Chapter 241

In the year after seizing the territory, Yang Lingrui rarely needed to appear personally in most battles thanks to his companion cultivator Xue Qingluan. This freed him to focus on comprehending the dual Wind Path.

Yang Lingrui finally understood the luxury of having reliable subordinates. No wonder He Shenglai had always insisted on keeping him close—issuing orders was strangely satisfying. Through steady practice, he merged the dual Wind Path’s techniques, gaining the ability to threaten Condensing Essence cultivators.

The subtle technique resembled his earlier wind spear. Though seemingly insignificant, it recently plagued many Eastern Wilderness Condensing Essence cultivators. While not lethal or even severely damaging, its effects proved deeply irritating. The sensation mimicked a needle stabbing into flesh—not immediately dangerous, but left unchecked, the dual Winds’ blended properties drove it deeper, amplifying pain and burning over time.

Imagine being an Eastern Wilderness Condensing Essence cultivator locked in combat with Tiger-Chasing forces when suddenly struck by this attack. Every movement—whether evading or casting techniques—would trigger fresh stabs of agony. With no chance to remove the nuisance mid-battle, you’d endure until the fight eased. A uniquely miserable experience.

This tactic became the northern front’s signature. Since the major offensive began, four Condensing Essence cultivators there fell victim to this underhanded trick. Yang Lingrui’s methods varied endlessly—hiding strikes in moonlight’s fleeting shadows one moment, then altering approaches unpredictably. His mastery of wind techniques enabled this versatility: concealing gusts within air currents, weaving breezes into flesh, employing formless shifts—all executed effortlessly.

The deepening understanding of his Book of Rising Winds technique further refined his control over the dual Winds. Even Condensing Essence cultivators, unless exceptionally cautious, risked falling prey.

Yang Lingrui never acted carelessly. Each strike followed careful analysis of battlefield shifts. Mere fame as a prodigy didn’t cloud his judgment. He maintained clear awareness of his combat strength. Until fully merging the dual Winds, facing Condensing Essence cultivators head-on remained impossible.

The Eastern Wilderness outnumbered Tiger-Chasing in both soldiers and cultivators. Reckless aggression would mark him as a prime target. Against one Condensing Essence pursuer, he and Xue Qingluan might manage evasion. But two or more? Escape without aid became nearly hopeless.

Of his five attacks so far, all avoided Eastern Wilderness strongholds. He struck where enemy numbers stretched thin. Though these zones still saw fierce clashes favoring the Eastern Wilderness, fewer Condensing Essence cultivators participated—typically two Tiger-Chasing against three or four opponents. Here, Yang Lingrui judged his impact greatest.

Currently, in the First Level battle on the northern front, Tiger-Chasing gained slight advantage through the participation of Yang Lingrui and Xue Qingluan – a prodigy and near-prodigy. However, clear disadvantages remained in the second and third-level battles.

As one of Tiger-Chasing’s few overpowered combatants, Yang Lingrui sought to expand his battlefield influence. The three-versus-three clash between Condensing Essence cultivators today presented a rare golden opportunity.

Upon arriving, Yang Lingrui immediately grasped the tactical situation and ordered Xue Qingluan’s assistance. Using the Bright Moon Projection as bait, he masked his killing move with the flowing moonlight technique when the enemy cultivator destroyed the projection.

The Eastern Wilderness cultivator’s arrogant expression twisted when his true essence shield neared collapse. Desperate to stop the wind spear despite being overwhelmed by Tiger-Chasing’s assault, he failed to react in time.

*Thunk!*

"Ugh!!"

The wind spear pierced his lower back moments later, contorting his face in agony. "Damned brat! I’ll skin you alive if I catch you!" he roared impotently – the attacker had already retreated using an illusionary body.

With Eastern Wilderness forces withdrawing, Tiger-Chasing’s exhausted fighters finally breathed easier. Three Condensing Essence cultivators personally thanked Yang Lingrui at their temporary base.

"Young Lingrui, thank you for the rescue."

"Perfect timing – my true essence was nearly depleted."

"We owe you this debt."

Yang Lingrui rose hurriedly: "Honored seniors overpraise me. As fellow Tiger-Chasing cultivators, supporting each other is natural. My minor assistance pales before your frontline sacrifices."

The veterans exchanged relieved smiles. With such talents, Tiger-Chasing’s future shone bright!

After discussing battle reports, the three began restoring their true essence while Yang Lingrui returned to his tent. Sensing his approach, Xue Qingluan stopped refining elixirs and masked her pallor with spiritual power.

The shattered projection had wounded her mind and soul, but she’d hidden this – like previous injuries – fearing Yang Lingrui’s displeasure. "Greetings, young master," she bowed deeply, misinterpreting his gaze as criticism.

"Sit. Relax your mind."

Though confused, Xue Qingluan obeyed. When Yang Lingrui’s palm touched her crown, she braced for punishment – then froze in shock.

Warm energy flowed through her Qi meridians, dissolving the stalled elixirs and healing her spiritual wounds. Tears welled as she realized this wasn’t retribution, but healing.

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