Chapter 7 What Kind of Trouble?

"Marcus, what realm are you in right now?" Frederick asked, his tone serious. The others perked up, clearly interested in the answer. "Me? Body Refining Realm!" Marcus replied casually. Everyone froze. "Marcus, you've got to be kidding. You're in the Body Refining Realm? Since when does someone at that level punch out a Void Realm fighter with two hits? Come on, we're all family here. Stop messing around!" Mik Thorne protested, unconvinced. Marcus glanced at him and said, "I'm telling the truth. I'm just in the Body Refining Realm. If you don't believe me, see it for yourself!" With that, he clasped his hands together and released his energy. Everyone fell silent, utterly stunned. They could sense it clearly—Marcus' realm truly was in Body Refining, but that only made the whole situation even more terrifying. "Marcus, what kind of fortune did you stumble upon?" Frederick asked. Among everyone present, he was undoubtedly the best person to raise such a question. "I acquired a cultivation technique—a Body Strengthening Technique—and a few martial arts techniques," Marcus replied calmly. "What? That's it?" Everyone was stunned. They had assumed Marcus had obtained some magical artifact or something. But in the end, it turned out to be just a Body Strengthening Technique and some martial arts skills. Marcus nodded. "Yeah, that's it. Right now, I'm at the peak of the Body Refining Realm. Once I step into the Qi Cultivation Realm, taking down someone in the Profound Realm will be as easy as killing a dog. Even taking on the Ruin Realm won't be much of a challenge." His words left the Thorne Family members completely speechless. If anyone else had made such bold claims, they would have thought that person was delusional. But after witnessing Marcus' terrifying strength firsthand just moments ago, they all knew he wasn't exaggerating. "Marcus, what resources do you need to break through to the Qi Cultivation Realm? The family will fully support you!" Colin declared. Seriously? After reaching the Qi Cultivation Realm, the Thorne Family will gain a powerhouse comparable to the Void Return level! What does that even represent? It signifies that within the Nightwind Kingdom, the Thorne Family will ascend to the ranks of top-tier factions! At that point, our safety will be guaranteed, and the resources we can access will multiply tenfold or even a hundredfold! "Indeed, there's something I need the family's help with," Marcus said as he pulled out a list and handed it to Frederick. "These are the materials I require for my Qi Cultivation Realm," Marcus explained. Advancing within minor levels of martial cultivation required only the consumption of spiritual energy. However, breaking through to major levels demanded significant external support in the form of rare materials. The stronger the cultivator, the more intricate and valuable these materials became. Cultivation was, after all, an expensive pursuit. The list Marcus provided had been meticulously compiled from the 'Heavenly Secret Techniques.' Frederick examined the list carefully for a long moment before passing it to Colin. After reading the list, Colin frowned deeply. "Most of the items here are manageable, but a few materials are beyond our reach. Not just for our family—perhaps the entire Borderwatch couldn't supply them," he remarked. "Oh? Which ones?" Marcus inquired. Pointing with his finger, Colin circled a few names. "First, there's the blood of a divine beast. Then, the innate spirit crystal. And finally, the millennial stalactite. These three are beyond our capabilities. The rest, however, should be attainable." Marcus' brows knitted together. "I see." These three materials were irreplaceable, and without them, future cultivation would undoubtedly face significant obstacles. At that moment, Harden Thorne of the Thorne Family spoke up, "I might have a lead on the divine beast's blood." "Really?" Marcus turned to him, intrigued. Harden explained, "It's said that deep within the Highland Mountain range, there's an evil beast believed to be a descendant of a divine creature. Perhaps its blood could suffice?" Marcus immediately smiled and said, "That will do! Even if the bloodline is diluted, it's enough!" Harden hesitated. "But the Highland Valley is the domain of the evil beasts. Even for a Void Realm expert, it would be a near-impossible mission." Marcus laughed. "That's no problem. I'll go myself!" Everyone nodded in agreement. His strength far exceeded that of a Void Realm expert. With him going, success was guaranteed. Keon Thorne, who had been listening nearby, spoke up. "As for the Millennial Stalactite, I might know a place where it can be found." "Oh? Where?" everyone asked. "Shadowbind Guild. Their guild specializes in geomancy and has many mining sites. I remember hearing a few years ago that they were selling Millennial Stalactite," Keon said. Marcus' eyes lit up. "Good. That just leaves the innate spirit crystal!" Frederick and the elders exchanged glances. "Hmm? What's wrong?" Marcus asked. Frederick replied, "Marcus, we know where the innate spirit crystal is, but getting our hands on it is a bit tricky." "How tricky?" Marcus asked.