At the instant the essence blood surged violently into his body, Văn Tân felt every vein throughout his body ignite as if set ablaze. His qi and blood boiled furiously; every inch of muscle and bone emitted sharp crackling sounds, as though being forged in blazing steel.
Within his Sea of Consciousness, raging waves surged endlessly. The black incense burner stood firm at the center of the spiritual sea, its golden patterns blazing with brilliance, while streams of blood-red radiance continued to circulate around it like undying flames of blood.
Boom ! Boom ! Boom !
A thunderous explosion resounded from within Văn Tân's body. The invisible shackles restraining his cultivation realm were violently torn apart!
His cultivation, which had long been stalled at the Second Layer of the Organ-Refining Realm, surged like a rainbow piercing through the clouds leaping across a major realm in a single breath and directly entering the early stage of the Qi-Gathering Realm!
His aura underwent a complete transformation.
If previously he had only possessed the strength of a powerful mortal,
now the spiritual energy of heaven and earth began to converge toward him of its own accord, as if being devoured by an invisible vortex.
Above, dense spiritual energy condensed into radiant clouds. Even the ground beneath his feet trembled violently, while grass and trees all around swayed fiercely, as though welcoming the birth of a new sovereign.
His bloodline roared within his body, his soul shook within the Sea of Consciousness. The two seals linked to the True Dragon and the White Tiger glowed faintly, seemingly resonating with this breakthrough, exuding a trace of sacred-beast pressure that shook the heavens.
His body emitted radiant light. Streams of spiritual runes surfaced across his flesh before fading away, leaving behind a sensation of overwhelming, incomparable power.
"So… this is the power of the Qi-Gathering Realm…"
Văn Tân slowly opened his eyes. His pupils were deep and unfathomable, golden light flickering within them. The oppressive aura he released caused even the bound menials nearby to tremble uncontrollably, as though they were facing an existence far beyond that of mortals.
Within the dim mountain forest, his figure stood tall and unyielding like a defiant flame burning against the heavens, illuminating a desperate land soaked in blood.
The leader of the group had already been drained until he was withered and hollow. His eyes, filled with panic and despair, stared at Văn Tân in disbelief utterly unable to accept that a discarded menial with a crippled spirit root could defy fate itself and break through amid a blood formation.
The blood mist dispersed, and the forest fell once more into an eerie silence. Scattered across the ground lay the corpses of several outer-disciples every drop of blood drained from their bodies, their flesh shriveled until they looked like nothing more than skin stretched over bone. One glance was enough to send a chill down the spine.
The leader, who had once possessed cultivation at the Second Layer of the Qi-Gathering Realm, was now no different from a dried skeleton. His eyes remained wide open, still carrying traces of unwillingness, his mouth agape yet no sound could escape.
Văn Tân took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging blood energy within his body. After his breakthrough, he knew he could not afford to waste this opportunity. Stepping forward, he began to search the enemies' corpses.
He recovered several cloth pouches filled with fragmented spirit stones altogether amounting to a little over ten low-grade spirit stones.
There were also a few small bottles containing healing and qi-restoring spirit medicines.
On the leader's body, he found a common flying sword along with a small storage pouch. Inside were several incomplete cultivation manuals and a handful of low-grade talismans.
Murmuring to himself, Văn Tân swept everything into his sleeve, a trace of resolve flashing through his eyes.
"Not much… but for a menial like me, this is already a considerable sum."
He then turned toward the other victims. More than a dozen people had been bound; most had already withered into dried corpses within the blood formation. Only three or four remained, barely clinging to life.
"You're still breathing… that means you were lucky."
Drawing his sword, he cut through their bindings and fed them some of the spirit medicine taken from the enemies. The few survivors slowly opened their eyes, their voices hoarse and trembling.
"Th-thank you… Immortal Master. If not for you, we would have…"
Văn Tân waved his hand, unwilling to draw attention.
"No need for thanks. Leave quickly. Find a way back to the city. Being alive is already a blessing."
He watched as they supported one another and staggered away, a firm light flickering in his gaze. After ensuring nothing had been left behind, Văn Tân erased all traces of the scene, shattering the remnants of the blood formation on the ground so that no one would discover the true cause.
