Chapter 128: Horde?
The next morning, I stood with Wei Lin and Lin Mei before the great iron gates of the outer disciples' beast grounds, just like we had a week ago.
This time, though, something felt different. Maybe it was the way the morning mist seemed thicker than usual, or how the birds had gone mysteriously quiet. Or maybe I was just being paranoid.
"So," I said, breaking the contemplative silence that had fallen over us, "how do you both feel about hunting something a bit more... challenging today?"
Wei Lin's eyes narrowed immediately. I had to admire his survival instincts – they were definitely improving. "How much more challenging are we talking about?"
I couldn't help but smile. "I was thinking Stage 6 Qi Condensation realm."
Wei Lin's eyes widened so much I worried they might pop out of his head. "Stage 6? You're not even Stage—" He cut himself off abruptly as I released just a tiny fraction of my aura.
"You... you..." Wei Lin sputtered, pointing at me like I'd just grown a second head. "How is this possible? How many breakthroughs is that now?"
I shrugged, carefully restraining my aura again. While it wouldn't fool anyone at or above my level, there was no reason to broadcast my strength to those below my cultivation. Still, I saw no point hiding it from my friends – they'd see it in action soon enough anyway.
Wei Lin dramatically fell to his knees, raising his hands to the heavens. "Thank you, merciful heavens, for blessing this humble cultivator with such a monstrously talented friend!" A few passing disciples gave him odd looks, but most just hurried past, already used to Wei Lin's theatrical tendencies.