Holy Sect
Holy master of the Holy Sect said, "Just tell them this is a pill refining compilation in the Holy Sect. Different path pill masters can participate. This way, no one will be suspicious of us. And we can bring them here, use that method, and breakthrough to the Saint King stage."
He was an old figure, with dedicated eyes of cultivation, like a dragon born in the human race. His face was like an ancient warrior's. He was a tall, divine-looking figure. His aura was like he could destroy heaven and earth.
The great elder, Xu Hui, stood before him, wearing white robes adorned with subtle black patterns. His silver hair flowed down his back, and his long white beard reached his chest. A faint golden ring seemed to glow around his head, hinting at his immense cultivation. Small red dots marked his brow, indicating a refined body and focused divine sense. His calm, knowing gaze showed he'd transcended ordinary understanding, his strength honed over years of rigorous training.
He engaged in conversation with the Holy Master, his presence peaceful yet commanding, leaving a lasting impression on those around him. His eyes seemed to hold a deep wisdom, earned through eons of dedication to his craft. The air around him vibrated with an aura of serenity, a testament to his mastery over his inner self.
Great Elder Xu Hui said, "Holy Master, are you sure you will use this evil method? Please think about the reputation of our Holy Sect."
The Holy Master said, "I don't want to hear anything. Just do what I said. You guys used a demonic method to raise the cultivation of the Holy Master and sacrificed a woman's life for it. Don't pretend to be righteous people. You guys are more evil than me."
Back to Luo Zheng,
Luo Zheng came back to the house and tried to comprehend the book he got from the formation master. For the next few days, he followed the same routine: hunting beasts, selling them, exploring the city, and trying to comprehend the formation book. Until the day he fully understood the basics of formation, he understood basic diagrams and patterns.
He wasn't in a rush. While in the small world, Yang Kai already got the Black Book and reached the initial stage.
Luo Zheng thought, "My hunting skills are growing better day by day. I've already gathered 46 spirit stones. But if I want to make it faster, I need to capture beasts without killing them. Previously, I just killed them, so they sold for a low price. But alive ones can be grown."
Luo Zheng walked out early in the morning with the same wooden spear on his back. The forest was still a bit dark. Dew was falling from the leaves. He rubbed his hands and looked around carefully.
He thought, "If I kill the beast, the price is too low. I need to catch them alive. But catching is harder... one wrong move and they run away."
He crouched behind a bush and waited. A small rabbit was chewing on a plant not too far away. Luo Zheng didn't throw the spear this time. Instead, he moved very slowly, step by step. He used his memories to control his breathing.
"Don't scare it... get close first," he reminded himself.
When he was close enough, he suddenly jumped forward. The rabbit tried to escape, but Luo Zheng was ready. He trapped it with both hands and pressed its body down.
It kicked a few times but couldn't break free.
"Got you," he said quietly.
He tied the rabbit's legs with a thin vine and put it inside a bamboo basket he made last night. The rabbit struggled inside but couldn't escape.
"One alive beast is already worth more than three dead ones," Luo Zheng muttered. "If I can catch three today, it'll be a good profit."
He walked deeper into the forest. After some time, he saw a wild chicken near a fallen log. It was alert and would run fast if startled. Luo Zheng held his breath and picked up a small stone from the ground.
He tossed the stone far to the right. The sound made the chicken turn its head toward the bushes on that side.
"Now," Luo Zheng moved quickly from the left side. Before the chicken reacted, he threw his coat over it. The bird panicked, but the cloth blocked its wings. Luo Zheng grabbed it tightly and tied its legs too.
Another one alive.
He put the chicken in the basket, making sure the rabbit didn't escape. Both made small noises, but it didn't matter.
"Good... only need one more," he whispered.
He continued searching. After around fifteen minutes, he spotted a young boar drinking water from a small stream. It wasn't too big, maybe half the size of the adult. Still, it was dangerous if it charged.
Luo Zheng's heart tightened a bit.
"If it runs, I can't catch it. If it attacks, I might get hurt. Need to think... think..."
He looked at the ground. There were some roots, a broken branch, and a few thick vines. An idea came to mind.
He quietly placed the vine in a circle and set a simple trap. It was rough and not perfect, but maybe enough for a small beast.
He tossed a fruit near the trap. The young boar lifted its head and sniffed. It slowly walked toward the fruit.
"Just a little more..." Luo Zheng waited.
The boar stepped into the vine circle, and the trap tightened around its leg. The boar let out a loud cry and tried to pull away.
Luo Zheng rushed in immediately and pinned the boar down with all his strength. It kicked wildly, almost throwing him off, but he used his entire body weight to hold it.
"Stay still! Don't break my ribs!" he shouted in his heart.
After struggling for a while, the boar's strength weakened. Luo Zheng tied its legs tightly and dragged it to the basket area. The basket was too small, so he tied the boar to a tree and covered its mouth so it wouldn't make noise.
Luo Zheng wiped sweat from his face.
"Hah... catching alive ones is harder, but the price is worth it."
He looked at the three captured beasts and nodded with satisfaction.
"If I keep doing this, I can collect enough spirit stones soon. Then I can buy the pills and start true cultivation."
He lifted the basket and began walking back, step by step, feeling both tired and hopeful.