Cultivation Struggles of a Lowly Fox

The Elder was not impressed by Lin Fan. He understood how powerful misinformation was and claiming this place for themselves was all they could do, but they didn't own this place.

This place is a land of no Cultivator and it should stay that way. That way the Beasts would be able to come here and mingle with them.

The Humans would be able to get used to Beasts and not abuse their Contracted Beasts any more.

This was an important place for them, in order to teach the youths about the importance of a steady mind and that not all Beasts are as stupid as bricks.

Other Elders had to join this Elder, since it seemed more of them were on the side of the Jade Fox and Vicious Cub than the unknown disciple.

The Elder snorted unhappily as he saw Lin Fan gnashing his teeth more.

"It's never a good idea to speak before you think. Reflect on this and go make the Pill." The Elder was so dismissive that Lin Fan's forehead looked like some kind of ocean monster.

Aiko sighed. "Serious, what do you teach your disciples..." She shook her head. "It's good to get some flattery, but this kind of thing can easily make enemies, you know."

Aiko was back to her lecturing self and seeing her serious expression, the Elders were unable to retort and could only awkwardly cough.

It was always nice to get your ego stroked by the young Cultivators, so much so that it became sort of a tradition.

Naturally, the Humans wouldn't dare to admit that it was a tradition since it was too shameful, but that didn't stop them from constantly maintaining it.

Mei returned to her place and threw another Spirit Stone to strengthen the Array.

It was obvious that Lin Fan was aiming for her, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Mei prepared the Herbs for the Pill. Lin Fan once again used his own to get a head start, but she didn't really care.

There was a lot more to the Pill Refining than met the eye.

The main reason she was so successful was the fact that Aiko blessed her with this new Technique.

It allowed her to more precisely get the temperature inside the Cauldron and it made it easier to maintain the right temperature.

There were still some issues when it came to low temperatures, but no Technique was perfect, so it was only natural that it would have its demerits.

That didn't stop Mei from using it though. She was able to get more familiar with it, allowing her greater control over things, not just Pill Refining.

Mei narrowed her eyes as she glanced at him. 'He is using his Luck to boost the effect of his Pills.' She clicked her tongue when she saw that energy wrap around the Herbs.

She was never able to see such a thing, but when Aiko 'messed' with her Evolution, many things changed.

Mei was now able to perceive the luck of others and while she was unable to manipulate it yet, it was only about time when she would be able to do that.

'There is the issue of Providence, but I believe this would be useful for Aiko.' Mei did not know how to teach Aiko about this, since she was likewise unfamiliar with it, but that wouldn't stop her from helping Aiko with her troubles.

'If we can get the mysterious energy called luck, it should be possible to have an easier life in the Immortal World.' Mei narrowed her eyes. She vowed to herself to learn the Technique and be able to manipulate the luck!

She prepared all the Herbs as they were supposed to be, and she also cut off a few things that would affect the quality.

There was a common misconception that you needed the whole Herb in order to get the best effects, but that was not completely true.

What you required was not the Herb itself, but its essence. Some Herbs gathered their essence in roots, others in petals, while some even in the earth surrounding them.

That was why it was important to dig the Herb carefully and not just pluck it like a barbarian.

Mei was aware of all these things and she even taught Aiko how to concentrate the Herb's essence in order to manipulate its effects better.

That's right, it was the 'squeezing' stage that Mei taught Aiko. That 'squeezing' allowed the Herb to concentrate its essence into a single point, making it easier to cut any bad or spoiled parts of the Herb!

This not only saved time during refinement, but it also gave her the opportunity to create Perfect Quality Pills.

Mei slapped all the Herbs inside. Her Divine Sense already surpassed her Mind, but that was fine, since she was used to controlling such a powerful Divine Sense.

She was not limited by the basics the Mortal and Immortal World taught.

Mei was still short in stats against Aiko, but she had so many Techniques and Abilities that the difference could not be taken into account.

Moreover, Mei also noticed that Aiko's boost was a tangled mess and that she was not getting much from it.

'That is what happens when you have too many Bloodlines.' Mei sighed. Aiko needed to properly manage her Bloodlines, but it didn't seem like she was aware of that.

'I will teach her later about it.' Mei narrowed her eyes. She likewise didn't have any Illusion-based Bloodline from the Fox Village since it was swallowed by the [Sacred Ocean Kitsune].

