“Have you heard the latest count?”

“I heard it was almost an entire quarter. I can’t believe so many didn’t make it back from the secret realm.”

“Yuh, that's a heavy toll, but that’s good news for us, isn’t it?”

“Hey, don’t let them hear it. I heard those big shots are all ready to set off on a hunt for the culprit. If you don’t want their fire to spread to you...”

Hearing his words, his companion’s expression became timid, glancing furtively around at their surroundings, “Oi, there wouldn’t really be one watching us with spiritual sense, right?”

“Who knows. I heard some enjoy peeping on us while we do the deed, even joining in themselves later…”

Haha. Speak of the devil.

The distant murmurs faded into the background as the eavesdropper reined in his divine sense.

On a watchtower’s rooftop, Bubai leaned against the warm sandstone, a cool breeze tousling his hair as he calculated the subtle yet significant changes, “Should have increased by about 6 meters?”

His sensory reach had indeed expanded.

In fact, the gradual growth of his divine sense had always been occurring.

It’s just that the slight expansion was overshadowed by the vastness of his divine sense. So, it escaped his immediate notice.

It wasn't until his recent spiritual sense usage that he vaguely detected the expansion in its range. So, Bubai ventured into the outer sect to measure the scale.

Using the landscape as pegs for his measurement, Bubai confirmed his divine sense extends out to approximately 66 meters while his spiritual sense 11. A +6 and +1 respectively.

In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t much, but it was progress.

Of course, such progression wasn’t considered an anomaly.

Among foundation establishment cultivators, it was commonplace to experience growth in their spirit, whether through their cultivation techniques or the consumption of treasures.

Obviously, Bubai couldn’t afford those pricey pills that could enhance spirit, but he was well aware that the spirit was a key part of his growth.

So, Bubai had opted for a more economical option from the very start!

The Arboreal Bliss Dreamcatcher Art was indeed a method geared towards fortifying mental strength.

This was the true reason why he picked this method!

Indeed, his aspirations might exceed the boundaries of this world, but he, Fang Bubai, had never placed his bet on the dreamy far-fetched future. He had always grounded his choices in attainable possibilities within his reach.

This way, he can actively chase his dream instead of being stuck in the quagmire of dreams.

Unfortunately, the mental fortitude part of the dream catching method seemed to have lost itself in the sea of words because aside from a hint in the initial description, there hadn’t been any concrete mention thus far.

In fact, he almost thought the “mental fortitude” was referring to the inherent resistance the method granted against pleasure...

This event’s development simply reaffirmed his efforts and choices were right.

Through diligent cultivation of his memory totem, Bubai could steadily augment his spiritual power!

To achieve this time’s growth, the cost was nothing more than a month of daily Qi investment into his memory space. It was a worthwhile trade.

Of course, standard tests must be carried out to collect the necessary data for plotting his future path.

As Bubai was recalibrating his senses, his concentration was abruptly interrupted when his senses caught a disturbance hurtling toward him.

Instinctively, his hand shot out, effortlessly catching the outgoing projectile before it could sail past him.

Bubai’s eyes darted over to his hand, casually examining the object cradled in his palm – a formation ball imprinted with runes, now aglow with a faint light that was eye-catching when contrasted with the gloomy morning atmosphere.

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Well, it seems this basic light formation ball had more uses than just being the core of a lamp.

Bubai turned his head to find the catwoman skidding to a halt behind him, her cat eyes wide as she stared at the glowing ball in his hand, her tail swishing eagerly behind her.

A faint twitch played on Bubai’s lips and he chided, "Xiao Mao, don't play too close to the edge," before tossing the ball back.

“Meow!” Miss Meow darted after the ball, her agile movements resembling those of her feline counterparts.

With mild amusement, Bubai observed the cat pouncing and frolicking across the rooftop, her excitement evident as her nimble paws playfully patted the ball around.

Seeing this, Bubai couldn’t help but call out, “Careful, don’t send it flying off again.”

Miss Meow didn’t responded, her focus entirely on the glowing orb rolling around.

“This cat…” Shaking his head in resignation, Bubai turned away from the peaceful sight, redirecting his focus towards the outer sect, scanning the surroundings.

It didn’t take long for him to lock onto another interesting conversation.

Across the district, a group of outer disciples is engaged in a heated discussion.

“Did you see the new convoy task?”

His companion raised an eyebrow, “What convoy?”

