Cultivation System: Stronger with Age
Chapter 35 - 31: The Enemy is a Treasure, Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hand

Chapter 35: Chapter 31: The Enemy is a Treasure, Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hand

Ma Rusong had just left when Yang Mountain hurriedly entered the Steward’s Tower. "Steward Lin, the Thousand Fangs Atlas is here. It contains detailed information about the Marsh Python Liao Race."

This Yang Mountain is quite efficient!

Lin Xuankong took the atlas and looked at Yang Mountain. "Everyone seems apprehensive about this task. What are your thoughts?"

Yang Mountain decisively cupped his hands and said, "Disciple has been consuming the Yin Talisman Sect’s medicinal herbs and receiving the monthly wage. Especially since Steward Lin allowed me to manage the dining hall and inns, which have brought considerable profit. Having received so many benefits, I must exert some effort!"

"Aren’t you afraid of dying in battle?" Lin Xuankong asked.

Yang Mountain laughed freely. "Of course, I’m afraid, but Martial Cultivators cultivate the skills of killing enemies and surviving. We live on the edge of danger, licking blood from the knife’s blade. Moreover, during the entry-level martial competition, I had an epiphany and broke through my bottleneck. I advanced to the Early Stage of the Second Layer two days ago. My chances of surviving this task should be higher!"

Lin Xuankong was slightly surprised. "You’ve already advanced to the Early Stage of the Second Layer? So fast!"

Yang Mountain said, "I possess a family-inherited Martial Dao. I started laying the foundation at six years old. At eighteen, I reached the First Layer. Now, at twenty-four, it has taken me a full six years to advance from the First Layer to the Early Stage of the Second Layer. This Cultivation Speed is decent among Independent Martial Cultivators, but it’s far behind talented disciples like Gu Beicheng Steward, who reportedly reached the Late Stage of the First Layer in just six years of Martial Cultivation!"

Lin Xuankong smiled. "Advancing to the Second Layer is good. Our settlement has gained another tiger general! Go back and prepare well. When we return victorious, we shall celebrate together!"

After Yang Mountain left, Lin Xuankong couldn’t help but shake his head. Gu Beicheng, labeled as Four Seals, is a rare genius in the Yin Talisman Sect, his Talent second only to Jiang Yuran’s. Yet, his cultivation is so slow? He actually spent six whole years to reach the Late Stage of the First Layer... It took me only a little over a month to reach the Late Stage of the First Layer! Accustomed to my own rapid Cultivation Speed, it’s only today I’ve realized how difficult Martial Cultivation is for others. You truly don’t know until you compare—the difference is shocking!

After sighing to himself, Lin Xuankong began to study the contents of the atlas carefully.

"Marsh Python Liao Race:

A Human Race polluted by a Python Demon using Demon Qi and demonic incantations. White Scales grow at the center of their foreheads, their eyes have vertical pupils, and their mouths are wide, capable of expanding to several times their normal size.

They enjoy eating rodents, frogs, and reptiles. They are quite intelligent and take pleasure in massacring humans and destroying cities.

Due to being tainted by Demon Qi, the Marsh Python Liao Race possess tails over a zhang in length.

They use their tails to throw objects as attacks. In close combat, they utilize their tails to whip and entangle opponents. They possess some of the Demonic Power of Marsh Pythons. For instance, when injured, contact with water allows them to recover with extreme speed. Unless the White Scale on their forehead is destroyed, they can instantly regain their combat strength.

Their rank is distinguished by the color and number of White Scales on their foreheads. Those with one pure White Scale possess power comparable to Martial Cultivators at the Late Stage of the First Layer of Transcendence. Those with two Scales...

The White Scales on the foreheads of the Marsh Python Liao Race are crucial materials for crafting Exorcism Armor, Exorcism Soft Armor, Exorcism Gloves, Exorcism Weapons, and other such equipment; they are quite precious."

After flipping through the atlas and its detailed descriptions, Lin Xuankong began to ponder.

There’s no need to worry too much about the attack methods of the Marsh Python Liao Race. Even if their tails can whip and entangle, as long as they’re not at the Late Stage of Tier Two, they surely can’t be more formidable than our Young Lady’s Iron Rod! What’s truly concerning is their powerful recovery ability. Contact with water allows them to rapidly heal their injuries—that’s outrageous! The destination for this task is Xunhe Town, which has abundant water sources and numerous streams... Surely, those Marsh Python Liao Race members aren’t foolish. When attacking Xunhe Town, they’ll likely carry water bags or pouches! If they carry a large quantity of water, won’t they become practically unkillable? Our Martial Cultivators will be incapacitated if severely injured, while they just need to touch water to be back at full strength instantly! The only way to kill them is to destroy the White Scale on their foreheads... The problem is that this Forehead Scale is extremely sturdy and is a crucial material for crafting Exorcism Equipment. My Flying Locust Stone would probably just make a clang if it hit one?

Lin Xuankong frowned, contemplating how to deal with this Marsh Python Liao Race...

A moment later, footsteps sounded outside the Steward’s Tower.

Lin Xuankong looked out and saw Steward Ma, who had presided over the martial competition, walking in.

This Steward Ma Jiang was now his direct superior, his cultivation at the Third Layer of Transcendence. In the Yin Talisman Sect, one had to reach at least the Early Stage of the Third Layer of Transcendence to qualify as a Steward!

"Steward Ma," Lin Xuankong said, rising to greet him.

Steward Ma nodded slightly. "Are you worried that this task is too difficult and dangerous?"

