Dual Cultivation: Beasts and Women!

'There is no established conversion factor for different Arcane Crystals. However, a crystal of the same grade but higher quality should possess a magical potency that is approximately double that of a crystal one step lower in quality.'

Liam had a distinct feeling when he analyzed the two types of crystals, something he hadn't come across in any book. He knew well that there wasn't a set conversion for crystals of different classifications. Besides, the crystals could be distinguished by the prevalent types of elements found in them, adding another aspect to be considered in the "exchange".

'If I can get about 30 King-grade crystals of the High-level, I probably won't have to gather 60 Middle-level ones as the mission asks of me.'

He did the math, figuring out the minimum he would have to hunt to fulfill his mission for this month and the next.

However, besides hunting crystals to fulfill his mission with the sect, he had a personal motive to collect some crystals for himself. It was the most effective way to aid Thal'Korr in his qualitative evolution. Getting crystals of Ancestor-grade, specifically those of the Low-level, could assist him in achieving his goal.

However, he wanted to hunt for this type of crystal last. Although the grade of the crystal had no relation to the cultivation level of the beast, normally beasts with better crystals cultivated faster and were therefore stronger. Not only that, even a low-level beast with high-quality crystals would have higher combat potentials than the opponents he had already faced.

'I'll continue my hunt for Shadowclaw hyenas. As much as they don't have high-grade crystals, I'm already inside their territory and I'll certainly encounter other fools like the Thunderwings from earlier.' He made up his mind as he moved through the woods, ignoring the breeze blowing his hair in the early evening.

'I'll hunt three more groups and then find a place to spend the night. The most active time for beasts is usually at night, while for Spirit Masters, this is the worst time. However, I have the powers of a Shadowfiend. I'm much stronger in the dark.' Liam looked back as he narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists.

All he saw was a short patch of woodland, with several large trees and then darkness. Even so, he could almost see the silhouettes of his enemies, who weren't there now, but he was sure they were chasing him.

If he was going to face enemies in this place, he would definitely prefer to do it at night!

...

As three more hours passed into the night, the familiar chill of this region enveloped the sprawling Demon Gate forest. Slowly, nocturnal creatures emerged from their secluded spots, venturing out in search of prey.

During the moonlit nights, the once serene forests thrived with the heightened activity of beasts, their rustling footsteps echoing through the dense foliage. Moving stealthily through the undergrowth for hunting, pursuing adversaries, or seeking refuge became an arduous task under the shroud of darkness.

Yet, ancient techniques prevailed, offering solace to the wary Spirit Masters, allowing them to navigate the treacherous night with caution and safeguard their purposeful movements.

In this very moment, a quartet of youthful men were employing one of many techniques to accomplish this task, their necks graced with peculiar necklaces adorned with luminous symbols.

Their slow pace matched the rhythm of their pursuit, as a bluish sphere formed around them, stretching out two meters from the luminous symbols adorning their necks.

These were spheres capable of concealing smell, aura and even the Spirit Master's appearance, while not hindering their users from sensing their surroundings. With its use, as long as one didn't provoke the beasts in their surroundings, it would be safe even to pass in front of beasts of the third realm of cultivation.

The group braving the darkness of night, near the Shadowclaws hyena area, had no interest in hunting beasts on this journey, so they had successfully used their artifacts for the last few hours.

"Let's stop. There's something ahead," said the one at the head of the group.

The other three stopped, sensing a moment later a strong smell of blood and various auras of creatures from the second realm.

They got just close enough to see what it was, spotting a group of creatures finishing devouring eight bodies already unrecognizable given how much these beings had already eaten.

'A hunter passed this way... Is he our target?' One of the four young men frowned as he looked at the leader of the group.

"Is that his doing?" He asked after a moment.

"Maybe. Maybe not. He shouldn't be able to take on beasts like that... But if it was, we'd better take advantage of the opportunity. He might be tired and vulnerable," said Francis, the leader of this little group sent by Hannibal!

