10,000x Cultivation: I Gain Power by Adopting Training Acolytes

Deep within Southern Wind Forest, five black-robed figures huddled around a dying campfire inside a cavern.

"The inter-sect competition has begun," rasped one shadowed figure.

"When do we move?"

"Immediately."

A crystal mirror emerged from billowing sleeves, its surface displaying three crimson dots pulsing across a map. "They're close," the mirror-bearer declared. With a gust of wind extinguishing their fire, the figures vanished like smoke.

In a forest clearing, a two-meter-tall Blackfang Hare with serrated teeth collapsed with final twitches. Wu Xiaopang stood panting over the Qi Refining Eighth-Level beast, sweat dripping from his round face.

"106 points now," Zhang Yun remarked, studying his glowing bracelet. Though delayed by their earlier confrontation with Qiu Lue, the stolen map had since accelerated their progress. "Regardless of current rankings," he declared, eyes glinting, "we'll claim first place within three days!"

Their next destination revealed an unexpected bounty - a lakeside swarming with crocodilian spirit beasts. Just as Zhang Yun prepared to intervene, the waters churned violently. A five-meter-long leviathan emerged, armored scales glistening wetly under sunlight.

[Spirit Crocodile King]

Realm: Foundation Establishment Second Level

Weakness: Vulnerable nasal cavity and underbelly...

"Finally something worthwhile," Zhang Yun grinned. As the beast lunged with terrifying speed, he pivoted gracefully on Green Origin Steps. His fist, crackling with spiritual energy, uppercutted the exposed pale underbelly.

CRACK!

The colossal reptile catapulted skyward before crashing down belly-up, motionless. Dozens of smaller crocodiles froze mid-swim, amphibian faces comically stunned. When Zhang Yun's predatory gaze swept across the lake, they scattered like leaves in a typhoon - though none escaped his aquatic pursuit.

Amidst the carnage, crystalline shapes glimmered at the lakebed's heart.

[Water Crystal Ganoderma]

Grade: Superior Spirit Herb

Formation: Decade-long aqueous energy crystallization. Critical for water-aligned cultivation. Harvest Method: Submerge in water containers post-harvest. Warning: Dissipates within sixty seconds of air exposure.

"Treasure!" Zhang Yun's eyes blazed as he carefully bottled the glowing fungi. The Immortal Eye Technique revealed residual root markings - evidence of the crocodile king's stolen meals that enabled its breakthrough. "Wasteful reptile," he tutted, lamenting the beast's hasty demise.

As his disciples gathered crocodile carcasses ashore, Zhang Yun's senses suddenly prickled. Spiritual energy surged around him as he wheeled toward the treeline, voice cutting through the forest stillness:

"Show yourselves!"