Absorption

At this moment.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing one of the Seven Orifice Insect rituals. You may now divide sub-insects to parasitize others and draw upon their Fortune and Destiny."

Li Xiao slowly let out a breath. His taut nerves finally relaxed.

He lowered his head to look at the sleeping Seven Orifice Insect in his palm, then glanced at Zuo Qianshan, who lay on the ground barely clinging to life. The corner of his mouth lifted in an almost imperceptible curve.

Three drops of Essence Blood from those blessed with great Fortune and Destiny had completed this ritual.

This meant he could now divide sub-insects, implant them in others, and silently siphon away their Fortune and Destiny.

Li Xiao carefully drew the sleeping Seven Orifice Insect back into his body, feeling that faint, elusive connection sink deep into his dantian.

Then he rose and walked to Zuo Qianshan's side, looking down at him.

"Zuo Qianshan, I'll gladly accept all the fortune you carry."

Li Xiao sat cross-legged in the cave, placing Zuo Qianshan's body before him.

He closed his eyes and focused. Within him, the Life-Slaying Amitabha Sword Scripture began to circulate slowly, golden Sword Qi flowing through his meridians like a warm stream of light.

He stretched out his right hand, spread his fingers, and pressed it against Zuo Qianshan's crown. His True Qi threaded into the other man's body like silken strands, stripping away, drawing out, and absorbing Zuo Qianshan's remaining aura bit by bit.

As the Life-Slaying Amitabha Sword Scripture circulated, streams of black Demonic Qi were stripped from Zuo Qianshan's body. Like silk being unwound from a cocoon, they slowly rose, gathering in midair into wisps of inky currents before converging toward Li Xiao's palm and entering his body.

This was the Demonic Qi foundation