Finally, he raised his head toward the night sky. Pale moonlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating his solitary figure. Without hesitation, Văn Tân turned and vanished into the depths of the forest, carrying with him the resources he had gained and a secret known to no one else.
After leaving the site of the blood formation, Văn Tân did not rush back to the sect. Instead, he found a secluded stone cave deep within the forest, blocked the entrance with large rocks, and sat cross-legged to consolidate his realm.
For the first three days, he circulated the Void Art, strands of spiritual energy converging within his Sea of Consciousness and revolving around the incense burner. His soul grew increasingly solid, his aura stabilizing completely. His body gradually adapted to its newfound power; each time he exerted strength, his bones and tendons rumbled like distant thunder.
He murmured softly, sharp light glinting in his eyes.
"Increased cultivation is one thing… but without life-and-death combat, it's nothing more than empty reputation."
On the fourth day, Văn Tân began venturing deeper into the mountain forest.
First Battle – First-Grade Demon Wolf
From within the brush, a gray-furred demon wolf lunged forward, its eyes blazing red, fangs razor-sharp. Văn Tân twisted aside, the flying sword in his hand slashing out in a clean arc. The wolf let out a miserable howl before collapsing to the ground.
This was the first time he had slain a demonic beast using his new cultivation. His blood surged with heat, yet his movements remained swift and steady, without the slightest hesitation.
Second Battle – Peak First-Grade Fire Bird
A crimson bird, blazing like burning coal, dove from above, its beak sharp as a spear. Văn Tân let out a low shout, channeling his power into sword qi. With a single strike, he cleaved into its wing.
A violent explosion rang out. Scorched feathers scattered in all directions as the Fire Bird crashed to the ground, trembling a few times before falling silent.
His breathing was ragged, but excitement flickered brightly in his eyes.
Third Battle – Early Second-Grade Black Cloud Leopard
As night fell, a pair of emerald-green eyes glimmered in the darkness. A low growl echoed through the forest as a black leopard, as large as an ox, burst forth, its razor-sharp claws slashing straight toward him.
Văn Tân twisted aside, barely avoiding the attack, though a long gash was still torn across his arm, blood spilling out. Gritting his teeth, he poured spiritual energy into the flying sword and unleashed a strike as violent as thunder.
Metal rang sharply as the leopard's claws cracked apart, blood spraying everywhere.
The battle dragged on for nearly a quarter of an hour. At last, Văn Tân drove his sword deep into the beast's throat. Its body shuddered violently before collapsing to the ground.
Văn Tân panted heavily, his clothes soaked through with sweat, yet his eyes shone brilliantly.
"Yes… only through bloody combat does power truly become my own."
During an entire week in the forest, Văn Tân had slain more than ten first-grade demonic beasts, along with three early second-grade ones. Every battle left him wounded, yet he relied on the spirit medicines seized from his enemies and the essence blood of the demonic beasts to recover. Within his Sea of Consciousness, the incense burner continued to absorb endlessly; the golden patterns upon it grew ever clearer, radiating an increasingly mysterious aura.
When he finally stepped out of the forest, his clothes were tattered, yet his presence had become deep and restrained, his gaze sharp like a drawn blade. He was no longer the trembling menial who cowered before the sect stewards, but a true cultivator one capable of surviving independently within a forest of demonic beasts.
On his way back to the Cloud Sword Sect, Văn Tân followed a narrow forest path. A crescent moon hung in the sky, its faint light filtering through dense layers of leaves and casting mottled shadows upon the ground. Suddenly, the earth trembled slightly, followed by muffled booming sounds that echoed through the woods.
His eyes flashed with vigilance.
"These are fluctuations of spiritual energy… There's someone fighting ahead!"
Văn Tân immediately crouched down, suppressing his aura, and swiftly slipped into the dense bushes beside the road. His spiritual sense spread out as he focused on the source of the disturbance.
Before his eyes, within an open clearing, dazzling bursts of spiritual light erupted.
