Inside the dimensional storage pouch were over a dozen magic tomes. Each represented a construct model for a specific spell—in essence, the rune structure of a spell. "Magic" is simply the Western term; in the East, it would be called "technique" or "fa shu". But the essence remained the same—these could be formed and cast.
With these dozen magic books, Xuanhuang Town would now gain more than a dozen new spell cultivation methods.
"Too bad," Yi Tianxing muttered, "there aren't any methods for opening Life Orifices or the rare treasures needed for it. But these spells are usable as is. They even include a method used by mages to stabilize spell models, which is a workaround to opening Life Orifices. A real shortcut."
Flipping through the tomes, he immediately understood that these spell models weren't much different from talisman constructs. However, the technique for permanently stabilizing spell models was remarkably unique—it allowed one to bypass opening Life Orifices and directly condense spell models in the Divine Sea, enabling repeated, stable use without breakdown—true permanent models.
To outsiders, these models looked just like Life Orifice divine abilities. However, once stabilized, they lacked the ability to evolve or transform. Modifying them was extremely difficult, and fundamental evolution was almost impossible.
Even so, for those in the Divine Sea Realm who couldn't open Life Orifices en masse, this was still an effective way to boost combat strength.
"A huge harvest! What a haul! Coming to the martial arts tournament was definitely worth it. Right from the start, such incredible rewards. These spell manuals will greatly enrich the Scripture Pavilion's collection. And if we're interested, we can even begin cultivating magic to enhance Xuanhuang Town's overall power."
Yi Tianxing couldn't suppress the broad grin blooming across his face.
He also discovered large quantities of rare magical materials in the dimensional bag—materials obviously used for spellcasting or crafting magical items. Without examining them closely, he directly transferred them to the Spirit Pearl space, but kept the dimensional pouch itself and wore it on his person.
Before this, he had no choice.
Now, with the dimensional pouch, there was no need to expose the existence of the Spirit Pearl space.
To this day, he still didn't understand the origin of that strange pearl. Not only could it open up a unique inner world, but it also absorbed beneficial substances, continuously evolving and strengthening the space inside.
Clearly, this wasn't just an ordinary treasure.
Now that he had regular storage equipment, it reduced the chances of the Spirit Pearl space being discovered. The dimensional pouch gave him a plausible cover story, creating alternate possibilities for others to speculate about.
Suddenly, Yi Tianxing's nose twitched. His eyes lit up.
He stepped quickly behind a large tree and looked closely. There, growing in the shade, was a tiny plant—a vibrant green herb, glistening like jade, exuding a faint fragrance. It was so subtle, it would've been missed if one weren't nearby.
Tongjin Grass: Vivid green, jade-like. Enhances and strengthens meridians. When taken during meridian cleansing, it facilitates breakthroughs and protects meridians from damage. A Yellow-grade top-tier spiritual herb. Can be used for pill refinement.
Yi Tianxing quickly used the Wordless Heavenly Book to identify the herb—it was indeed a rare spiritual medicine that enhanced and fortified the meridians. If refined into a pill, it would be highly coveted by cultivators in the second or third stages of the Divine Sea Realm.
Without hesitation, he knelt down, pulled out his military shovel, and carefully dug out the Tongjin Grass. With a thought, he instantly planted it in the spiritual field within his Life Orifice in his dantian.
Within moments, the plant took root without the slightest damage. In fact, the abundant spiritual energy in the field made the herb burst with vitality, its leaves dancing joyfully—clearly, it was thriving in its new environment.
"Where there's one, there's more. Slowly cultivating it will eventually fill the entire field. Once Wang Fengshan and the others become alchemists, they can refine Tongjin Pills. There will never be a shortage of demand."
Yi Tianxing was secretly delighted.
This unexpected harvest could be fully maximized thanks to his Life Orifice, turning spiritual herbs into long-term assets. That was the real reward.
With that done, he resumed his trek deeper into the forest.
He had only one day—every moment counted.
Not every beast he encountered was suitable as a mount. He had to choose carefully.
Powerful beasts often had territorial domains, and only one dominant beast ruled each area. If the target didn't fit, he'd have to search a different region altogether.
BOOM BOOM BOOM—!!
Suddenly, thunderous noise erupted—ground tremors, trees cracking and falling. The sound was like a stampede of ten thousand horses.
"What's going on? Beast riot?"
Yi Tianxing's face shifted. He quickly climbed a towering tree, placing himself high among the dense canopy, which stood as tall as four- or five-story buildings. From this vantage, the view opened wide.
What he saw made his heart jolt.
A horde of giant monkeys, each wielding enormous clubs, was rushing toward him. Each stood two to four meters tall, radiating violent, savage energy. One among them stood out—a full five meters tall, with flaming red fur like a blazing torch, its eyes spewing fire as it led the charge with a massive club.
They leapt from treetop to treetop, hundreds in number, with even more stampeding below.
Every one of them looked furious.
Leading the chase was a young man in a pale red robe, carrying a bundle on his back, his feet slick as oil as he sped across the treetops. With each step on a leaf, he leapt forward several meters, his light-foot technique truly exceptional.
He exuded an extremely shrewd air, with bright, cunning eyes—clearly no fool.
As he fled, his eyes darted everywhere.
Spotting Yi Tianxing, standing visibly atop a tree, the man lit up in joy and shouted, "Fellow Daoist! Help me!!"
He ran straight toward Yi Tianxing.
Yi Tianxing shuddered at the call of "Fellow Daoist," a phrase often cursed among cultivators. Thankfully, it was followed by "help me," not "wait!"
Even so, Yi Tianxing's face darkened.
The moment that man rushed toward him, the entire monkey horde turned in the same direction, murderous intent in their eyes. A disaster was incoming.
"Don't come near me—I can't help you. You'd best pray for your own luck."
Yi Tianxing immediately saw through it. This man was clearly trying to redirect disaster, using Yi Tianxing as a meat shield. His cunning eyes gave it all away.
Without delay, Yi Tianxing turned and bolted in the opposite direction, not even hesitating.
With his cultivation and physical strength, a single step sent him flying more than ten meters, matching any light-body technique in both speed and power—an explosive, untamed force.
He made his intentions clear: he wanted nothing to do with that man.
That monkey horde was no joke—he wasn't about to get caught up in someone else's mess.
But the red-robed man wasn't giving up. He changed direction and chased Yi Tianxing, yelling, "Fellow Daoist, you can't just watch me die! Help me share the burden, and I'll reward you handsomely—a great fortune that will skyrocket your cultivation. I, Redleaf, always keep my word!"
His eyes gleamed with wild excitement. His speed even increased.
"You dragged a horde of monkeys over here just to use me as bait. Do you think I'm stupid? If you keep chasing me, don't blame me for what happens next!" Yi Tianxing shouted back without mercy.
"Fellow Daoist, your heart is too dark! How could I, Redleaf, do such a thing? I'm trying to bestow you with good fortune! A great destiny! You must believe me—what happened to trust between people!?"
Redleaf shouted as he ran after him.