'Can't believe that I have Kitsune Bloodline without actually being one.' This bothered Mei greatly and she was wondering if it even worked properly, since her body was not a good vessel for it.

'Only time will tell.' Mei manipulated the Herb essence inside her Cauldron in order to coagulate it.

A gentle, yet powerful fragrance spread throughout the surroundings.

She was quite satisfied with this effect. Mei was not fighting to win this round, since the winner was already determined and it would be bad if she stood out too much while in this state.

It was better to wait and see what would happen.

She also noticed that her new Bloodlines didn't adjust her body, so she would have to wait for that too.

'I did rush the Human Form to help Aiko later and be with her, but it should stabilise itself during the next transformation.' Mei would have to wait until the mainland in order to change into Human Form.

'I'm not sure if I want to do that in the Fox Sect.' Mei clicked her tongue. If this Fox Village was already this messy, then she didn't want to know how messed up would be the main branch.

She would have to be careful, but with Aiko's attitude, it would be difficult to maintain a good relationship with others.

'If Aiko doesn't like them they are screwed and in turn, we are screwed.' Mei clicked her tongue. She didn't blame Aiko for her impulsive nature or sharp tongue. Every Fox had their own pride, so it was natural that someone as rebellious as Aiko, would naturally form her own personality.

Mei would guide Aiko, but she would not restrict her growth. Growth can be good and bad, but it's up to the individual to realise that.

'Well...' Mei narrowed her eyes. 'If she did do something messy, I would definitely scold her.'

The place darkened again. It was obvious who did this.

Lin Fan was refining something that once again attracted the attention of Heavenly Lightning. It seemed that it would bless his Pills again, but with that intensity, Mei knew that she would lose.

The clouds above them crackled. If he didn't maintain a good grip on his Pills, that kind of Lightning would absolutely vaporise the Pills.

That's right, just because you have attracted Heavenly Lightning, didn't mean your blessing was a reward.

If you can't protect the Pill against the destructive nature of the Heavenly Lightning, it will easily destroy that Pill.

Mei was convinced that Lin Fan would be unable to protect that Pill, but she also knew that with this size, it would strike a few times.

She was not unhappy about her loss, since she already won this, but she was concerned that the Elders would be blinded and cheat her.

The clouds crackled, and Heavenly Lightning would soon descend.

Aiko pulled out a piece of meat and munched on it. This place was approaching its climax and Aiko was looking forward to it.

First, Heavenly lightning descended to bless the Pill.

It was quite thin, but considering the speed, it would definitely destroy the Pill if it was not protected.

Lin Fan grew haughty as his distorted smile widened.

The Heavenly Lightning approached his Pills.

'This is what you call a real prodigy!' He laughed inside his mind, but just two meters from his Pill, the Heavenly Lightning made a sharp turn.

"Eh?" Lin Fan's whole face twitched, he couldn't understand what was happening.

"Huh?" The Elders didn't blink, they wanted to understand what they were seeing.

Aiko glanced towards Mei who had a blank expression and wondered why.

Her face suddenly lit up as something approached her.

"Huh-!" Aiko got struck by that Heavenly Lightning.

"W-what t-the f-fuck?!" She got so electrocuted that she was unable to speak normally.

Everyone's expression changed as the sky rumbled again.

"You fucking bastard!" Aiko roared once she recovered. "You are targeting me again!"

The sky rumbled as if confirming it.

"I haven't done anything yet! Why are you after me!" Aiko immediately dashed behind the biggest Elder as the Heavenly Lightning started to descend.

The Elder shivered. "[Doll Substitution]!" He yelled out as he used his Technique. In his place was now a small wooden doll.

"Eh?" Aiko thought that she hid well, but her big meat shield disappeared.

Another Heavenly Lightning struck her.

"W-why m-e-e-e-e-ee!" Aiko cried out, it looked like she would actually cry.

She was concerned about Aiko, but someone was faster than Mei.

A bone-chilling cold spread as the sky was cleaved in half.

A gentle sigh spread from the familiar seat.

"Are you alright?" The Saintess was next to Aiko robbing her of the Heavenly Lightning through Technique. "This should feel better."

Ah Cy still sighed, not believing her eyes. 'How could my Disciple choose such a troublemaker.' Of course, she didn't have a frowning face, but a face full of smiles. As long as her Disciple suffered, she would grow exponentially stronger than her peers.

This would allow Ah Cy to be less concerned about her and be able to focus on her own cultivation!