At the center stood a woman in azure robes, her movements light as drifting clouds. In her hand was a long sword of verdant blue. Every strike she delivered was sharp and surging like a tide, sword light flowing like jade. Her long hair fell freely down her back, her features refined and beautiful, yet her bearing was cold and proud. In the darkness of night, her eyes shone like twin stars.
Opposite her stood four cultivators clad in red robes, their auras fierce and oppressive, their builds powerfully solid. One wielded a massive saber, another a heavy iron mace, while a third brandished talismans, unleashing dark techniques. Judging by their cultivation, all four had reached at least the Third Layer of the Qi-Gathering Realm, far surpassing her early-stage realm.
The clangor of metal rang sharply through the forest.
A streak of blue sword light tore through the night, knocking aside the massive saber. Yet from behind the woman, a surge of black energy erupted, condensing into pitch-black claws that lunged straight toward her.
She spun around, sword light rising to form a thin luminous barrier.
Boom!
The terrifying impact forced her to stagger back seven or eight steps. Her face turned slightly pale, her chest heaving violently.
The leader among the black-clad men let out a cold laugh, his hoarse voice echoing: "Little girl! Hand over that item obediently, and we might spare you a way to live. Otherwise… don't blame us brothers for being ruthless!"
The woman in azure tightened her grip on the sword, her gaze icy as she snorted: "Hmph. Despicable scum. If you want what I have… then first see whether you can defeat me!"
As she spoke, she channeled her spiritual energy once more. The blue sword light flared brilliantly again, her momentum surging like rolling waves, as though she paid no heed to the danger before her.
Hidden within the bushes, Văn Tân held his breath, eyes wide. His heart pounded violently. The battle before him was clearly beyond his ability to intervene. Yet his intuition told him this was no ordinary clash it concealed some earth-shaking secret.
The woman in azure unleashed sword light without pause, her figure drifting like a ribbon of blue silk. But with the four black-clad men joining forces, their assault grew ever more ferocious. Each strike carried terrifying pressure, forcing her into pure defense as she gradually fell into a disadvantage.
Văn Tân remained crouched in the bushes, his entire body taut. Cold sweat soaked his back.
"These people… every one of them is an expert, at least two or three realms stronger than me. If I'm discovered, then "
Before the thought could finish
Crack!
His foot accidentally stepped on a dry branch. The sound was faint, yet in the stillness of the night, it was like a clap of thunder.
All four black-clad men and the woman in azure changed expression at once, their cold gazes sweeping toward his hiding place.
"Someone's spying!" the leader roared, waving his hand. A strand of black energy transformed into a chain and shot straight toward the bushes.
Văn Tân's heart jolted. He immediately leapt out, rolling across the ground, narrowly avoiding being bound by the black energy.
The ferocious gazes of the four men instantly locked onto him. The leader sneered:
"So it's just a low-realm brat. Hahaha! Another fat lamb delivered right to our door perfect to add to the sacrificial offering!"
The woman in azure was momentarily startled. When she saw that Văn Tân was merely a weak-looking menial disciple, a flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes.
"You… run! Don't get involved!
Hurry back and report this to the sect!"
But it was already too late. One of the black-clad men swung his arm, bringing the iron mace crashing down. Surging spiritual power howled violently, murderous intent pressing down like a tidal wave.
"Trying to leave?"
Văn Tân clenched his teeth, roaring inwardly:
"Run? There's no time!"
He immediately unleashed the combat technique he had just comprehended. A blade-like arc of light slashed outward, intercepting part of the mace's power.
Boom!
The terrifying collision numbed his entire arm, fresh blood surging up his throat.
His body was sent flying several zhang before crashing heavily to the ground, agony tearing through his chest.
The black-clad cultivator sneered.
"With this little bit of skill, you dare interfere? Boy, your life will definitely end here today!"
Seeing this, the woman in azure changed expression slightly, resolve flashing in her eyes as she shouted:
"Fellow cultivator, be careful!"
A brilliant sword light erupted from her hand, like a bright moon piercing the night sky, forcing the other three black-clad men back a step.
