spear Light completely shredded the snarling Evil Spirit in front of him, turning it into scattered black smoke.

Qin Yan retracted his spear and didn't move forward immediately. Instead, he keenly raised his head, his gaze carefully scanning the towering rock walls on both sides.

The environment, which had been almost unchanging for days, seemed slightly different today.

The rock walls... were closing in.

Although the change was extremely slow and almost undetectable without careful observation.

But Qin Yan was certain that the distance between the mountain walls on both sides was narrower than yesterday, or even a few hours ago!

This narrowing was not an illusion but a real trend.

A flash of uncontrollable joy instantly lit up Qin Yan's eyes, which had become somewhat dull from consecutive days of fighting.

"This road is not endless!"

This discovery instantly dispelled the gloom and uncertainty that had accumulated in his heart for many days.