19 Elder Lin Dong Las (1/2)
There were several reasons as to why Elder Lin Dong suddenly became stronger. For the most part, it was because his Spirit Energy use and control became more efficient.
When using a low-grade art, the user needed to spend an increased amount of Spirit Energy for the art to reach the required level of power. All Forest Clan Arts before were low-grade. At the Perfection Stage, they could at most produce might equivalent to the third layer of the Body Tempering Realm.
So, when someone at the Peak of the Ninth Layer like Elder Lin Dong wanted to use a force equivalent to the 9th layer, it had to spend increased Spirit Energy to overcome six small realms of power.
Not only the consumption increased, but the Art activation speed also reduced a lot. Qi had to flow from the Spirit Sea through the inner channels and meridians until it reached the point needed to activate the technique. In this case, the right hand.
When Ming Ren improved the Forest Clan Body Tempering Realm Arts, they all became high-grade at least, and this Hand Art particularly reached High Might. Even if only at the Small Success Stage, it could produce easily might of the 7th layer. To produce the same might as before, Lin Dong only needed to overcome two small realms as opposed to six.
Not only that but with the reborn [One With The Forest] Cultivation Law, his Qi Gathering and Qi distribution speed reached astounding heights. From the moment the Spirit Energy left his Spirit Sea to the moment it reached the hand it took much less time than before and wasted a lot less energy.
Cultivation Laws didn't have stages like Martial and Mystic Arts so once he got used to the new rules Elder Lin Dong could bring its power out right away, even if not perfect. His Spirit Sea, thanks to the food earlier, was already in an almost complete stage, almost solving another flaw.
Elder Lin Dong was no longer the same cultivator as before. At least, in the Body Tempering Realm, no common cultivator would claim to be his match.
”Lin Dong, it seems you were hiding a lot of things!” Red Leg complained while fighting another Spirit Beast. Lin Dong always eyed his Flame Techniques, but compared to that set of Arts, they were nothing.
Seeing Red Leg and Lin Dong the other cultivators were filled with hope. The ones more familiar with each other took battle formations and fought back fiercely. Lin Dong's group were also impressed with the Elder. Even Little Fu had a newfound respect for him.
The Forest Clan group hunted together for a long time, so they adapted quickly to the situation. Little Fu and Lin Yin served as the frontline, while Lin Qiang complemented their moves whenever there was a tough spot. Lin Shu stayed behind and attacked with her bow.
This was a low-grade Battle Formation used by the forest clan called [Strong Wood Formation]. It specialized in controlling the flow and limiting damage and risk, but it was more of an organized way for the group to attack without any mystic benefit.
When a Spirit Beast attacked, Lin Yin and his greatsword charged in, hitting hard and aiming to grab its attention. Little Fu worked as a secondary decoy. He had an innate disposition to enrage Spirit Beasts (and humans alike). If Little Fu couldn't handle the pressure, Lin Qiang would pierce with her thin sword, always aiming for weak spots.
Lin Shu and her bow kept the enemy at bay and did their best to injure. If Elder Lin Dong joined the formation he would also spearhead the attack and ease the pressure on the others. Although extremely tiring, the group managed to avoid casualties and any injuries and seemingly controlled the pace of battle.
”How long do we need to hold out for, Red Leg?” After killing a few more Spirit Beasts, Elder Lin Dong fell a bit back to his group and also joined the formation. When the beasts didn't stop coming, it became clear they would not be able to make a run for it anytime soon.
”I'm not sure, depends on whether there are higher-ranked hunters out there and even if they will come to help in time,” when situations like these happened, the hunters usually banded together and even sought help for each other, but their safety was still top-priority. The nearby clans would also send help, but as for making it in time…
From somewhere else in the Forest, a huge roar echoed. The forest trembled and many trees even fell. Spirit Beasts started pouring from every direction.
”This is endless! Focus on your left!” Elder Lin Dong sighed and moved to protect his clan members. They fought conserving energy as much as possible but stronger beasts occasionally appeared.
”UghAAAAAAAAAAH!” From Red Leg's group, another cultivator died. A mantis-like Spirit Beast slashed him apart with its sharp looking claws. Flood Mantis, Spirit Sea, 1st layer!
Red Leg moved to intercept, but at his right, another scream echoed. A huge sharp-fanged feline pierced a cultivator with its long teeth. Saber-Toothed Cat, Spirit Sea, 2nd layer!