Hearing Himeko's words, Ying'er and the others were visibly shaken.
They hadn't expected that a demonic beast had also shown up over there.
If ferocious beasts could still be dealt with through clever tactics, then demonic beasts…
Those were enemies far beyond what they could handle.
The returning warriors also recounted their experiences in rough detail. Before long, those who had stayed behind understood what had happened, and their shock only deepened.
They hadn't imagined it had been that close.
Jiang Yan let out a bitter laugh and said helplessly,
"In the end, I overestimated myself and underestimated Essence-Refining ferocious beasts."
"Even if they're the lowest tier in the cultivation world, they're still not something mortals like us can confront head-on."
"I still need much more training."
Ying'er's usually relaxed expression turned serious.
"For an early-stage Essence-Refining ferocious beast—and even a demonic beast—to appear near Mount Shu Village…"
"Could it be that no one's been clearing them out recently, letting them creep closer?"
"Should we report this to Mount Shu?"
Draymond shook his head.
"No need. Elder Yunqing already knows. He'll probably send someone to deal with it."
"Besides, most of Mount Shu's seniors are in seclusion right now. They're about to undertake an even more dangerous exploration."
"This isn't the time to disturb them."
Ying'er had no better idea and could only accept it.
"At least this crisis didn't result in any real losses," she said after a moment.
"The injured have pills, and damaged buildings can be repaired later."
Then she smiled.
"Being able to reach this point against an early-stage Essence-Refining ferocious beast—even Lady Ningguang would praise you."
"As for repairs and other chores, we can worry about that later."
Draymond straightened despite his exhaustion, his eyes burning as he stared at the Mangfang Elephant.
"Now—it's harvest time. I'm sure everyone's been waiting for this."
"Indeed."
Ying'er glanced at the blazing looks in the warriors' eyes and nodded with a smile.
"We took heavy injuries, but this time… we struck it rich."
"This is the first Essence-Refining ferocious beast that truly belongs to Mount Shu Village."
"I'll have people start the division right away."
She summoned a warrior and gave a few instructions. The man nodded excitedly and hurried off with a group.
Himeko watched curiously and asked softly,
"It seems a ferocious beast means a great deal to you."
"Of course!"
Draymond nodded firmly.
"Any ferocious beast is a precious cultivation resource. That's why we risk our lives hunting them."
"But this world belongs to cultivators. We don't dare leave the thousand-li radius around Mount Shu Village."
"The beasts we hunt are usually at most peak Foundation Establishment."
"Occasionally, Captain Jean or Lady Ningguang will send us an Essence-Refining one—but an entire early-stage Essence-Refining ferocious beast?"
"This is the first time. It's incredibly important to us."
Himeko grew interested.
"Can you explain now?"
Draymond nodded.
"Ferocious beasts are animals that evolved after absorbing spiritual energy—but failed in the process."
"Those that succeed and awaken bloodlines are called demonic beasts."
"Ferocious beasts contain massive amounts of spiritual energy, making them favored food for cultivators and demonic beasts alike."
"I thought demonic beasts were the cultivators' favorite food," Himeko muttered.
"That's why I said one of," Draymond replied dryly.
"Demonic beasts are far more valuable—fur, bones, flesh, organs, inner cores…"
"In cultivators' hands, all of it can be refined into miraculous materials."
"Likewise, cultivators are demonic beasts' favorite prey."
"This is why humans and demons are often mortal enemies—though there are exceptions. The details are complicated."
"When you join Mount Shu, someone will explain it properly."
Himeko nodded thoughtfully.
In short, cultivators and demonic beasts were part of the same food chain.
Ferocious beasts sat at the very bottom.
This understanding gave Himeko a deeper appreciation of cultivators' power.
"To cultivators, ferocious beasts replenish true essence."
"To warriors, ferocious beasts are treasure from head to toe."
Draymond added,
"The weapon you used earlier was forged from the bones of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment ferocious beast."
Himeko blinked.
"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment bones?"
"And not even the hardest ones," Draymond confirmed.
Jiang Yan spoke calmly,
"My Flying Rainbow Sword was forged from the bones of an early-stage Essence-Refining ferocious beast."
"It was a gift from True Lord Moon Carver. Though it's not a magical artifact, it's the pinnacle of what mortals can wield."
"That's why I could split the Mangfang Elephant's skull."
