Rat in Yellow Wind Ridge, rising from plundering entries

Chapter 9 A Year’s Time, An Opportunity to Upgrade a Trait—Moon Chaser (Purple)!

“It worked!”

The Yellow Wind King was overjoyed as he picked up the arrow. The tip was noticeably sharper. He took both a regular iron arrow and a magic arrow outside to test them.

The iron arrow was fired—It embedded deep into the stone. Then, he fired the magic arrow. A piercing whistle sounded. Not only did it penetrate the stone more easily, but it also explode upon impact.

“Compared to an ordinary iron arrow, a magic arrow inscribed with restrictions conducts demonic and magical energy more efficiently, doubling its lethality.”

The Yellow Wind King dedicated himself to forging magic arrows. He wasn’t sure if he had a natural talent for forging or if Gold-Consuming Breath was simply that effective.

His success rate in forging magical artifacts with a single restriction was 100%.

Over two months, he crafted six armor-piercing arrows and six razor-sharp arrows Initially, he was slow due to inexperience, but as he became proficient, he could forge one arrow in about five days.

However, When he attempted to combine both ‘Sharpness’ and ‘Armor-Piercing’ restrictions on a single arrow, he failed. He analyzed and experimented, eventually realizing.

Ordinary ironstone couldn’t handle two restrictions. Thus, he refined the iron further, forging it into steel.

It worked!

He successfully created three double-restriction arrows!

Unfortunately, the rare stones he had taken from the gray eagle were running low. The Yellow Wind King examined the gray eagle’s spear, which happened to contain both ‘Sharpness’ and ‘Armor-Piercing’ restrictions. The hammering section of the spear bore a demonic rune— ‘Moon’.

Clearly, this was crafted by his parents—though how it had ended up in the gray eagle’s possession was a mystery.

An idea struck him—What if he embedded the ‘Amplification’ restriction from the token into the spear to boost its power?

He began studying the ‘Amplification’ restriction inside the token.

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[Through study and comprehension, you have acquired a new trait: Formation Novice (White)!].

[Formation Novice (White): You have a basic understanding of restrictions and formations, allowing you to set up beginner-level formations and restrictions.].

While studying, the Yellow Wind King not only gained a new trait, but—[360 days have passed. You have earned the opportunity to upgrade a trait (below Purple grade)!].

“Hmm? Oh, that’s right! I had completely forgotten! Every 360 days, I can upgrade one trait!”

“A full year has passed!”

“Upgrade a trait below Purple grade?”

“The Heaven’s Mandate (Gold) trait is excluded—I don’t need to think twice. I must choose between my two Red-grade traits.”

“Gold-Consuming Breath or Moon’s Favored Spirit… one of them has to go up!”

The Yellow Wind King deliberated carefully.

“Gold-Consuming Breath is powerful… but Moon’s Favored Spirit aligns better with my origins and strengthens my foundation.”

“If I want to find a teacher, I cannot have a weak foundation—otherwise, I might not get to learn the true skills.”

“Upgrade Moon’s Favored Spirit!”

[You have upgraded Moon’s Favored Spirit (Red). You have acquired a new trait: Moon Chaser (Purple)!].

[Moon Chaser (Purple): You pursue the moon’s radiance and are blessed by the lunar stars. During cultivation, you can draw in moon essence to temper your body and refine your soul. On full moon nights, these effects double. Your perception of moon-related phenomena increases by 60%. If a lunar official falls from grace, you are eligible to take their place.].

As the new trait activated, a pillar of moonlight descended upon the Yellow Wind King from nowhere. His flesh, bones, demon core, and soul were all bathed in moonlight. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged toward him.

His entire body began to glow, radiant and pristine. His fur shimmered with streams of moonlight, and his eyes reflected an enormous lunar star. Brilliant light washed over his entire being, cleansing him in a holy and majestic radiance.

The demonic power he had absorbed through Devour was continuously purified by the moonlight, transforming completely into his own strength.

His bloodline evolved a colossal phantom of an ancient Moon Devouring Beast emerged around him. Its aura carried the primordial and prehistoric presence of the wild era, intimidating all creatures within ten miles—causing insects, birds, and beasts to tremble in submission.

_____

Meanwhile, in the Moon Palace, within the residence of the Lunar Star Sovereign, surrounded by attending moon fairies, the Lunar Star Sovereign was combing her hair. Suddenly, she sensed something, her gaze piercing through the mortal realm.

She gently stroked her moon rabbit, murmuring,

“Interesting… A descendant of that bloodline has appeared. The Moon Devouring Rat… a thief indeed!”

The lunar essence refined the Yellow Wind King’s body and spirit. He exhaled deeply. His demon core spun rapidly, absorbing spiritual energy, and soon two brilliantly glowing markings appeared on it.

A moon sigil, pure and luminous.

A golden silk rune, radiating golden light.

Each marking signified a different attribute—lunar and metal—while also hinting at the yin-yang and elemental affinities of earth, fire, water, wind, thunder, and wood.

Once a demon core gained attribute markings, cultivating related techniques and divine abilities would accelerate significantly—this applied not just to demons but to all living beings.

After some time, the moonlight receded, fading into the sky. The Yellow Wind King let out a long breath, feeling completely refreshed. His senses were sharper than ever. He immediately checked his status.

His realm had not changed. However, his bloodline purity had increased dramatically, from 10% to 30%. His body and demonic power had also undergone significant refinement. His strength had definitely increased.

The higher the grade of a trait, the greater its feedback and enhancement!

The Yellow Wind King pondered.

Stretching his limbs, he tested his raw power—even a casual punch shattered a rock, exerting the force of a thousand pounds. He picked up his giant iron hammer and resumed forging his spear, integrating new metals and inscribing the Amplification restriction.

To aid the process, he activated the ‘Spirit Gathering’ restriction from the token, drawing in spiritual energy to temper the spear.

After eighteen days—

The weapon was complete.

A twelve-foot-long, thousand-pound black iron spear had been forged. The Yellow Wind King dripped his blood onto its edge, completing its spiritual attunement. This spear would be his primary weapon.

He also crafted a leather quiver from Scarlet Viper skin, to hold his Bone Bow and arrows, a satchel for supplies, including a Soul-Capturing Bell, an antidote herb, two firestones and a wooden map. He also packed a spare sword and knife, just in case.

Fully prepared, the Yellow Wind King stepped outside. He sealed his cave with a massive boulder, then gazed at the vast Yellow Wind Ridge.

“The sea is boundless for fish to leap, the sky infinite for birds to soar!”

Taking a deep breath, he reassured himself.

“Before leaving, I should check out the Hidden Dragon Cave.”

Upon reaching the cave, he found it collapsed, desolate, and devoid of vitality. Snakes and insects slithered through the ruins, absorbing the last remnants of the underground dragon energy.

“So, the dragon vein is dead!”

The Yellow Wind King sighed.