The reason Ling Xiao dared to leave the fifth level of Ghost Prison early was because he had collected quite a few Demon Beast Crystal Cores inside.

With these Demon Beast Crystal Cores, there’s no difference between training outside and inside, and it doesn’t hinder the contest for the Shadow Black Gourd.

Although half a month ago, Heiye Wuguang said the contest for the Shadow Black Gourd would start in a month.

But who can guarantee that some people won’t deliberately prevent Ling Xiao from participating and might even bring the date forward?

After all, he has offended An Yexing and An Hua, so he must be extra vigilant.

He had not yet started his cultivation when suddenly he heard the voice of Heiye Wuguang from outside.

"Little punk, is that you coming back?"

Little punk?

Since when did this old geezer use such a "friendly" term to call me?

Does he really think of me as his adopted son?

Ling Xiao was speechless, but he still went outside.

Sure enough, it was Heiye Wuguang.

"Grand Elder, do you have any instructions?"

Ling Xiao asked.

"Hahaha, you lucky guy, I just got news—our Clan Leader wants to bring the contest for the Shadow Black Gourd forward, just within the next few days. I was worried you wouldn’t make it back in time.

Didn’t expect you to come back early."

Heiye Wuguang appeared to be in a good mood, genuinely happy for Ling Xiao.

It was clear that Heiye Wuguang had come to terms with it. Whether Ling Xiao recognizes him as his adoptive father or not, he just has to feel it in his heart.

This is a kind of self-soothing spirit, I guess.

"Really bringing it forward?"

Ling Xiao cursed inwardly. Thank goodness I was clever enough to come back early; otherwise, I’d be in trouble.

"Yes, no idea what kind of nerves the Clan Leader is having."

Heiye Wuguang sighed and said, "But it’s good you’re back. How’s your cultivation? Don’t tell me you haven’t broken through a single realm."

"Broken through."

Ling Xiao nodded.

"Really broken through?"

Heiye Wuguang was so surprised his eyeballs almost fell out; it’s only been half a month. Ghost Prison’s fifth level didn’t seem to have such good cultivation effects.

Could it be another fortuitous encounter?

He glanced at Ling Xiao but didn’t ask; asking likely wouldn’t get an honest answer from this kid anyway.

"Wolf Travel Thousand Miles—should have reached Great Perfection in the first style, right?

The second style should at least be Great Success, right?

The third style can at least be at the Beginner Stage, right?

I’m not demanding the later styles, but if you can’t even manage this, it’d be very disappointing to your father."

Heiye Wuguang started talking to himself again.

"Who is your son? I’m speechless, but I have indeed completed what you mentioned."

Ling Xiao still didn’t specify; he just wanted to stay away from this old guy; clearly obsessed with having a son.

"Okay, good, not bad. The next few days, you need to further strengthen this Wolf Travel Thousand Miles Body Movement Technique.

As long as you master the first three styles of this technique, even if you can’t defeat your opponents in battle, you won’t be too unlucky."

Heiye Wuguang smiled, "Hahaha, although I don’t have high hopes for you winning the Shadow Black Gourd’s usage rights, just comprehending it is enough."

Ling Xiao thought: I certainly need to fight for the usage rights of the Shadow Black Gourd.

Not just because the Shadow Black Gourd is a powerful Magical Treasure, but more importantly, having it means I can find my good brother Ling Yan.

Besides, the Hei Xianshan Mountain Master Heiye Wuxing, though not officially my teacher, has helped me escape danger several times.

Once I establish myself firmly in the Dark Clan, I plan to restore Heiye Wuxing’s status in the clan.

Meanwhile, I’ll also investigate the true cause of Heiye Wuxing’s son’s death.

It’s a way of repaying this Mountain Master.

If it weren’t for Heiye Wuxing warding off An Hua twice, Ling Xiao wouldn’t be who he is today.

"When drinking water, don’t forget the people who dug the well."

Ling Xiao is not someone ungrateful and forgetful.

He would never forget his benefactors.

"Thinking about what, little punk, there’s another great news: Didn’t you ask my big brother to get that Sword Soul Stone for you? It’s already secured.

My big brother fronted two hundred million low-grade Spirit Stones and promised two tasks for the Sect.

My second brother fronted one hundred million low-grade Spirit Stones and promised one task for the Sect.

I arrived late, so I only fronted one hundred million low-grade Spirit Stones.

So you’ve essentially gotten the Sword Soul Stone for free."

Heiye Wuguang laughed, "Little punk, overly excited now, right?"

Honestly, Ling Xiao couldn’t be happier.

The people with the Heiye surname treated him so well, he felt a bit embarrassed.

"No need to feel embarrassed. All three of us Heiye brothers have been quite unlucky.

My big brother is still unmarried, naturally without children, his mind solely focused on Martial Arts.

My second brother had a woman he loved, but she left him more than ten years ago, leaving a newborn son.

Unfortunately, that son was also killed, suspected to be by the Sha Clan, but due to lack of evidence, my second brother has been perpetually gloomy.

As for me, though I seem carefree, I deeply love a woman. It’s just that she’s too high above to even glance at me.

That has left us three brothers childless. Now you understand why I want to adopt you as a son?

My big brother and second brother treat you well for the same reason."

Perhaps it’s because Heiye Wuguang was in a good mood today that he spilled a lot more than he should have.

But this made Ling Xiao feel a bit embarrassed.

He made a vow in his heart.

Whether or not he acknowledges Heiye Wuguang as his adoptive father, he will repay the kindness of these three Heiye brothers.

If these three truly have no descendants to care for them, Ling Xiao will take care of them all his life, until he grows old and dies.

Of course, he won’t say it out loud, otherwise, Heiye Wuguang might be overwhelmed with emotion.

"Nothing more to say, Grand Elder. I will definitely take the Shadow Black Gourd this time, not only to prove myself but also to prove the judgment of you three brothers!"

He knew well enough that the fact the three Heiye brothers valued Ling Xiao had long spread around Eight Immortals Mountain.

Many said these three were blind to pick such an unremarkable guy.

There are so many geniuses in the Inner Clan; nurturing any one of them would yield a better result than him.

Though the Heiye brothers don’t say it, they likely hope Ling Xiao can slap these people in the face, make them regret their words.

Ling Xiao will certainly fulfill this small wish for them.

"Hahaha, good son, that’s right. But your father won’t force you, given your opponents are tough."

Heiye Wuguang laughed.

"I say, Grand Elder, can you stop taking advantage of me?"

Ling Xiao really had no words for this shameless guy.

Couldn’t beat him up, and he’s treating Ling Xiao better and better, leaving no reason to act out.

Heiye Wuguang laughed, "You’re so much younger than me; what’s wrong with taking advantage? Oh, almost forgot, hold onto that Sword Soul Stone, and let me remind you:

The top three geniuses of the Dark Clan have all returned from outside.

Their strength is definitely not something you can challenge, so don’t be provoking them like you did with An Feitian."