Himeko finally understood.
"No wonder I couldn't damage its bones no matter what."
"It wasn't just the weapon," Jiang Yan said, shaking his head.
"You should've felt it—your power dispersed when it struck the beast."
"That's because of the spiritual energy within ferocious beasts."
"It ranks just below true essence and demonic energy."
"It naturally suppresses all lower-tier powers."
"That's why people say only demonic beasts or other cultivators can truly deal with cultivators."
Himeko had already realized this—but hearing it confirmed still made her want to complain.
Cultivators, demonic beasts, ferocious beasts…
To mortals, they were all terrifyingly unfair.
"Ferocious beast bones make the best weapons," Draymond continued, energized.
"And their hides can be turned into powerful armor."
"This Mangfang Elephant's hide alone could equip the entire village."
"Even a single foot of early-stage Essence-Refining hide would sell for a fortune in Teyvat."
"It's priceless."
"I heard that back then, Snezhnaya nearly emptied the Northland Bank just to buy a late-stage Foundation Establishment ferocious beast."
"But it was worth it—they built an army that weapons couldn't pierce."
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"That's secondary. The most important thing is the beast itself."
"Ferocious beast blood strengthens the body and inner strength."
"The flesh works even better."
"But the most precious part is the organs—especially the heart."
"Most ferocious beasts store their essence blood there."
"That's the core of their entire being."
Ying'er nodded enthusiastically.
"I can attest to that. When I broke through to Grandmaster, Lady Ningguang asked Lord Baizhu to refine a pill for me using peak Foundation Establishment essence blood."
"This early-stage Essence-Refining essence blood…"
"If absorbed properly, it might even forcibly create a warrior on par with a Land Immortal."
Draymond waved his hand.
"Power without realm is just an empty tower."
"Warriors still need proper cultivation stages."
Ying'er shrugged.
"Either way, it'll help stabilize Mount Shu Village."
"That much I agree with," Draymond said, nodding.
At that moment, warriors arrived carrying massive cutting tools.
Himeko had seen them before, mistaking them for part of the village's infrastructure.
Jiang Yan tossed out his Flying Rainbow Sword.
"Use this for cutting the bones. Those tools can't handle Essence-Refining bones."
A warrior accepted it reverently and hurried off.
The sword wasn't a magical artifact and didn't require its owner to wield it—though only Jiang Yan could draw out its full power.
Himeko watched with interest.
They were clearly experienced.
Dozens of ten-meter-tall wooden barrels were rolled beneath the Mangfang Elephant.
Then came a process not unlike slaughtering livestock—finding arteries, opening the body, draining blood.
Despite blood already spilled on the battlefield, a beast this massive contained an enormous volume.
At least ten barrels' worth.
"There's still blood back at the battlefield," Draymond reminded them.
"We'll need to collect it later. Can't waste an early-stage Essence-Refining ferocious beast."
Ying'er noted it down, though today wouldn't be enough.
This beast alone would take all day to process.
Thousands of warriors swarmed over the carcass, strange tools shifting constantly.
Whenever progress stalled, they moved elsewhere.
Soon, a massive thigh was separated.
The hide was neatly preserved, while the flesh was placed into jade containers.
Seeing Himeko's curiosity, Ying'er explained,
"Ferocious beast meat must be stored properly. It contains spiritual energy—only jade containers can preserve it."
Himeko nodded, awed.
"I understand the principle, but… do you really have that much jade?"
"No need to worry," Ying'er laughed.
"Cultivators are masters of turning stone into gold. Lady Ningguang left Mount Shu Village countless jade blocks."
"More than enough."
Himeko could only sigh.
At this point, anything absurd became reasonable once cultivators were involved.
"Distribute some of the meat for cooking," Jiang Yan said softly.
"Resources should be converted into strength as soon as possible."
"Mount Shu Village isn't truly safe."
"Let's celebrate—this is the first time we relied on ourselves to slay an Essence-Refining ferocious beast."
The surrounding warriors erupted with excitement.
Himeko's heart stirred as she looked at Jiang Yan.
"Can I have a piece to try?"
Jiang Yan chuckled.
"No need to rush, Miss Himeko. This is just the opening act."
"You contributed greatly in the battle—there will definitely be meat for you."
"But…"
He paused, smiling faintly.
"The real prize—the ferocious beast's heart—is what you truly deserve."
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