On Spirit Mountain, killing intent roils the sky, torrents of bloodlight blotting out the heavens. The scene resembles a炼狱(purgatory), striking fear into all who behold it. The youth stands with hands behind his back, eyes laced with disdain. Though this lad is somewhat strong, he is but an ant before the Ancient Divine Mountain—one strike with a supreme treasure would kill him. Daoling stands within the killing formation. The nine blood-red flags wave furiously, their surfaces churning up layer upon layer of blood-colored waves. Astral winds howl,碾压 (crushing) toward the central area. Nine dreadful bloodlights surge forth, shattering layer after layer of vacuum—enough to pulverize a mountain. Daoling's eyes narrow. His aura grows increasingly domineering, blood qi erupting to storm the sky! A divine furnace forms at the center, radiating dazzling golden light to block the vast bloodlight around him. Yet it struggles to withstand the pressure erupting from all sides. This killing formation is terrifying, combining to slaughter powerful enemies. "To break this formation, I must pull out the flags. Otherwise, they'll gradually absorb heaven and earth essence, growing stronger until it's a dead end." Daoling rubs his nose, producing a broken sword. Surging blood qi infuses the blade, and the three-sectioned weapon bursts with fierce sword lights. "Break for me!" Daoling roars, long hair fluttering as golden blood qi engulfs the sky. The broken sword becomes increasingly fearsome, like a black sun burning, its sword lights thickening. Energy within him轰然 (thunderously) pours into the broken sword. At full extreme power, he slashes a sword light as thick as a tree trunk toward the front. Rumble! The surging sword light sweeps through like a vast white wave, slicing through the blood energy and shaking the nine blood-red flags as if they might explode. As the killing formation gathers energy to strike again, Daoling's body flashes forward, yanking out the blood-red flags one by one. But the flags are terrifying—shocking Daoling's palms numb. He snorts, his skin turning bronze as his body rumbles with旺盛 (vigorous) blood qi. With a shake of his arm, his divine power surges, tearing out the flags. The youth, with hands behind his back, had felt no worry, waiting for Daoling to fall. Then his face freezes: the blood-red flags dancing before him are vanishing one by one. "What?!" The youth's face jolts. He frantically tugs at the flags to reclaim them—this is a supreme treasure! Though he can't unleash the formation's full might, losing it will bring punishment. The nine blood-red flags rumble. Daoling can barely hold the formation; he instantly祭出 (summons) a purple void pouch, storing the entire killing formation. "You... you're seeking death!" The youth rages, eyes bloodshot, face铁青 (livid). He spits out a treasure seal, aiming to kill Daoling and retrieve the treasure. Daoling strides forward, the broken sword in his hand bursting with dazzling sword light. He swings his arm, sending the treasure seal flying. Simultaneously, he charges mid-air, smashing out with a fist. Divine power surges, shattering surrounding rocks with its aura. This fist shocks the youth, who feels suffocating pressure. He meets it with a palm strike, but his hand explodes, and half his body is blasted apart by Daoling. Lin Shishi's heart pounds. She's惊骇 (astounded) by her neighbor's strength—these two creatures are courting death in close combat with him. "You can't kill me!" The youth coughs blood, wailing shrilly. "Kill me, and you'll die too! Don't bring trouble upon yourself. Release me now and apologize, or no one can save you." "Apologize?" Daoling laughs coldly. His broken sword slices through the air, sending a head flying—it's the true form of a beast, revealed in death. The azure creature is terrified, trembling as it tries to flee. This man is doomed! He's惹大祸了 (caused a catastrophe), daring to kill a creature of the Ancient Divine Mountain—no one can save him. "Since you came, stay," Daoling sneers. The broken sword flicks, a thick sword light sweeping out to sever the creature's body, spraying blood high. The two creatures die in an instant. Lin Shishi clenches her jade hand, lifting her skirt as she runs over anxiously. "Killing them—will it bring trouble? You shouldn't have been so reckless." These creatures were mere servants—how powerful must their master be? The maiden fears great trouble for him. Daoling looks at her and smiles. "They tried to kill me. Should I have spared them? They brought this on themselves. If I hadn't killed them, the trouble would be worse." "You're right," Lin Shishi ponders, then nods, pursing her red lips. "If the academy asks, I'll testify it was their fault. They deserved to die." "No need. They were just servants," Daoling shakes his head. "True. Their master wouldn't bother the academy over this, but be careful." Lin Shishi curls a lock of green silk over her shoulder, her neck slender, skin delicate. Though not as stunning as