Lin Fei learned the origins of the old Taoist from the little Taoist.

It turned out that the old Taoist was a Qi cultivator. He accidentally obtained a technique for refining zombies.

In order to create powerful zombies, the old Taoist tried various methods to kill some Body Refining martial artists.

Especially those who practice hard martial arts, using them to refine zombies would double the effect.

The reason they were in this abandoned temple was because the area around the temple was desolate. And it was some distance from Su City.

Many travelers would choose to rest in the temple for a night. So, the old Taoist waited here like a hunter waiting for prey.

Of the five zombies, three were created by killing martial artists who sought shelter in the temple. And thus, they were transformed into powerful zombies.

"Cultivator..."

A thought crossed Lin Fei's mind. He hadn't expected that in addition to martial artists, there were cultivators. Moreover, the methods of these cultivators were truly mysterious and unpredictable.

According to the little Taoist, the old Taoist was only at the second level of the Qi Condensation realm. But with just the second level of the Qi Condensation, he could control five terrifying zombies.

If there weren't martial artists like Lin Fei who mastered the Shock Technique, body Refining martial artists basically stood no chance against these iron corpses.

This was truly horrifying.

"By the way, where is the Zombie-refining Technique?" Lin Fei asked.

"It's in the old Taoist's pocket."

Lin Fei hurriedly searched and found a palm-sized object that looked like a turtle shell, made of neither gold, jade, nor paper. It was densely covered with text.

This was the Zombie-refining Technique.

Lin Fei's heart was filled with joy. If he could cultivate the Zombie-refining Technique, wouldn't he become a cultivator too?

"How do I cultivate the Zombie-refining Technique?" Lin Fei asked.

"Well... the old Taoist said that it requires aptitude. And the aptitude for becoming a cultivator is one in ten thousand."

"Aptitude?" Lin Fei furrowed his brow.

"This treasure jade is what the old Taoist said could identify whether one has aptitude or not. Put the treasure jade in your hand. If it glows, it means you have aptitude. If it doesn't glow, it means you don't have the aptitude."

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Lin Fei held the treasure jade in his hand and quietly waited. However, after waiting for a long time, the treasure jade did not emit any light. It seemed that Lin Fei did not have any aptitude.

"Do you have aptitude?" Lin Fei looked at the little Taoist and asked.

"I... I have aptitude. But cultivating the Zombie-refining Technique is extremely difficult. I... I have just begun to sense Qi and am just a beginner. I haven't even reached the first level of Qi Condensation. According to the old Taoist, under normal circumstances, it would take me three years to reach the first level of Qi Condensation," The little Taoist cautiously said.

Lin Fei remained silent. He glanced at the Zombie-refining Technique on the turtle shell again. A thought crossed his mind.

With the system, maybe he could give it a try. So, he silently memorized the incantation of the Zombie-refining Technique.

"The Zombie-refining Technique rejects you for not having cultivator aptitude, refusing to cultivate."

Suddenly, the voice of the system sounded in Lin Fei's mind.

"Uh..." Lin Fei's face stiffened.

"R-Refusing to cultivate..."

This was the first time Lin Fei had encountered such a situation. Even the system said he had no aptitude to be a cultivator. It seemed that the Zombie-refining Technique was destined to have nothing to do with Lin Fei.

"Hmph, so what if you're a cultivator? You were still killed by me, a Body Refining martial artist! Once a martial artist becomes powerful, reaching the Acquired or even Innate level, they are also extremely powerful!"

Lin Fei didn't care much about not being able to become a cultivator. However, the methods of cultivators were indeed weird. Sometimes, they were even difficult to guard against.

This little Taoist was a bit troublesome.

"Little Taoist, what do you think I should do with you? If I let you go, who knows if you'll want to avenge the old Taoist? You, a cultivator with countless tricks, could hide in the shadows and cause me trouble. The best way is to remove the roots, completely eliminate future troubles, don't you think?"

Lin Fei's words made the little Taoist's soul tremble with fear.

The little Taoist was clever. He, of course, understood Lin Fei's meaning.

"I... I have a way to ensure that you can trust me completely. There's a Heart Pulse Technique mentioned in the Zombie-refining Technique. Once you use the Heart Pulse Technique, you'll be able to sense me at any time, even detecting any ill intentions I might have, and with a single thought, I would die.

Also, even though I haven't reached the first level of Qi Condensation, I can cultivate, I'm still young, and I have potential. Even the elder Taoist said my aptitude is acceptable.

If I can reach the first level of Qi Condensation or higher in the future, I can be of great help to you. Yes, martial arts. Since you are a martial artist, you will need external assistance and elixirs to reach the acquired or innate realm. If I become a cultivator, I can help you refine the pills needed for your martial arts training."

Lin Fei's eyes lit up.

Pills!

These were valuable items.

Martial artists also needed pills. Even Body Refining martial artists were no exception. However, the price of elixirs within the Nine Profound Sect was too high. It was not something Lin Fei could afford.

But with the young Taoist, especially one with aptitude, if he becomes a cultivator capable of refining pills in the future, it would be of great significance to Lin Fei.

"Heart Pulse Technique, huh?"

Lin Fei carefully examined the Zombie-refining Technique.

Indeed, it contained a secret method called the Heart Pulse Technique. This was just a little trick that even mortals can perform.

Once the Heart Pulse Technique was used to control the other's essence blood, unless the other party could break through the realm above Qi Condensation, otherwise, they would be unable to break free from the Heart Pulse Technique.

As for the realm above Qi Condensation, the Zombie-refining Technique did not provide any information. But reaching a level beyond Qi Condensation would definitely be very difficult.

"Fine, young Taoist, use the Heart Pulse Technique, offer your essence blood, and your life will be spared."

Lin Fei spoke slowly, making his decision.