Chapter 480: The Ministry of War’s Summons

“Hua Jinsong said the Golden Dragon Treasure Fish has miraculous effects on Fifth-Rank Lesser Masters. It can increase their Flesh-and-Blood Regeneration ability by another twenty percent!”

“Crimson Ghost Ginseng only increases it by fifty percent, so it’s definitely more potent in that regard. But that’s a Sacred medicine of the martial world, and the Golden Dragon Treasure Fish isn’t quite on that level.”

When he opened the jade box, the Golden Dragon Treasure Fish was still asleep, its body giving off a faint chill.

It didn’t smell fishy or foul. Instead, it carried a faint floral fragrance.

“There wasn’t any mention of whether I should eat it raw or cooked...”

Yang Ling thought for a moment, then decided to enjoy it in its original state.

In less than five minutes, he had eaten the entire Golden Dragon Treasure Fish.

He even ate the bones, just in case the medicinal effects weren’t enough.

Although he ate it raw, it tasted pretty good, at least much fresher and more delicious than the giant tilapia he’d grilled back then.

A few breaths later, he felt it.

Yang Ling’s expression shifted as waves of stabbing pain struck him again.

He was already familiar with this sensation.

His flesh, tendons, and bones continuously tore apart and reformed.

This gene mutation lasted about a day.

The Golden Dragon Treasure Fish was completely converted into warm numbers on his Status Panel.

“Strength and Agility haven’t changed.”

“My HP hasn’t increased either...”

“But my Vital Qi actually increased by 5,000 points!”

Yang Ling was very satisfied. Vital Qi was closely connected to Flesh-and-Blood Regeneration.

With an increase of 5,000 points, his Flesh-and-Blood Regeneration ability naturally grew a little stronger as well.

“My Vital Qi has already reached a full 50,000 points. Compared to before I entered the dungeon, it’s more than tripled!”

“Based on what I experienced during this breakthrough, an ordinary Upper Fifth-Rank martial artist probably has around 20,000 Vital Qi.”

“That gives me at least 30,000 more than them.”

Yang Ling was a little excited.

All kinds of skills consumed Vital Qi, and Flesh-and-Blood Regeneration did too.

Now that he had a full 50,000 points of Vital Qi to rely on, he had the confidence to do anything.

“With the means I have now, I’d be sure to hold my own against Director Ji.”

“I just don’t know what would happen if I ran into a Fourth-Rank Grandmaster...”

“I should find a chance to test my current strength. Then I’ll know where I stand.”

“For now... I should go pay my respects to Master.”

With a thought, Yang Ling drew in all of his presence.

Under the control of his Micro-Management, he suppressed his aura to an extremely low level, so low that no one could tell he had advanced to Lesser Master.

To his surprise, after this breakthrough into the Upper Fifth-Rank, his control over his strength had quietly improved further.

He even suspected that, if he stood face-to-face with a Fourth-Rank Grandmaster without making a move, the other person might not be able to tell he was a Fifth-Rank martial artist for quite some time.

“Before, some of my Vital Qi would always leak out. A powerhouse at Master’s level could basically glance at me and judge the level of my Vital Qi.”

“It should be different now.”

After standing still for a short while, Yang Ling seemed to have returned to the ordinary. There was absolutely no sign that he had ever practiced martial arts.

At first glance, his aura was no different from an ordinary person’s. Even the Divine Light in his eyes had grown much dimmer.

“Interesting.”

Yang Ling couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth lift. He deliberately released a little Vital Qi, and his whole person once again seemed more vigorous. Anyone could tell at a glance that he was a martial artist.

That way, he was less likely to arouse other people’s suspicions.

Then he went to look for Yun Tianqing, intending to tell her the good news that he had advanced to the Lower Fifth-Rank.

But after searching around, he still couldn’t find her.

“Could Master have gone down the mountain?”

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback.

Just then, a gigantic bird swooped down from the sky, kicking up waves of flying sand. It was Yun Tianqing’s mount, the Vermilion Iron Falcon.

The Vermilion Iron Falcon stretched out a wing toward Yang Ling and nodded its head at him.

Yang Ling was a little surprised.

...

Inside the Sect Master’s Hall, Yun Tianqing sat in the seat of honor.

The Mountain Chiefs of Flying Dragon Mountain, Stone Cavern Mountain, Pudu Mountain, and Qingyun Mountain were also in the hall.

