Casting the magic crystal core into the jade pendant space enhanced the cultivation of magical power, so why wouldn’t the same apply to the beast's flesh? Of course, it would. As Dick had said, even flesh contained the essence of life.

Naturally, the magical power within the flesh paled in comparison to the crystal core, but for Dick, this was already quite beneficial. Every bit of improvement in energy utilization was precious to him.

In fact, Barbara had been right—Dick hadn’t been involved in any more chaotic battles. For the past month, he had been quietly cultivating in his private cave.

"Brother Guo Huai, are you fully recovered?"

"I've been fine for a while. But you, Dick, you've really been putting in the work—holed up in your cave for an entire month. How on earth do you stand it, haha!"

"I'm also training in magic, and that requires a clearer mind. It's easier to stay focused when practicing it," Dick replied modestly. "Brother Guo Huai, any good missions to recommend to me?"

"Don't be ridiculous! The missions are assigned by the family; it's not like we can pick and choose," Guo Huai responded. This was true—the family allocated tasks based on the strength and combat capability of each bloodline warrior, making sure no one was sent to their death without reason.

In Yaoguang Mountain, when the family needed bloodline warriors for a mission, the mentor would notify them directly.

"Sister Barbara, I haven’t seen you in a month, and it seems you’ve grown even more beautiful!"

"Dick, that sweet mouth of yours, haha!"

Calling each other brother and sister, Guo Huai and Barbara both laughed heartily. After all, who didn’t like being respected and hearing a few kind words? In reality, both Guo Huai and Barbara were indeed much older than Dick. For bloodline warriors, cultivation was more about strength than speed.

As they sipped the family-provided wine, the three chatted and laughed, catching up on news and recent events.

The skirmishes between Seven Star Fortress and Hongfan Territory had finally come to an end. Although Guo Huai and Barbara were not in high enough positions to know the details, they could at least confirm that peace had been restored.

During their conversation, Dick noticed that Barbara seemed to possess more information than Guo Huai, and even Guo Huai maintained a certain level of respect toward her. Though Dick didn’t pry into Barbara's background, it was clear that in every place, some people simply had more privileges.

Why were both Guo Huai and Barbara so supportive of Dick? It was simple—his potential had already begun to shine through. While no one knew his exact combat capabilities, it was clear that his strength was impressive. A warrior who had comprehended the water essence couldn’t possibly be weak. After all, understanding an essence wasn’t something easily done.

Both Guo Huai and Barbara were fifth-level warriors, more than ten years older than Dick, yet neither of them had managed to comprehend any essence beyond their bloodline force. This was why the elder Fisher was so revered—when he broke through to the sixth level, he had mastered the essence of metal, which drastically enhanced his combat power.

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In this world of cultivators, where might ruled all, one's strength determined their status.

When Dick, a mere fourth-level warrior, had already comprehended the water essence, what else could that be but potential? Though he never revealed his water essence in family trials, his strength had been demonstrated during the mission at the magic gold mine, where he slew three mid-level magic gold beasts.

Even the pureblood purists among the mentors, though they didn’t favor Dick for being a ‘hybrid,’ refrained from making trouble for him. And though Fisher, the family’s reserved future leader, rarely spoke, he had exchanged a few words with Dick when they met on the mountain. Why? Because respect follows strength.

Fortunately, Dick remained humble in front of Barbara and Guo Huai, always keeping a low profile. After all, their current strength surpassed his own. Potential is one thing, but many with potential fall before realizing it.

Mentor Meng Qing arrived, "Dick, Barbara, your mission has changed."

After giving Guo Huai and the others their assignments and sending them off, Meng Qing began briefing Dick and Barbara.

“The Yan Kingdom is facing some trouble and has requested our help, offering adequate compensation. Originally, Dick wasn’t needed for this mission, but since you’re familiar with the Smith family, you’ll be going with Barbara."

The Smith family? Of course, Dick knew them—it was Harvey’s family, after all. Though Harvey’s family wasn’t noble, they were merchants of considerable renown, with a legacy spanning centuries and a proper surname to their name.

“The issue in the Yan Kingdom goes beyond the Smith family. Our Yaoguang family is only responsible for assisting that part. Typically, high-level warriors and mages don’t intervene easily. Barbara, your strength is more than enough to defeat a sixth-level warrior from the mainland."

Meng Qing wasn’t wrong. Dick, as a fourth-level bloodline warrior, could defeat ordinary fifth-level warriors, and Barbara, being a fifth-level bloodline warrior, could easily handle a mainland sixth-level warrior. After all, the Yan Kingdom had only one advanced warrior.

"This mission isn’t just a simple fight. There seems to be some hidden complexity. Dick, you’re familiar with the Smith family’s head, Markon. You’re smart, and I believe you and Barbara can handle this well. You two will lead the team, with thirteen fifth-level warriors accompanying you."

For so many fifth-level bloodline warriors from the Yaoguang family to be dispatched, the situation must be quite serious.

"Mentor Meng Qing, what exactly is the problem?" Barbara asked.

“The information from the Yan Kingdom suggests that there might be vampires—bloodsucking demons from the Abyss. Several mid-level warriors in the Smith family have already been found dead, completely drained of blood…”

Vampires! Dick glanced at Barbara. This was the first he had heard of such creatures.

“Are there many?” Barbara’s question suggested she had some knowledge of vampires. Her experience was a great advantage in such a situation—no wonder Mentor Meng Qing had assigned her to this mission.

“In the Smith family’s case, there are supposedly no more than three to five. No one has seen the culprits, so they are only suspected to be vampires. There have been similar cases across multiple locations in the Yan Kingdom, where even fifth and sixth-level warriors have been slain, which is why they’ve sought aid from us at Seven Star Fortress.”

For several fifth and sixth-level warriors to have been killed, in multiple locations—there’s no way the Yan Kingdom’s seventh-level mages and warriors could be dispatched for such matters. But Seven Star Fortress was well-suited for this.

The Seven Star Fortress had close trade relations with the Yan Kingdom, and given its proximity, it was only natural that they would come to us for help.

“The reward for this mission is considerable. If you can kill one of the ‘vampires’ or uncover the truth, the compensation will be substantial.”

“Understood,” Barbara nodded.

Dick also grasped the gravity of the situation. Strengthening ties with Barbara was clearly the path to success. Why else would Barbara, instead of Guo Huai, be assigned to this mission? The rewards must indeed be lucrative.