Meanwhile, Văn Tân lay on the ground, an unprecedented surge of fury and helplessness boiling within him.
"Am I… really this weak?"
Within his Sea of Consciousness, the incense burner suddenly trembled. A faint blood-gold radiance flickered, as if resonating with the killing intent in his heart.
The moment his chest was injured, before he could even wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, his Sea of Consciousness shook violently.
Buzz!
The incense burner erupted with blood-gold light as the intricate patterns on its surface lit up one after another. In the vast ocean of consciousness, the Void Scripture silent for so long suddenly opened on its own. Page after page of mysterious runes rose into the air, transforming into countless streams of light that poured into his soul.
An ancient voice echoed as if from time immemorial:
"You… have met the requirements.
First Layer — Void Initiation, activate!"
Instantly, the cultivation art he had been unable to enter before began operating on its own. Streams of天地 spiritual energy were drawn directly into his Sea of Consciousness, circling the incense burner before turning into razor-like streaks of light, carving a complex totem deep into his soul.
At the same time, countless imprints of combat techniques, movement arts, and battle methods descended like a meteor shower, branding themselves into his consciousness.
Movement Art — Multi-Shadow Steps:
A movement technique of extreme speed. When activated, it creates multiple afterimages capable of attacking the opponent's mind, instantly swapping positions with an illusion.
Battle Technique — Void Claw:
Guiding the power of space-time through the fingers, forming an overwhelming spatial crushing force. At higher mastery, it can even tear open space itself.
Martial Skill — Spirit-Shattering Fist:
A punch imbued with annihilating force, directly breaking through the opponent's defenses and ignoring protective measures.
His soul, already newly strengthened, was now reinforced by this layer of the cultivation art, becoming unnaturally clear and sharp. Suppressed killing intent surged within his eyes.
Back in reality
The black-clad man swung his mace again, laughing contemptuously.
"Die, trash!"
But at that instant, Văn Tân's figure vanished like a phantom. A blur flashed, and he was already standing behind his opponent.
He murmured inwardly:
"Multi-Shadow Steps!"
Afterimages interwove as they surged forward in rapid succession. The black-clad man jolted in shock, but before he could react, a fist had already slammed into his back.
Boom!
The Spirit-Shattering Fist exploded on impact. A crisp crack rang out as the man's spine snapped, his body collapsing forward, half-paralyzed on the spot.
The entire battlefield fell silent.
Even the woman in azure stared in disbelief, eyes wide.
"This person… he couldn't even withstand a single strike earlier. How could he change so drastically in an instant?!"
The remaining three black-clad men erupted with killing intent, tightening their grips on their weapons. Their gazes locked onto Văn Tân not as prey, but as a terrifying beast that had just awakened.
Văn Tân panted heavily. Blood still trickled from the corner of his mouth, yet cold light gleamed in his eyes.
"Now… it's my turn to butcher you."
After witnessing their companion's spine shattered by a single punch, the three remaining enemies roared in fury, spiritual power exploding outward and flooding the forest with crushing pressure.
The first swung his great saber, black-blue spiritual energy blazing as it cleaved horizontally, as if to split the earth in two.
The second drew his bow, an arrow condensed of spiritual energy shooting straight toward Văn Tân's chest.
The third began chanting, forming seals with his hands as an icy, iron-like net spread through the air, sealing off every escape route.
In an instant, Văn Tân was besieged from three sides, with no path of retreat.
Yet he did not panic. His eyes flashed as the spiritual energy within his Sea of Consciousness circulated according to the Void Scripture, his aura instantly sharpening to an extreme degree.
"Multi-Shadow Steps — Triple Shift!"
With a sharp whoosh, his figure vanished. Three afterimages appeared simultaneously from three different directions. Saber, arrow, and formation struck only illusions,detonating violently with thunderous booms.
The saber-wielding man barely had time to panic before a chill ran down his spine.
"Void Claw!"
From within the void itself, Văn Tân's five fingers extended like talons, clutching directly at the man's chest. A crushing force accompanied by spatial distortion erupted, causing a miserable scream as his chest bones shattered. Blood sprayed everywhere as his body was flung backward.
