Devouring the Demonic Core

After returning to his dwelling, Shen Hao couldn't wait to shut the door and take out the Ironback Bear's Inner Core. This Inner Core was a full size larger than those from the Low-tier Demon Beasts he'd hunted before—pitch-black, heavy, with faint Earth Spiritual Energy swirling on its surface, exuding a dense, weighty aura.

Shen Hao pressed the Inner Core against the Companion Jade Pendant. An icy chill seeped from the jade, carrying a faint ripple of Earth Spiritual Energy. Then, he slowly closed his eyes, activated the second layer of the Spirit Devouring Art, and spurred the Spirit Devouring Vortex within him.

The Companion Jade Pendant flickered with a cyan glow, unleashing a powerful devouring force. Unlike before, this time the vortex consumed not only the pure spiritual energy from the Inner Core but also the Earth Spiritual Energy it contained. The Earth Spiritual Energy was thick and steady, bearing the breath of the earth itself—utterly different from the deep-blue spiritual energy inside Shen Hao.

As soon as the Earth Spiritual Energy entered the vortex, it was slowly broken down, refined, and transformed into strands of supremely pure Earth Spiritual Energy, merging into Shen Hao's Sea of Qi. He could clearly sense that, besides the original deep blue, a faint trace of earthy yellow now tinted the spiritual energy in his Sea of Qi. This wisp of yellow energy drifted through the Sea of Qi like a gossamer thread, intertwining with the deep-blue energy, making his spiritual energy heavier and imbued with a steady, solid power.

"Just as I thought—the second layer of the Spirit Devouring Art can devour attribute spiritual energy." Shen Hao's heart surged with joy, a thrilled smile spreading across his face.

Different attribute spiritual energies had different effects. Earth Spiritual Energy was thick and stable, enhancing the defensive capacity of spiritual energy and making it tougher; Fire Spiritual Energy was violent and domineering, boosting attack power and making strikes fiercer; Wood Spiritual Energy was gentle and nourishing, healing the body and accelerating recovery... If he could devour multiple attribute spiritual energies and diversify his own, his strength would undoubtedly climb another level.

Shen Hao immersed himself in the pleasure of cultivation, feeling the Earth Spiritual Energy merge bit by bit into his Sea of Qi, his heart brimming with delight. He could feel his spiritual energy growing denser, more resilient, and his control over it sharpening.

Half an hour later, the Ironback Bear's Inner Core had turned dull and lusterless, like an ordinary stone, its spiritual energy completely drained. Shen Hao slowly opened his eyes, sensing the richer spiritual energy within him, and a satisfied smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

He clenched his fist, and a steady power surged from his palm, carrying a hint of the earth's heavy aura. He could feel his strength had grown considerably. If he ran into Li Wei now, he was confident he could defeat him within ten moves.

Shen Hao glanced out the window. The sun was setting, and the sky was gradually darkening. There were still two months until the Inner Sect Grand Competition. He needed to hurry—hunt more mid-tier Demon Beasts, devour more attribute spiritual energy, and make himself stronger. Only then could he stand out in the Grand Competition and win the coveted Foundation Establishment Pill and High-grade Cultivation Method.

His gaze grew more resolute, brimming with fighting spirit. The Inner Sect Grand Competition would be his stage to shine. He would make a stunning debut, claim first place, and make everyone remember his name—Shen Hao!