Crow Immortal
Chapter 20: Crow Magic

After refining nine drops of vital blood essence, Han Yu made a discovery—the Blood Refinement Technique seemed to have reached a dead end. This blood-condensing method, which focused on consolidating blood energy, had been repeatedly called a false immortal path rather than proper cultivation by Old Daoist Li. Reaching nine drops of blood essence appeared to confirm this claim.

The Blood Refinement Technique didn't even provide the next meridian cycle pathway, making it impossible to break through to the first layer of Qi Refining and form a complete energy cycle. Han Yu wasn't particularly anxious about this. After all, his cultivation primarily relied on Wangu Valley's Green Sprout Qi Cultivation Technique. He was still absorbing the Mystic Heart Fruit's medicinal properties daily. In another month or so, when the spiritual seed in his dantian began to sprout, he would reach the second layer of Qi Refining.

Thus, Han Yu made steady progress in his cultivation every day without the urgent desperation that had driven Old Daoist Li to take the unorthodox path. Speaking of which, how far had Old Daoist Li progressed in his cultivation during their time apart?

The next day after inspecting the spirit fields, Han Yu stopped and waited for Old Daoist Li who was making his rounds. "Little one, are you looking for me?" Old Daoist Li's voice was hoarse and low as he approached slowly. Han Yu noticed his bloodshot eyes with a faint reddish glow—clear signs he was still nourishing the Blood Refinement Technique with blood nourishment.

Judging by appearance alone, his blood energy didn't seem abundant, suggesting he was still some distance from achieving nine drops of vital blood essence. "Elder Daoist, is Green Sprout Market accessible now?" Han Yu asked about another matter. "Yes, it's open again. The demonic cultivators weren't found, and the inner sect disciples withdrew their patrols after a month," Old Daoist Li replied. "Do you want to go to Green Sprout Market too, boy?"

Han Yu thought for a moment before nodding. His progress in spell cultivation had plateaued in the short term—the Mystic Heart Fruit's mind-clearing effects had already helped him master Wind Riding and Water Control to their current limits. As for the Blood Refinement Technique, there was no path forward—the next step after condensing blood essence should be forming energy cycles, but the corresponding techniques were missing.

Therefore, aside from absorbing the Mystic Heart Fruit's properties, Han Yu needed to broaden his knowledge, learn more cultivation fundamentals, and acquire other methods to boost his self-preservation capabilities. "Very well, come with me tomorrow," Old Daoist Li agreed readily without hesitation. Green Sprout Market was near Wangu Valley, and he had made the trip many times—it was generally quite safe.

That evening, after finishing his absorption of the Mystic Heart Fruit's energy, Han Yu didn't practice spells or condense blood essence for the Blood Refinement Technique. He saved up his replication ability for use during tomorrow's market visit. Just as he was preparing to rest, the large and small crows flew in, with the large crow dropping a long, snake-like crimson object.

Han Yu was immediately delighted—after a month's wait, the two crows had finally found another ownerless spiritual object! Picking up the three-foot-long, crimson, serpentine object, he felt his blood energy stirring restlessly. Could this be the "Spirit Blood Vine" that Senior Brother Sun Kang had mentioned?

Han Yu was momentarily stunned, then speechless. Blood-enhancing items had limited use for him to begin with, and now with the Blood Refinement Technique at a standstill, it was practically useless. This thing had no value to him currently. Examining the Spirit Blood Vine, Han Yu praised both crows and asked, "Do you want to eat it?" "Caw!" "Caw caw!" Both crows nodded enthusiastically.

Han Yu handed them the vine: "Go ahead and eat it. Let's see if it can enhance your abilities." The crows happily pressed close, affectionately pecking at Han Yu's palm before lowering their beaks—harder than refined iron—to peck at the vine. As they ate, crimson liquid slowly flowed within the vine, filling the stone house with a faint medicinal aroma.

Soon, all redness disappeared from the vine, leaving only an empty husk like a snakeskin. Han Yu marveled: "No wonder it's also called Snake Blood Vine—the resemblance is uncanny." "Caw!" The smaller crow's cry drew Han Yu's attention. A pale green glow formed in its beak before being forcefully expelled, leaving a deep gouge on the stone wall.

"A spell? Little Crow, have you become a spell-casting spirit beast?" Han Yu asked. The small crow nodded, then immediately lay down, appearing exhausted. "Only usable once in a short time? That's limited indeed. Eat more spirit-rich items, and when you can cast it more frequently, it'll become truly useful." Han Yu smiled as he patted the small crow.

The large crow landed on his shoulder with an indignant "Caw!" Han Yu found this even more amusing: "You think I'm favoring it?" "Caw." The large crow pressed its still faintly fragrant, cool beak against Han Yu's cheek. "Alright, alright, such a willful one." Han Yu stroked its stiff feathers: "What's your ability then?"

The large crow tilted its head back slightly and also expelled a pale green glow, leaving another mark on the wall. "Oh, the same spell? That's good too." Han Yu nodded approvingly. With these two crows, he now had an additional layer of protection beyond his blood droplet spell. "Caw." The large crow cried again before flying out the window.

Han Yu looked outside in surprise: "Huh? Upset I didn't praise it enough?" The small crow seized the opportunity to jump onto Han Yu's shoulder—a spot normally forbidden by the large crow—to show affection. "He's gone, why aren't you leaving? Be careful or he'll discipline you when he returns." The small crow shook its head, surprising Han Yu further: "Not afraid anymore? Gained some courage?" The small crow continued shaking its head. "Hmm? What do you mean?"

After a moment, the small crow finally flew out the window—not to leave, but to soar into the sky. Soon, a series of black dots flew across the moonlit sky above the spirit fields. Han Yu's eyes widened as he recognized the crow formation—the large crow leading the small one, followed by a dozen or more crows. So the large crow had another ability: summoning and commanding other crows.

Didn't this make it a leader among crows? No wonder it had flown out earlier—it wanted to show off this second ability. After a while, the moonlit crow formation dispersed, and both crows returned to the stone house. Han Yu praised them and instructed them to follow him from the sky tomorrow, waiting outside the market as a precaution. Finally satisfied, the large crow flicked its tail happily, hopping about before leading the small crow away.

Early next morning, Old Daoist Li's raspy voice called from the doorway: "Little one, time to go!"