Behind each of them stood several personal disciples.

Their expressions were especially grave, their eyes tinged with worry.

All their gazes fell on a middle-aged man in blue robes.

He had a refined appearance and a faint smile on his face.

“Palace Master Yun, the decision to summon your people was made after the Vice Director Hua considered many factors. The Minister has also approved it.

“This isn’t a matter of personal grievance. I hope you can give me an answer today.”

“Has your Ministry of War found the hideout of the Startling Owl Bandits?”

Yun Tianqing asked without committing herself.

“We have. It’s been confirmed, and there’s no chance the information is false.”

The man in blue robes smiled and nodded.

Yun Tianqing asked, “Aside from summoning the Fifth-Rank and Sixth-Rank martial artists of Devour Heaven Palace, which other sects are on your list?”

The man in blue robes replied, “Arhat Temple and Extreme Flame Sword Manor are also on our summons list. Each sect must send at least one Lesser Master and three Sixth-Rank martial artists.”

The four Mountain Chiefs’ expressions shifted.

A flash of anger crossed Lin Zhen and the others’ eyes.

Those two sects were no good. In recent years, they had had plenty of disputes with Devour Heaven Palace.

And now the other party was specifically summoning martial artists from their three sects to suppress some Startling Owl Bandits. It was obviously meant to provoke them!

The key point was that, under these circumstances, their Palace Master might find it hard to refuse.

If they did refuse, the other two sects would certainly earn the court’s favor. Devour Heaven Palace, on the other hand, would inevitably face retaliation!

“How interesting. What are the odds? It just had to be Arhat Temple and Extreme Flame Sword Manor?”

Yun Tianqing gave a faint, knowing smile.

The man in blue robes remained unfazed, his tone calm.

“Palace Master Yun, please don’t misunderstand. This was decided by the Minister.”

“Are you sure this has nothing to do with my disciple beating your Star Observation Academy’s Wang Yaozu?”

Yun Tianqing suddenly asked.

The man in blue robes smiled. “I’ve heard about Wang Yaozu. He was defeated by the Palace Master’s personal disciple in the Qi Heavenly Provincial Capital and has become a laughingstock.

“Even so, the academy couldn’t possibly abuse its power to settle a personal score. It’s true that Vice Director Hua came from the academy, but he has always been broad-minded. I hope you’ll set your mind at ease, Palace Master Yun.”

“Heh.”

Lin Zhen couldn’t help letting out a cold laugh.

When the man in blue robes looked at him, he said coldly, “Wang Yaozu tried to scheme against my Lin Family, but Senior Brother Yang stopped him. Now you’re summoning Devour Heaven Palace’s experts to suppress the Startling Owl Bandits. Isn’t this just an excuse to get back at us?”

“You’re still young, and your thinking is too simplistic.”

The man in blue robes smiled and shook his head, then ignored Lin Zhen.

Lin Zhen’s face flushed with anger. He was about to say more, but the Mountain Chief of Flying Dragon Mountain stopped him with a look.

“I wonder which of the four Mountain Chiefs has the time to make the trip?”

Yun Tianqing asked calmly.

The four Mountain Chiefs exchanged glances. If the other side truly had no intention of retaliating, then making the trip wouldn’t be a problem.

But if they really did hold a grudge, the trip could be dangerous.

Besides, the Startling Owl Bandits weren’t some ordinary bandit gang. Their strength and resources were not to be underestimated.

“I’ll go.”

The Mountain Chief of Qingyun Mountain slowly rose to his feet.

Yun Tianqing’s expression shifted, and she looked toward the entrance.

Yang Ling walked in. Seeing so many people gathered there, he said awkwardly, “Master, are you holding a meeting? Should I go wait outside?”

Yun Tianqing looked him up and down, then suddenly smiled.

“You broke through?”

“Yes. Thanks to the Snow Spirit Marrow you bestowed upon me, this disciple has successfully advanced to the Lower Fifth-Rank.”

Yang Ling cupped his fist in salute.

The Mountain Chiefs of Flying Dragon Mountain, Stone Cavern Mountain, and Pudu Mountain all rose at once and looked at Yang Ling.

The smile on the blue-robed man’s face faded somewhat as he scrutinized Yang Ling in surprise.

Lin Zhen, Huo Yunzhu, Chi Ling, and the other disciples of Devour Heaven Palace gasped sharply, their faces filled with shock and disbelief!