147: How much sponsorship do you have?

Lin Chuping couldn't help but feel a surge of joy; this new tactic was even smoother than he had anticipated.

He had originally expected a tough battle, but unexpectedly, this time it wasn't too troublesome, and he easily dealt with mini-boss number one.

Indeed, only through continuous innovation can one achieve Breakthroughs, and this statement also applies to grinding monsters for leveling up.

Before he could celebrate, the System brought new information.

"Host, number three is moving towards the volcano."

"It seems to have noticed something."

"Trying to call for reinforcements?"

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Chuping's eyes, and his figure instantly transformed into a streak of light.

The black mist automatically parted around him, as if fearing this man who radiated golden light.

Corpse Demon number three was distinctly different from the other two.

It wore tattered armor, held a rusty long spear, and its movements even carried traces of Martial Skills from its former life.

In short, he was a Corpse Demon, but not as thoroughly 'dried' as the others.

When Lin Chuping appeared before him, this Corpse Demon actually adopted a defensive stance.

"Interesting."

Lin Chuping formed hand seals, fully restoring his Qi, but did not immediately attack.

He noticed that within the flickering ghostly flames in the Corpse Demon's eyes, a hint of clarity vaguely shimmered.

It was this momentary hesitation that caused the long spear in the Corpse Demon's hand to suddenly erupt, its tip wreathed in dense black mist, thrusting straight at him!

"Host, be careful!"

In that critical moment, Lin Chuping's body reacted automatically.

He sidestepped, avoiding a vital spot, and the long spear only left a shallow scratch on his left arm.

But what was even more terrifying was that the black mist began to seep into his body through the wound!

"Tsk, feminine kindness is not to be indulged!"

He brought his fingers together like a blade; a golden light flashed, and the entire contaminated piece of flesh fell off.

The gushing blood quickly coagulated in the Divine Light, and the new skin glowed with a faint golden hue.

Seeing this, the Corpse Demon let out a mournful howl and turned to flee.

"Trying to leave?"

Lin Chuping roared, no longer holding back this time.

A golden light, even more dazzling than before, descended from the sky, firmly imprisoning the Corpse Demon.

At the same time, he cupped his left hand, and a long sword forged from pure Divine Power appeared in his grip.

"Whether it's an obsession or a remnant soul, dust to dust, ashes to ashes."

The long sword traced a perfect arc, and the Corpse Demon's head fell to the ground.

* * *

With these two successful experiences, mini-boss number two was also quickly dealt with.

"Work's done."

Lin Chuping took a step, directly entering the temple.

This was the good thing about being a Deity of Incense, no matter where Lin Chuping was, as long as it was a temple within his jurisdiction, he could instantly arrive if he wished.

"System, calculate the spoils of this trip to Yan Province."

"Ding, congratulations Host for slaying 3 Demon General-rank Corpse Demons and 687 Demon Soldier-rank Corpse Demons, earning a total of +368,700 Incense Points!"

"Open the personal information panel."

"Host: Lin Chuping"

"Rank: Ninth-Rank Land Deity"

"Jurisdiction: Qing Province"

"Divine Power: 0"

"Divine Arts: Enter Dream, Blessing, Thunder Punishment Lv2, Rain Summoning Technique"

"Items: Amulet, Nine Revolutions Soul Return Pill, Star Isolation Grand Formation * 1, earth vein core * 1"

"Cultivation Technique: God Cultivation Art Third Layer"

"Believer Cultivation Technique: Faith Cultivation Art"

"Incense Points: -1.23 billion (can be used to convert Divine Power, purchase Divine Arts)"

"System Shop: Lv2"

Lin Chuping, who had been in a good mood, looked at the -1.23 billion Incense Points and quickly stopped smiling.

He planned to strike while the iron was hot and confront this big boss today.

* * *

Lin Chuping sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion in the Qing Province temple, a faint golden aura swirling around him.

He had just experienced a major battle; although he successfully eliminated the three Corpse Demon mini-bosses, the consumption was immense.

Especially the last spear-wielding Corpse Demon, which actually managed to injure him and almost allowed the black mist to invade his body.

"System, how is my recovery?"

"Host's Divine Power has recovered to 98%. It is recommended to meditate for another stick of incense to ensure optimal condition."

Lin Chuping nodded, closed his eyes in concentration, and circulated the God Cultivation Art, smoothing out the last trace of chaotic Divine Power within him.

A moment later, he opened his eyes, a golden flash appearing and vanishing in their depths.

"Alright, it's time to meet that big BOSS."

He stood up, stretched his limbs, and Battle Intent burned in his eyes.

"Host, I must warn you, the energy fluctuations of the big BOSS in the depths of the volcano far exceed expectations. Preliminary estimates put it at least at Immortal Rank, and possibly even higher."

"Immortal Rank?" Lin Chuping frowned. "How much stronger is that than a Demon General?"

"According to the System's database, a Demon General is equivalent to a human's Eighth-Rank to Ninth-Rank, while an Immortal Rank... at least has the strength equivalent to Innate."

From Ninth-Rank to Innate, although it's only one level, this level is a massive chasm, and strength increases exponentially.

If a person advanced from Ninth-Rank to Innate, not only would their strength greatly increase, but their lifespan would also correspondingly extend to 300 years.

To exaggerate, this person would have fundamentally achieved a species leap.

The Innate Realm is a leap in life essence, a watershed between Mortals and the transcendent.

"So, if I rush over now, I'll most likely be committing suicide?"

"Theoretically, yes."

Lin Chuping was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "What if I don't go?"

"The black mist's spread rate has increased to 300 li per day. It is estimated to cover the entire Cang Province within three days and spread to Qing Province within a week."

"..."

"Tong Ge, we two brothers transmigrated to this foreign world together, sharing hardships, standing by each other, sailing in the same boat, living together, dying together..."

Lin Chuping took a deep breath, put on what he considered his most handsome smile, and spoke with an affection usually reserved for a long-lost son.

"Tong Ge, with our hardcore relationship, you've been looking out for me ever since we transmigrated to this cursed place, right?"

The System was silent for a moment.

"...What does Host want to say?"

"Look, we're currently facing a powerful Innate Realm enemy, and I, well, my Incense Points are still negative; I'm as poor as a church mouse."

"So... Tong Ge, shouldn't you sponsor me a bit?"