This was a Li-Fire Crow?
Was this not a Sun-Fire Crow?
And a first-grade, perfected Sun-Fire Crow at that!
In terms of strength, it was no weaker than a cultivator at the peak of Qi Refinement. In fact, because it was a spirit beast, its strength was even superior. Only a powerful genius like Lin Qingshu, who had comprehended Sword Intent, would pose a significant threat to a Sun-Fire Crow.
"The Li-Fire Crow evolved into a Sun-Fire Crow?"
Meng Yan looked at Yaya's somewhat familiar appearance and demeanor before he dared to confirm that this was indeed the same crow that had been sunbathing in this courtyard not long ago!
This was simply too incredible!
He wouldn't have been surprised if Yaya had recovered its strength or evolved into a Crimson-Fire or Candle-Fire Crow, but the Sun-Fire Crow form was too extraordinary. It even had a chance to break through to the third grade, becoming a powerful beast capable of contending with Golden Core cultivators!
"Yes."
Facing Meng Yan's doubt, Qi Ping nodded with certainty.
"Brother Qi, what masterful methods! Having the Li-Fire Crow contract with you as its master was indeed the right choice!"
Looking at Yaya, who had transformed into a Sun-Fire Crow, Meng Yan felt a trace of envy in his heart. After all, who wouldn't envy a powerful and loyal pet?
However, he had no intention of being jealous. The path of beast taming was not simple, and Yaya would have struggled to receive proper nurturing by his side. He had his own path of the immortal Dao to walk, and beast taming would not be his choice. Furthermore, his ultimate goal was much higher than the ceiling of a Sun-Fire Crow!
Yaya staying with Qi Ping was the best choice.
"It was just good luck. Yaya itself has excellent aptitude!" Qi Ping said modestly.
Indeed, Yaya had been diligent enough on its own!
When Yaya came out and saw the familiar courtyard and the large, muscle-bound two-legged beast, it was briefly stunned. Then, it flew before Meng Yan, flaunting its fully recovered strength and its even more powerful bloodline.
"Gah gah! (Large two-legged beast, Grandpa Crow is doing great now!)"
"Fine, fine, I know how impressive you are!" Meng Yan saw Yaya's smug look and knew exactly what it meant.
"Gah gah!"
Yaya suddenly let out two cries and then solemnly gave Meng Yan a respectful bow, seemingly thanking him for his care during that time. Then, it flew back to Qi Ping's shoulder.
"Yaya is thanking you for your previous care! It says if you ever need its help, you can find it..." Qi Ping explained on the crow's behalf.
"It helped me too. It's just mutual aid. Seeing it recovered makes me feel at ease," Meng Yan shook his head and laughed.
He didn't think there would ever be a day he would need to ask Yaya for help. In Meng Yan's goals, the Golden Core stage was merely the starting point! Could Yaya possibly evolve into an even more powerful beast or achieve further ancestral regression?
"By the way, Brother Meng, speaking of which, I happen to have some matters I'd like to ask your help with."
"Brother Qi, feel free to speak. I will certainly not refuse if it's within my power!" Meng Yan patted his chest and promised.
These words were sincere. After the Dao discourse, he had recognized Qi Ping as a friend in his heart. Seeing Yaya doing so well with Qi Ping only furthered his belief in the man's character. He believed that helping Qi Ping grow stronger would only benefit him in the end. He even hoped Qi Ping would become even more powerful; that way, when the whirlpool of strife descended upon him, he would have an unexpected external aid.
Especially since Yaya had evolved into a Sun-Fire Crow—once it broke through to the second grade, combined with Qi Ping's own strength, they might be able to turn the tide at a critical moment. Of course, if he wanted Qi Ping's help when the time came, he felt he should provide more assistance first. Even though they were friends, it was best to do things on a basis of mutual benefit.
"I wish to contract another spirit beast with a spirit-soul attribute talent. I wonder if you have any channels to find one, Brother Meng?"
"A spirit-soul spirit beast?"
"Correct!"
"Such spirit beasts are quite rare and uncommon, but there should be some within the sect. At this juncture, many people should be willing to sell spirit beast cubs. I'll have someone look into it for you. It will take some time; once I've gathered the information, I'll send the details to you via a transmission talisman!"
"Good, then I shall trouble you, Brother Meng! I will certainly pay you a proper reward when the time comes!"
"There's no need for a reward. In fact, if you're short on spirit stones, I have quite a surplus and can assist you..."
"How could I accept that?"
"Of course you can! After all, I was the one who proposed the alliance. Given my current situation, there will surely be battles in the future where I'll need your help. If I don't give you something now, how could I have the face to ask later? Besides, there is a matter I actually need your help with soon!"
"What is it? Please tell me, Brother Meng!"
"We'll discuss that in a moment. I heard from Boss Gao that you need fire-attribute defensive spells, spirit herbs, and first-grade high-rank fire-attribute pill recipes?"
"Yes, I was just about to mention that," Qi Ping nodded.
"Hmm... let me think." Meng Yan pondered for a while before speaking. "Recipes will take some time to procure, but I do have spirit herbs and spells on hand."
With that, Meng Yan took a jade slip from his storage bag. Jade slips not only contained the textual information of a technique but generally included the Intent of the method as well, making them much easier to comprehend than books.
"This jade slip contains a set of first-grade fire-attribute spells. There are three techniques in total. The first is the Explosive Flame Art, which possesses powerful impact and destructive force; among first-grade fire-path spells, its offensive power is top-tier."
"The second is the Explosive Flame Movement, which allows for extreme speed in short bursts. Whether used for combat or a quick escape, it is a superior spell!"
"The third is the Explosive Flame Net. This method integrates offense and defense, using offense as a shield. It is most suitable for resisting high-intensity attacks, using the power of explosive flames to destroy the opponent's assault to the maximum extent."
"This set of spells was given to me by my Master. Even inner disciples of the Qingyuan Sect would find it difficult to obtain spells of this level. See if they suit you, Brother Qi."
Qi Ping pressed the jade slip to his brow and instantly sensed the contents and that unique technique Intent through his divine sense.
This...
Qi Ping was instantly shocked by the profundity and the Intent of the set. Compared to these, the Wood-Flame Spirit Manual was nothing! He was certain the level of these spells was definitely above first-grade high-rank!
What shocked Qi Ping even more was that he sensed a hint of the True Meaning of Fire within the technique Intent! In other words, mastering these spells would be of immense benefit to his comprehension of the True Meaning of Fire!
And once Qi Ping comprehended the True Meaning of Fire, his cultivation in the late stages of Qi Refinement would be as smooth as a walk on level ground, achieving twice the result with half the effort! If he could then clarify his Dao-heart Intent, as Meng Yan suggested, the Foundation Establishment stage could be broken through in a single charge!