“To the Millenial Lotus Sect. I heard some clans are desperate for more pills to treat the injured and restore some semblance of order. The sect’s production couldn’t keep up, so they can only turn to outsiders…”

“Oh, no wonder I can’t even find a single pill in the market these days. All I see are just the lame mortal weapons trying to pass off as treasures. Do those guys think we are idiots?”

“Ai, those big shots are just trying to recover their losses. This time many of them really lost both their jade and gold.”

“You don’t say… but I heard there was someone in our district that- Huh? What’s that?”

Murmurs of concern ripple through the group as they looked up, drawn to the celestial spectacle unfolding in the distance. It was a bronze tripod with embers of flames dancing around it!

“Someone is breaking through!”

Most prodigies of the outer sect typically chose to bide their time, opting to savor the benefits of inner disciple status before seeking advancement in hopes of leveraging the sect's resources to lay a solid foundation.

However, the recent secret realm expedition have allowed some to amass sufficient resources.

While it may look as though the sect has incurred heavy losses this time, it's only natural that a few among the members emerge as winners.

Unquestionably, these champions would no longer hold back, instead striving tirelessly for breakthroughs during this period of opportunity.

Examining the magnificent display hovering above the district for all to behold, Bubai muttered under his breath, "Definitely larger than the Long Batian guy." Still smaller than his.

Regardless, it must be a true prodigy – one worth fighting for.

In the distance, Bubai could already see the silhouettes of clan members hastening toward the scene.

Alas, they still lost out to the elder soaring over to welcome the new inner disciple.

This was probably the newcomer’s aim. In times when the higher-ups were short of hands, it was the best time to secure himself a patron.

It was all calculated strategies to seek the most benefits. Just another smart one making preparations for the upcoming event.

This dynamic was mirrored among the inner disciples: the losers diligently sought to recuperate from their injuries, while the triumphant further fortified their strengths.

Everyone was preparing in their own unique manner, and Bubai himself was no exception.

Bubai's senses snapped into high alert as he detected the ball hurtling towards him once again, but this time, he made a conscious decision not to intercept it, merely observing as it sailed off the rooftop.

But shortly after, his heart skipped a beat as he witnessed the foolish cat flinging herself after the ball, her limbs outstretched in her quest for freedom! “Meowww~”

Without a second thought, his hands shot out, seizing the cat's legs and yanking her back into his embrace, the both of them tumbling back onto the hard surface of rooftop. Thump.

Shortly after the impact settled, exasperation flashed across Bubai’s face as he peered up at the contented Miss Meow sitting on him, holding the ball triumphantly. "Did I not tell you to stay away from the edge? It's dangerous.”

Miss Meow blinked at him with innocent eyes, her tail flicking lazily behind her as she declared, "Meow has no worries with yummy fish here."

Sigh, can he get angry with this cat? Sitting upright, Bubai gently flicked her forehead lightly.

"Disobedient," Bubai muttered under his breath, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Meow~” Miss Meow responded with a cheerful meow, her sharp canine teeth peeking out from beneath her delighted smile.

“Okay, enough playtime.” Bubai extended his hand towards the ball, "It's time for me to go."

But before he could retrieve it, the catwoman swiftly tucked it into her bosom, clutching it tightly she stared at him with wide, pleading eyes.

Bubai's hand momentarily paused mid-reach before lowering, defeated. "Fine, you can keep it."

“Meow!” His pet let out a joyous meow at his words, lunging forward to tackle him, showering him with affectionate rubs and nuzzles, “Yummy fish is the best!”

With a soft chuckle, Bubai wrapped his arms around her, content to stay in this moment of warmth and companionship a little while longer.

Receiving his response, Miss Meow's tail teasingly brushed against his legs, her narrowed eyes fixed on him as she started her playful nibbles on his lips.

After indulging in the soft contact for a moment, Bubai gently pulled away, “Xiao Mao, that's enough. I've already fed you plenty today."

“Meow…” The catwoman protested with a discontented meow but ultimately acquiesced, rolling off him and sitting up on the ground beside him, tucking her tail under herself.

Rising to his feet, Bubai reached down to tenderly stroke Miss Meow’s head, eliciting a contented purr as he ruffled her ears. "Okay, I'm leaving. Be safe when playing by yourself, okay?"

“Meow will.” Miss Meow nodded, her gaze fixed on him with rapt attention.

With a fond chuckle, Bubai turned to depart, scaling the ledge and leaping off into the open skies beyond.

After he left, Miss Meow prowled over to the ledge, hopping up and perched herself there, silently watching Bubai's figure until it disappeared from her view, a quiet longing settling in her heart as she remained behind, alone once more.