The archer turned pale with fear, hastily forming another spiritual arrow, but before he could even draw the bowstring .
"Spirit-Shattering Fist!"
A punch like mountains collapsing and seas overturning slammed straight into his face. A deafening boom echoed as his body burst apart like a smashed melon, collapsing to the ground, utterly motionless.
The final formation cultivator turned deathly pale. Letting out a hysterical roar, he crazily poured all of his spiritual power into the formation as the ice net descended from above.
Văn Tân merely took a single cold step forward, his figure blurring as if slipping through a fissure in the void.
"Void Step First Form!"
In the next instant, he was already inside the formation, facing it head-on. He drove a punch straight into the ground.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The entire formation shattered like glass. The violent backlash rebounded instantly, causing the formation cultivator to be devoured by his own array. He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, was thrown backward, and collapsed, on the brink of death.
In less than ten breaths' time,
all three enemies had fallen.
The mountain forest sank into silence. Only the whistling wind slipped through the gaps between the leaves. From afar, the woman in azure stared in shock, disbelief flashing within her pupils.
She murmured softly,
"Judging from his clothing, he looks like a menial disciple… But that kind of power could it really belong to a menial disciple? His cultivation is clearly lower than theirs, yet he killed all three in succession… Could it be that he's concealing his true strength?"
Văn Tân curled his lips slightly, clenching his blood-seeping fist as a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"I never imagined this cultivation method… could be so terrifying."
Soft footsteps echoed through the silent forest. The woman in flowing azure robes slowly approached, her figure graceful yet cautious. Her bright, autumn-water eyes never left Văn Tân.
She stopped a few zhang away, her voice clear but tinged with vigilance:
"You… who exactly are you? Which sect are you from? And why are you here?"
Văn Tân tilted his head slightly, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and replied calmly,
"Just a menial disciple of the Cloud Sword Sect. I merely came into the forest to hunt a few demonic beasts and temper myself. I didn't expect to encounter something like this."
The woman frowned faintly, examining him from head to toe. On the surface, Văn Tân's cultivation appeared to be no more than the Bone-Tempering Realm. Yet the scene of him slaughtering three cultivators of higher realms in succession had been witnessed with her own eyes there was no way he could be underestimated.
"A menial disciple? I'm afraid it's not as simple as you say. That strike of yours just now… was in no way inferior to a true outer-sect expert. Even inner-sect disciples with such prowess are rare."
Văn Tân gave a faint smile, offered no explanation, and merely cupped his fists.
"Is that so? I only happened upon a bit of good fortune. Many thanks for the reminder, miss. My surname is Văn, given name Tân. And you are…?"
The woman in azure paused briefly before replying. Her tone remained cautious, though the distance had softened somewhat:
"My surname is Mai, my given name Tuyết Lan. I am an inner-sect disciple of the Cloud Sword Sect. Strictly speaking, we belong to the same sect. This time, I was ordered to descend the mountain to undergo training and investigate the abnormalities around this mountain range."
When she mentioned the Cloud Sword Sect's inner sect, a trace of pride flashed through her eyes. She was one of the sect's carefully nurtured disciples, her status far above that of a mere menial disciple like him.
Tuyết Lan took another step forward, her bright eyes locking onto his.
"Văn Tân, I don't believe you're just an ordinary menial disciple. The movement technique and strikes you used earlier I've never seen anything like them among common cultivation arts. If you wish to keep your secrets, I won't force you. Everyone has things they cannot reveal. But at the very least… tell me the truth you harbor no ill intent toward me, correct?"
Moonlight had just risen, illuminating her clear and radiant face. Văn Tân let out a soft breath, his gaze steady.
"No. If I had wanted to act, there would have been no need to save you earlier. Besides, helping you was merely a matter of convenience."
Hearing this, Tuyết Lan lowered her head slightly, an unfathomable glimmer of thought flashing through her eyes.
"Very well. Fellow disciples should not be suspicious of one another. But Junior Brother Văn…"
Her voice slowed, "…you should remember this within the Cloud Sword Sect, fortuitous encounters may allow you to go far, but they can also bring calamity upon you. Be careful to protect yourself. And thank you for stepping in to help."
