For the next few days, Wang Li and Yan Zhou continued like this - hunting Demonic Cores. Surprisingly, the two figured out an efficient system; Yan Zhou drew out the beasts and then Wang Li ambushed them with his impressive strength. In only a handful of days, they had collected nearly six Demonic Cores.

The two were feeling proud. However, it was early in the morning when Wang Li heard a party of disciples near them. They were hidden deep within the treetops.

"Yan Zhou, get up, people are here." Wang Li gently shook Yan Zhou, whispering. Just based on his extreme sense of smell, he could tell that the party wasn't a small amount. Narrowing his hearing in their direction, he eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Brothers, we have to hurry up and kill these two brats before the Waterspring Cave opens up. Nearly all the Inner Disciples will be rushing there in the next few days!" The hateful voice of Shen Yi once again ran out, speaking to his fellow disciples. They were a group of four, and the familiar scent of bloodlust already told a story.

It was likely they had already severely injured some disciples they robbed earlier - maybe even killed. Even his tiger mount's sparkling teeth had a reddish tint that added to its' malevolent appearance.

"Yan Zhou, it's Shen Yi and their group. His sabertooth tiger definitely will smell the two of us." They were still a bit out of ears' reach, so Wang Li quickly turned to Yan Zhou.

"Damn it! Should we run?" Yan Zhou nervously reached for the blade at the side of his hip. If it was just him, the only option would be to run very far away.

"Even if we run, they'll simply find us again. They keep on mentioning some kind of cave, although I can't hear very clearly. We might have to make a statement to our strength, and then leave quickly." Wang Li's eyes shined with a ruthless light. He was tired of running and wanted to let Shen Yi have a little taste of their strength.

Truth to be told, he wasn't too confident. But they weren't trying to decimate Shen Yi's group - but instead, make him reconsider their enmity.

"Thump." Wang Li landed onto the ground, confidently placing his hands behind his back. Shen Yi's Sabertooth Tiger started roaring out and ran straight for him, only halting at Shen Yi's command a couple of meters ahead.

"Wang Li, you decided to show yourself!? Do you know what we'll do to you today?" Upon seeing Wang Li, Shen Yi immediately became angry.

"Clearly, this boy is a fool. A mere Eighth Level dares to stand in front of us Qi Foundation experts? Ridiculous!" Shen Yi's friends couldn't help but laugh while looking at Wang Li's brave face while facing them. To them, it was simply unbelievable.

What suicidal Body Transformation expert would dare stand against a Qi Foundation expert?

Just a single First Level Qi Foundation expert could slaughter over five Body Transformation martial artists!

"Do not forget, I am also a Qi Foundation expert." At this moment, Yan Zhou stepped out of the bushes, sheathing his cold sword. He and Wang Li had already sworn brotherhood, and so he would stand next to him in all matters.

Even he felt this was a bit too insane!

"Shen Yi, all we wish is information on this cave. If you insist on attacking us, we will make you pay a price first!" Wang Li coldly stated, his hands still placed behind his back.

Truth to be told, a major reason for his confidence was his breakthrough to the Eighth Level only two days ago. He could feel further tempering in his body and internal organs - making each and every breath of his similar to that of a dragon.

"Haha, such a lowly brat dares to speak like so? Fine, it isn't a secret, the famous Waterspring Cave is opening soon in the forest - and is supposedly holding a cave full of drips of spiritual water! Almost half of the Inner Court is heading there, and we will be going after I finish you two! Brothers, let me handle this matter." Shen Yi confidently leaped off his Sabertooth Tiger, unsheathing his own sword. The anger flashed every so often in his eyes as he looked at Wang Li, stepping forward.

Truth to be told, he was a bit embarrassed by this show. He was at the First Level of Qi Foundation, nearing the Second Level and had to deal with a lowly First Level brat and a martial artist at Body Transformation.

Only by thoroughly stomping on Wang Li and Yan Zhou in front of his friends would he regain some face!

"Yan Zhou, you deal with the tiger. Make sure he pays the price for messing with us. I'll handle him." Wang Li and Yan Zhou had already established who was stronger, and it was only fit Wang Li fought Shen Yi!

"Be ready for my fist, Shen Yi!" Wang Li suddenly dug his foot into the ground, channeling all his inner strength, and burst forward in an impressive bout of speed. Using the low-class movement skill, Monkey Steps, he appeared in front of Shen Yi in an instant.

"Lowly Body Transformation!" Shen Yi was extremely quick to respond, bringing his blade down full circle towards Wang Li - aiming to cut him in half.

'Monkey Steps, second step' Springing to the side, the blade narrowly missed Wang Li by a small margin. His fist came circling around - aiming to slam Shen Yi in the shoulder.

"Hmph! Traveler's Steps!" Shen Yi used his own low-class martial skill and avoided Wang Li's fist. Sheathing his blade, he prepared to show off his own might.

"Listen here, Wang Li! This is the difference between Body Transformation and Qi Foundation! Die scum!" Shen Yi's blade suddenly hummed at its own unique rhythm, some sort of blue energy rising off of Shen Yi's body.

This was Qi! Shen Yi was using the energy he cultivated in his dantian to power his attacks!

"Silver Crescent Moon - Mortal Class Martial Art!" Suddenly the blue energy swarming off of Shen Yi turned bright silver - resonating with his sword. Swinging his sword down, a crescent of energy flew off his blade and directly shot towards Wang Li.

This was a Qi attack from a Mortal Class Martial Art! The difference between a mere low-class martial art and a Mortal Class martial art was the ability to use Qi!

The gap was nearly insurmountable! Even Wang Li felt an extremely dangerous pressure from the crescent of energy flying towards him, and knew that even his toughened body would fail in front of such an attack!

"Iron Body!" Wang Li could only use a defensive low-class martial art and hurriedly cross his arms in front - hoping to defend from the attack! The sharp crescent of blade slammed into his defense, and cut deep and hard - nearly revealing his sparkling bones.

"Drip...drip." Blood dripped down from Wang Li's arms, his own white bone visible from beneath the cut.

Qi attacks were nothing to play with!