In the depths of the dark red, blood-filled pond, all was silent and still, as if time itself had lost its usual significance in such a place. Amidst the fiery red, a faint touch of emerald green flickered, drawing attention. As one drew closer, a figure could be seen sitting cross-legged; naturally, it was Xiao Yan, deep in secluded cultivation at the bottom of the blood pond.
Since entering his cultivation state, Xiao Yan hadn’t emerged from it, maintaining a perfectly still posture like an old monk. He continuously absorbed the vast energy around him, using it to temper his meridians, bones, muscles, and even cells. A dark red hue enveloped every inch of his body, even his face, making him appear somewhat menacing and fearsome. But there was no one else here, so no one saw this scene.
Calculating the time, Xiao Yan had been here for about two days. During these two days, he never rested, continuously absorbing the immense blood-colored energy around him. As he absorbed the energy, his Dou Qi gradually became more robust, flowing like a river within his meridians.
According to Xiao Yan’s own estimation, he might have reached the peak of the Nine-Star Dou King level. However, the distance to the Battle Sect realm was still significant. Even with the help of the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pond, it would likely take more than just a few days to reach that level. Xiao Yan was well aware of this, so he didn’t feel anxious. Maintaining a calm state of mind, he steadily absorbed the blood-red energy, controlling the sudden surge of energy as much as possible. After all, no matter how strong one is, if they can’t control their Dou Qi, how could they fight?
In this peaceful state of mind, the tedious passage of time did not affect him. His body remained motionless, continuously absorbing energy, and basking in the strange sensation of gradual transformation within his body. As he continued to cultivate peacefully, Xiao Yan’s black hair grew rapidly, resembling wild grass. Due to the abundant blood-colored energy in his body, his black hair gradually turned into a blood red. From a distance, he now looked like a blood-soaked figure, exuding a menacing aura.
Xiao Yan paid no attention to the changes on his skin. He knew that this was due to the excess energy he absorbed, and once he fully controlled it, everything would return to normal. For now, he needed to stabilize his mind and feel the growing power within him.
In the dark red blood pond, time flowed like a stream. In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. During these ten days, Xiao Yan’s body remained motionless, and his blood-red hair became even more intense. Notably, his aura had grown to a terrifying level, though he still hadn’t broken through the Dou King realm. Compared to ten days ago, his strength had at least tripled.
Despite the transformation of his aura, he still hadn’t broken through the Dou King realm, demonstrating how difficult it was to reach the Battle Sect realm. If not for the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pond, even with Xiao Yan’s progress, it would have taken at least half a year to reach this level.
Waves of viscous blood-colored energy continuously poured into Xiao Yan’s body. At some point, his face suddenly twitched, and his eyelids fluttered, slowly opening. Opening his eyes, Xiao Yan was surprised. The reason he was awakened was not due to any external factor but because he realized that as his cultivation intensified, the soul clone of the “Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body” at his brow was also absorbing the blood-colored energy. However, perhaps due to his suppression, the clone absorbed very little energy. It was only now that he noticed the clone gradually becoming stronger.
“Is this energy effective for soul growth?” Xiao Yan muttered in confusion, then hesitated briefly before snapping his fingers. An invisible light shot out from his brow and landed beside him.
As the clone appeared, it automatically emitted a suction force, drawing the viscous blood-colored energy into its body. When the blood-colored energy came into contact with the Heaven Devouring Flame protecting the clone, it caused a sizzling sound as the fire poison was expelled.
“Thankfully, the Heaven Devouring Flame protected the clone; otherwise, it would have been immediately eroded by the fire poison and dispersed,” Xiao Yan sighed in relief.
As the massive wave of viscous, blood-colored energy entered the clone’s body, a dense dark red color surged out, turning the previously transparent and ethereal clone into a blood-red shade. Although its appearance changed, Xiao Yan, who was connected to the clone, was pleasantly surprised to feel that the clone’s strength was rapidly increasing at an astonishing rate.
“At this speed, combined with the tempering of the Heaven Devouring Flame, it won’t be long before it reaches the threshold of the Hall. This place’s energy can also refine the soul clone?” Xiao Yan was shocked by the speed and murmured joyfully.
Within just half a year, Xiao Yan was on the verge of reaching the Hall level with the Three Thousand Lightning Illusionary Body. If the Wind and Thunder Pavilion heard this, those who practiced the technique would spit blood in frustration. Especially Fei Tian, who had spent nearly five years to achieve the same, while Xiao Yan had shortened the process by several or even tenfold.
The miraculous effect of the blood-colored energy here was unknown even to Jin Shi, as he didn’t have a different flame to protect his soul. Exposing his soul to the fire poison would be a death sentence.
Pleased with this discovery, Xiao Yan closely watched the changes in the clone. After a long time, seeing no other abnormalities, he finally relaxed and left the clone to absorb energy, confident that the massive energy in the blood pond would suffice.
Shifting his focus back to his own body, Xiao Yan sensed the internal changes. The smile on his face grew wider. “Peak Dou King… Jin Shi wasn’t lying. This place might really allow me to break through to the Battle Sect realm, but it will take a considerable amount of time.”
Lifting his head, he glanced up, but the viscous blood-red energy blocked his view. The uniform dark red world made him feel oppressed, but he gritted his teeth and continued, determined to break through the Dou King realm.
“If I can successfully break through to the Battle Sect realm, if I meet Fei Tian again, I can at least hold my ground. With Yaotian Elder’s assistance, I might even stand a chance against him.”
The gap between Battle Sect and Dou King was vast. If he achieved Battle Sect, the distance between him and Fei Tian would no longer seem unattainable. Relying on some external forces, he could challenge him. Additionally, reaching Battle Sect would significantly increase his success rate in refining seventh-grade pills, giving him confidence to rank among the top ten in the Dan Pagoda’s gathering.
Thinking of the benefits of reaching Battle Sect, Xiao Yan’s heart burned with determination. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at the soul clone absorbing energy and formed a cultivation seal with his hands, closing his eyes. This time, he resolved not to leave the blood pond until he broke through the Battle Sect realm.
As Xiao Yan resumed his cultivation, the bottom of the blood pond fell silent once more. The only difference was the addition of a figure, like a bottomless pit, continuously absorbing energy. Time passed swiftly, and Xiao Yan, fully immersed in his cultivation, lost track of it. He was in a state of oblivion, and the only way to end it was to break through.
To break through, Xiao Yan was resolute. Since arriving in the Central Plains, he felt that Dou King strength was no longer sufficient to provide him with security. In this land teeming with powerful experts, only continuous improvement could ensure his safety.
In this oblivious state, time slipped away like sand through fingers, without a ripple. Ten days, twenty days, a month, one and a half months, two months…
On the seventy-eighth day, the silent blood pond finally stirred.
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