Pale moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting light upon the two figures facing each other. Văn Tân looked at the woman before him, many unspoken questions stirring within his heart.
He cupped his fists, his voice calm yet faintly hesitant:
"Senior Sister Tuyết Lan, earlier I saw them pursuing you with all their strength. May I ask… for what reason?"
Mai Tuyết Lan paused briefly, hesitation flashing through her eyes. Then she took a soft breath, lifted her gaze toward the night sky, and spoke in a low but resolute voice:
"There's nothing to hide. Several senior brothers and sisters from the Cloud Sword Sect and I had been tracking them. Unexpectedly, we uncovered their plot to use blood beads for sacrificial refinement in order to nurture a Blood Crocodile Demon Ape."
She clenched her fist, veins faintly surfacing.
"Once that Demon Ape fully matures, the blood and flesh of hundreds of thousands of living beings would likely be devoured by it. We couldn't stand by and do nothing, so we risked storming their lair and seized the blood beads while we had the chance… intending to cripple their foundation."
Her gaze sharpened, though her voice carried a trace of gloom.
"But… the plan failed. I lost contact with my companions and was hunted all the way here. If not for Junior Brother Văn stepping in to help, I fear I wouldn't have survived today."
As she spoke, she turned to look at Văn Tân. The initial suspicion in her eyes had faded, replaced by gratitude mixed with trust.
"It seems I owe you not only my life, but also a shared journey on this path."
Both of them had been injured in the earlier battle, and after a brief discussion, they decided to set up camp and rest for the night at the edge of the forest.
"Junior Brother Văn, in our current condition, neither of us can travel long distances. We can only stay here and recover our injuries."
Văn Tân nodded in agreement.
"Alright, then we'll stay. I'll gather some firewood to light a fire and ward off the cold yin energy.
Oh, right Senior Sister, do you have any healing pills? Could you spare one for me?"
The night wind whistled through the treetops, carrying with it the gloomy chill of the deep forest. After a moment of silence, Mai Tuyết Lan slowly reached out and closed the cloth pouch at her waist. Inside it lay the dark crimson blood bead, still radiating a sinister and aberrant aura.
"Hehe, of course how could I forget? Here, this is your pill."
In Tuyết Lan's heart lingered countless doubts regarding the other party's true realm and strength. He had clearly been weak before, yet in the blink of an eye his power had undergone an almost monstrous transformation so much so that he was able to counter-kill four opponents whose strength surpassed his by an entire major realm.
However, everyone had secrets of their own, and she was in no position to probe too deeply. If she pressed too hard, it might force him to take extreme measures to conceal those secrets even to the point of harming her.
They had barely rested for the time it took an incense stick to burn when, all of a sudden, the sounds of a pack of demonic wolves hunting prey echoed from not far away. This left them with no choice but to make a decision.
She turned to look at Văn Tân, her voice firm yet unable to conceal the fatigue left by the earlier battle:
"Junior Brother Văn, we can't stay here for long. We must leave the forest immediately and return to the Cloud Sword Sect. This blood bead must be handed over to the sect elders, and everything that happened must be reported in full. If they track us down again, I fear neither of us will escape alive."
Moonlight reflected in her eyes, shimmering with resolve.
Hearing this, Văn Tân felt a faint stir in his heart. He cast a brief glance at the pouch, where the incense burner within his sea of consciousness seemed to tremble ever so slightly, as though yearning to devour that aberrant object. Yet he quickly concealed his emotions and nodded lightly in response:
"Senior Sister is absolutely right. This place has become far too dangerous. Returning to the sect is the wisest course. The elders will surely have an appropriate response."
Tuyết Lan smiled faintly. Though traces of weariness still lingered on her face, her expression revealed clear relief.
"Then let us set off. I'll travel with you tonight, Junior Brother. Even if we encounter danger, it will be easier to deal with it together."
Two figures one man and one woman swiftly departed from the chaotic battlefield, their silhouettes gradually fading as they disappeared into the thick, misty veil of the forest night.