Zi Yu, her青涩(Youthful)beauty promises she'll grow into a peerless belle. She recalls their first meeting—when she swung her sword at the "lecherous youth." She giggles, leaning back with mirth. "What's so funny?" Daoling asks, confused. "Nothing, nothing," she waves her jade hand, cheeks flushing, eyes shy. Daoling sighs, then searches the creatures. No void pouches, but the haul is still good. He hands her several healing pills, which she accepts without hesitation—after all, they're spoils. She watches curiously as Daoling finds a stream and begins skinning and butchering the corpses. Squatting down, she hugs her calves. "What are you doing?" "These fellows aren't weak. Their flesh holds massive spiritual energy—eating it can boost cultivation," Daoling grins. Lin Shishi gapes. These are ancient ferocious beasts, and he wants to eat them? How凶残 (ferocious)! Her mind reels. Then she sees flames in Daoling's palm and gasps. "You can refine pills too?" "A bit." Daoling sits, releasing琉璃丹焰 (glazed pill fire) to start roasting. "Amazing!" Lin Shishi tugs his衣角 (corner of his robe), pouting. "You'll refine pills for me from now on—for free!" "What if I fail?" Daoling mutters. "Then you'll compensate me with spirit herbs," she winks, laughing. Daoling rolls his eyes, adjusting the glazed pill fire. The beast flesh isn't too tough; it will cook quickly. Aroma wafts, making Lin Shishi's nose twitch. Her appetite surges, saliva pooling. "Hurry! I haven't had meat in ages." Soon, the thighs are oily and translucent, the treasure meat glistening. The golden flesh looks appetizing, fragrance spreading far. Below on Spirit Mountain, a group climbs up, confused by the meaty aroma. Cultivators usually absorb qi and fast, so who's roasting meat? "As cultivators, we should be pure of heart, undisturbed by desires. Yet someone here eats what common folk eat daily. They'll never amount to anything," a youth sneers. "Agreed. I haven't eaten meat in years. Must be that new lad. He brings bad habits to the Star Academy and eats meat on a high-level Spirit Mountain—blasphemy! He'll pay." "This lad is under Senior Brother Lin Mu. Back off." Someone warns. Today is the day to claim Spirit Mountain. They came for the mountain but smell meat, igniting their anger. At the summit, the aroma thickens, mingling with vigorous blood energy. The thighs are熟透 (well-cooked), crisp on the outside. "Dig in." Daoling hands Lin Shishi a thigh. She forgets all淑女 (ladylike) decorum, tearing off a piece. Aroma bursts as she stuffs it into her mouth, chewing. "Delicious." Lin Shishi sticks out her tongue, feeling her body warm. No surprise—this is ancient beast treasure meat, its energy abundant. Daoling takes big bites, the oily meat melting in his mouth. He finishes a large piece quickly. Just then, a group arrives and sees them eating. "Th-this!" Lin Mu's eyelids twitch. Seeing Lin Shishi's oily hands and greasy嘴角 (corner of her mouth), he staggers, unable to believe the always gentle, refined Lin Shishi is eating like this... The atmosphere turns awkward. Everyone gapes, howling inwardly. The Star Academy's beauty list star is eating meat—like this! They can't accept it. And she's eating with a newcomer. Their minds reel; they regret not bringing sacks of meat daily. The newcomer beat them to it. "How can you eat meat here? So indulgent!" a youth rages, glaring at Daoling. He's sure Daoling corrupted Lin Shishi, ruining her ladylike image. Daoling chews, glancing at him. "Want some?" The group is furious. How dare this lad speak so casually? Shouldn't he apologize in fear? To their shock, the youth nods eagerly, rushing over to sit beside Lin Shishi and devour the meat, chatting her up. "Actually, the roasting is off. Needs seasoning, and the heat should be higher for more tender meat," he critiques, pretending expertise. "True," Lin Shishi nods, eating a piece to experience the texture, then quickly refining the meat's energy. Everyone gapes. What a thick skin! "Ha, junior brother, give me some!" a chubby youth rushes over, followed by others begging Daoling for meat with flattering tones. Daoling's眼皮 (eyelids) twitch at the crowd—terrible timing. "Th-this!" Lin Mu's fingers tremble, face铁青 (livid). He resents the group of "sneaks" but marvels at his cousin's号召力 (charm). The accompanying women scowl, glaring at Lin Shishi as their senior brothers abandon them. "Something's wrong!" The youth leaps up,嘶吼 (roaring), body smoking, skin red, trembling as if about to explode. Blood vessels bulge. "Brother, what's wrong?" The chubby youth gasps. "Is the meat poisoned?!" The group panics, ignoring the youth to shout at Lin Shishi: "Sister, stop eating! Poison! Don't eat!" "Yes, sister! I have an antidote pill—take it!" "Poison?" Lin Shishi pouts, eyeing the啃光的 (gnawed) bones. "He ate too much. Might burst." "Sister, two pieces can't make you burst! The meat must be poisoned. Stop!" "Yes, sister. If you want meat, I'll take you to the dining hall later—they have rare beast treasure