Lin Xuankong replied, "Although the Marsh Python Liao Race is extremely troublesome, I have several Second Layer experts on my side. Steward Han Lu also has strong fighters. With proper arrangements, we might not necessarily lose. Of course, more manpower would improve our chances of winning!"

Steward Ma was fiddling with several White Jade dice in his hand.

"It’s somewhat comforting that you think this way! However, don’t even think about getting additional manpower. I myself have to go to other territories to deal with the Demon People Race. Not just me; even Grand Steward Jiang and the three Grand Chief Stewards have already gone to the Outer City to confront powerful Demons!"

Lin Xuankong was somewhat surprised. "Even Grand Steward Jiang has joined the battle?"

Steward Ma said, "Recently, the Demon People Race has really stirred up trouble with our Yin Talisman Sect. More than ten of their Clans are targeting our territories. But no matter what, we must persevere. By early June, things should take a turn for the better!"

He paused, then continued, "Your task this time is indeed extremely difficult. Near the assembly grounds, I saw many of your disciples in the nearby houses writing farewell letters to their families."

Lin Xuankong fell silent at his words.

Steward Ma suddenly squeezed the dice in his hand, causing them to make a CRACKLING sound.

"I came here because I have some bad news for you! Your Deputy Steward, Ma Rusong, spent a hefty sum and pulled some major strings to get transferred to Gu Beicheng’s station. That means he won’t be going with you to Xunyang Town to fight. For this task, not only will you not get additional manpower, but you’ll also be short one Early Stage Second Layer expert!"

Hearing this, a flicker of disgust crossed Lin Xuankong’s eyes. "The Hall Master’s order has already been issued, yet he still managed to get transferred. He really must have pulled some major strings!"

Lin Xuankong hadn’t placed his hopes on others for this task, much less on Ma Rusong. But Ma Rusong’s actions were worse than those of many ordinary disciples; he truly felt disgusted!

Steward Ma frowned. "For him to request a transfer at a time like this, I’m furious. If our Sect is filled with people like him—who appear righteous but cower like timid turtles when faced with real trouble—how can we ever hope to grow stronger!"

"Enough about him. Steward Ma, do you have any good news?" Lin Xuankong asked.

Steward Ma let out a heavy breath.

"To be honest, to deal with over a hundred Marsh Python Liao Race members, in the past, the Sect would have dispatched at least two hundred disciples. Their combat prowess isn’t top-tier, but their recovery ability is a real headache! So, when I learned about your task, I went straight to the Thousand Treasures Pavilion, intending to request a piece of Exorcism Equipment for you. Unfortunately, there’s not much Exorcism Equipment in the Sect. Grand Steward Jiang took two pieces, and the other Grand Chief Stewards took the rest!"

He reached into his robes, pulled out a glove covered in shimmering White Scales, his expression one of reluctance.

"I thought long and hard, and finally decided to give you one of my pair of Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hands! The Demon People Race has strong defenses and is suffused with Demon Qi, which can drain the Qi Blood of Martial Cultivators. With this Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hand, not only will your power in battle greatly increase, but it will also shield you from their Demon Qi! Of course, this Exorcism Glove is quite heavy. If you feel your own strength is insufficient to wield it effectively, you can give it to Li Er. Make sure it’s used to its fullest potential! However, every piece of Exorcism Equipment is immensely valuable; even our Yin Talisman Sect’s Thousand Treasures Pavilion doesn’t have many! It took me over twenty years of gambling with these dice to win enough silver taels to buy this Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hand. You absolutely must cherish it!"

Lin Xuankong stared at the glove for several moments, his heart stirring.

This Wandering Dragon Exorcism Hand looks extraordinary; it must be incredibly valuable... The White Scales on it are identical to the ones depicted in the atlas. They must be the Forehead Scales of the Marsh Python Liao Race! Forehead Scales of the Demon People! The Marsh Python Liao Race are indeed walking treasure troves!

He looked at Steward Ma. "Steward Ma, aren’t you afraid that if I lead the men there and we fail, this priceless Exorcism Hand will be lost?"

Steward Ma squeezed the dice, frowned, and said, "Of course, I’m aware of that possibility. I’ve even prepared for your failure!"

Lin Xuankong was rather speechless. Is it really appropriate for a superior to say such disheartening things directly to his subordinate?

Just then, Steward Ma, still fiddling with his dice, said, "But I also know that no matter how precious equipment is, it’s not worth more than the lives of our disciples! So, if you all truly perish in Xunhe Town and lose the Exorcism Glove, I’ll just have to accept it as a lost bet... But my luck in gambling has always been quite good!"

With that, he strode out.

"The Hall Master asked me to relay a message: he has designated the Turtle-Poria Elixir and other items as your potential battle rewards! So, you absolutely must return victorious! Otherwise, it would be a terrible loss for you, and I’d lose all confidence in my gambling luck!"

Turtle-Poria Elixir? Lin Xuankong’s eyes instantly lit up. "Steward Ma, take care!"

If we’re victorious, there’s the Turtle-Poria Elixir and other battle rewards. And by killing enemies, there’s a chance to obtain precious materials like the Forehead Scales of the Demon People. Furthermore, completing this first of three tasks will be a huge step towards being able to cultivate the Yin Talisman Technique! This task is a golden opportunity!

He looked down at the Dragon Roaming Exorcism Hand, covered with White Scales, lying on the table. I wonder what effects this supposedly priceless piece of Exorcism Equipment will have when activated by Qi Blood?