The other three individuals who had assisted Francis in overpowering Liam that day recognized this as their chance and followed the young man with the short, brown hair.

"But is he moving in the middle of the night? Is he crazy?"

Francis reasoned, being the most intelligent and powerful of the group. "The opposite of that, he's quite intelligent. He has a Shadowfiend in his command. He must be stronger in the nights.

He's probably using this to his advantage to complete his crystal-collecting mission and return to the city."

"We won't have problems?" One of the more anxious of the three asked with a tremulous tone.

"He's up against weaker beasts than us... That's if it's his own doing. He's only one and we have eight Spirits on our side. We'll beat him easily again." Francis had a confident smile, already imagining the prize he would receive from Hannibal.

"Let's sort this out and get home. If we're lucky, we might split the resources on his space storage item."

The three followed behind Francis, agreeing as they felt their blood heating.

...

Close to Peak Thirteen, Azariah stood in front of a small fire inside a cave. He had just cleared such a cave.

In front of him, the flames danced and crackled as a plucked bird slowly roasted, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. Meanwhile, the fat young man's eyes watched toward the cave entrance, from where a chilly wind was blowing in.

Azariah saw parts of the starry night sky, but was in no hurry to catch up with Liam. Even though his target had left several tracks, probably unaware of it, Azariah was no fool to move around at night. He had no items to protect his presence, so he preferred to wait for daylight.

Not only that, but he knew that Liam's Spirit was stronger at night, so he preferred a daytime action.

'Others will probably attack you tonight. I'll let you weaken yourself by fighting and, if you're still alive tomorrow, it'll be time for us to meet one last time.' The boy thought to himself as he licked his lips.

Given how fragrant the meat roasting in front of him was, it was hard to tell whether this was generated by his desire to eat or something else.

Azariah's stomach rumbled, momentarily startling him.

As he realized it was just his hunger and not some kind of terrible monster, he laughed to himself before picking up the large skewer.

With his mouth salivating, he chomped down on that fragrant piece of meat. He closed his eyes as he felt goosebumps run through his body as he felt the delicious sensation of eating roast meat, feeling the saltiness of its seasoning, but also its mana entering his body through his stomach.

...

Close to midnight, Liam was finishing killing his 28th opponent of the day, sweating as he dealt his last blow of the battle.

Swooish!

His sword moved through the air, slashing diagonally until it reached the chest of the brown-furred bear in front of him. It cut through the creature's already wounded chest, making it groan in pain.

As he saw the creature's enormous mouth, with teeth as big as grown men's fingers, Liam didn't miss the chance to land a follow-up blow, plunging his dagger into the enemy's most gaping wound.

His dagger flew like an arrow, reaching the bear's body and penetrating 15 centimeters before stopping.

At that moment, the bear stopped screaming and fell backwards in that area where five other bodies were lying, all of them the bodies of hyena Shadowclaws.

For a moment, Liam stopped to observe the creature, 30 seconds later feeling the enemy's heart stop beating, while the bear's body became wet in its own pool of blood.

'You were the toughest opponent of the night.'

He opened his mouth and took a deep breath. Liam could feel his heart beating hard as he looked at his left arm, where a burning wound from the bear's claws was located.

'I still have 60% of my mana... I have to stop to recover and get some rest. Enemies should be close to me. I can't risk any more than I already have.'

He hurried over to the corpses in this area.

Having collected several crystals over the last few hours, Liam was more agile at ripping these special organs out of hyena bodies, quickly collecting the 5 King-grade, Middle-level crystals. He also collected the teeth and claws of these creatures.

Finally, he removed what was most valuable and what he could take with him from the bear.

At that moment, however, he paused his movements and looked back, having just heard a footstep coming towards him.

Then, three Spirits rushed towards him, their footsteps echoing through the area mixed with barren rocks and undergrowth.