meat." A handsome youth coaxes her. The youth stares at the crowd fawning over Lin Shishi, then roars: "Break for me!" A torrent of spiritual energy bursts from his body, bones cracking, flesh radiating vigorous blood qi, aura surging. "Breakthrough?!" Lin Mu's eyelids jump, eyeing the beast meat. It must be precious treasure meat, enabling the breakthrough. Everyone is stunned—how did a breakthrough happen? The youth dashes over, grabbing the half-gnawed bone from the ground, sucking and chewing, nearly breaking his teeth on it. Everyone shudders. Is he mad? So凶残 (ferocious), even eating bones! The youth cackles, delighted. This is terrifying beast treasure meat! He gained a small realm for free, saving months of hard work. "Wait, this is Azure Spirit Beast treasure meat!" a maiden gasps, eyeing Daoling's food. "What? Ancient Spirit Beast, Azure Spirit Beast?!" Gasps rise—no one can believe it. Spirit Beasts are similar to Ferocious Beasts but better for cultivation. They're eating ancient Spirit Beast treasure meat? This would shock the world. Eyes widen, the chubby youth wipes drool. He's never eaten such meat—no wonder the youth broke through. Ancient Spirit Beasts hold vast energy and spiritual qi. Such treasure meat is extremely rare in dining halls, only bought by powerhouses. "You're eating an ancient Spirit Beast?" Lin Mu's face is grim. How dare he? Won't this enrage the clan and get him killed? "Dunno. Why are you here?" Daoling pats his belly, standing. "My cousin just came to play," Lin Shishi, full, hurries over. She knows Daoling's strength—Lin Mu is strong, but not his match. The group is speechless. This guy is openly roasting ancient Spirit Beast meat—he must be a狠人 (ruthless person). Some notice signs of battle around them, so they stay silent. Lin Mu, proud, won't concede. "I said I'd challenge you. Let's begin." "Go ahead," Daoling nods. Lin Mu focuses, aura surging as he charges to strike Daoling's chest. Daoling's palm flaps out, golden light dancing. Their palms collide, shattering surrounding rocks. The two figures cross in the air, stunning onlookers. The newcomer is strong enough to clash with Lin Mu. After a hundred moves, Lin Mu sighs. He's used his full strength, but Daoling grows stronger, his body unshakable. Lin Mu stops. Everyone exchanges glances,咋舌 (astounded). The newcomer is indeed fearsome, not to be provoked. "Hmph, eating meat in broad daylight—what a hobby," a mocking voice sounds. Two youths approach, eyeing the crowd. "What's wrong with eating meat? Bet you've never had it," the breakthrough youth sniffs. "Court death! Scram!" Qing Yiyun flicks his sleeve, energy bursting out. The youth shakes violently, flying back—unable to stand. Hearts quiver. One move floored the youth—how strong is this guy? All eyes turn to the newcomers. Many freeze, too terrified to breathe. "Qing Yiyun!" Lin Mu clenches his palm. This man is Lin Shishi's most loyal suitor; they've clashed before. But the冷淡 (aloof) youth beside him shocks Lin Mu. "Lin Mu, you're越来越没用 (weaker). Can't even beat a newcomer. Why not die?" Qing Yiyun sneers,阴霾的 (gloomy) eyes fixed on Daoling, fury raging. Some time ago in the Star Palace, his pill fire was stolen, and he was severely wounded. He can't swallow this. Lin Mu's face铁青 (livid), then frowns. Qing Yiyun isn't here for Lin Shishi—he's here for the newcomer. No one dares breathe, eyes躲闪 (dodging) to the green-clothed man: Qing Yijun, a Star Academy legend. In the Body Forging Realm, he's no weaker than his brother, Qing Yifei! Raised in the Star Academy, he's a disciple of an academy elder, practicing the Star Academy's ancient scripture, *Star Ancient Scripture*. Rumor has it he, like his brother, has a Royal Body—but his is the **Star Overlord Body**! This physique is extremely rare, and combining it with the *Star Ancient Scripture* makes him nearly invincible in the same realm. "Second brother, it's him," Qing Yiyun growls. The three brothers dominate the Star Academy: eldest is Qingzhou's top prodigy, second has the Star Overlord Body, and he's an outstanding pill master. To be humiliated by an unknown is unforgivable. Qing Yijun's aura is cold, eyes on Daoling. "Two choices: hand over your pill fire, or I'll take it myself. Choose wisely—I'll give you time." Daoling steps forward, blood qi roiling. "Choose? If you want to steal, ask my fists first!" Onlookers are心惊肉跳 (terrified). Daoling dares to speak to Qing Yijun like this? The Qing Clan's power in Qingzhou is terrifying—even outside giants avoid conflict with them. Qing Yijun is a Qing Clan prodigy; offending him means trouble. Lin Shishi clenches her jade hand. She knows Daoling is strong, but Qing Yijun is older, at the peak of Yunling Realm—this opponent is formidable. Qing Yijun's eyes chill, cold light bursting. Overbearing aura rolls off him, body wrapped in blazing starlight, star虚影(motion blur) shimmering in his eyes. He stamps his foot, the earth shaking, cracking open. His flesh erupts with滔天 (overwhelming) blood qi!