Xu Qingtong cultivated in Lian Shaocheng's cave abode for a year, consuming more than four hundred high-grade Demon Crystals and reaching the peak of the late stage.
He could have attempted to break through to the Demon Marshal Realm, but Xu Qingtong felt that advancement should come naturally, like water flowing into a channel, rather than be deliberately pursued. So he slowed his cultivation, remaining seated cross-legged on the Cold-Soul Stone Drum as he slowly circulated his cultivation method.
Before he knew it, another half a year had passed. During those six months and more, Xu Qingtong had hardly absorbed any Demonic Qi from Demon Crystals, merely circulating the Demon Transformation Great Method calmly.
The Demonic Power in his dantian was already extremely dense. Driven by Xu Qingtong's cultivation method, it slowly revolved within his dantian.
One day, Xu Qingtong suddenly opened his eyes in the midst of meditation, swiftly put away the Cold-Soul Stone Drum, and strode to the edge of the formation. He sensed that his Heavenly Tribulation was approaching.
To avoid damaging Lian Shaocheng's place of secluded cultivation, Xu Qingtong planned to go out and find a quiet spot to condense his Demonic Core.
He had Xiao Bai tear open the formation and slipped out. After putting Xiao Bai away, he activated the Flying Heaven Wings and flew toward the Barrier Entrance.
He had flown only a thousand li when he saw the tribulation clouds in the sky begin gathering toward him.
He had no choice but to select a broad, level hillside and descend. With a thought, his original body appeared beside his incarnation, took out the Heart-Guarding Mirror Lu Gui'nian had given him, put it on, and swiftly flew off into the surrounding area.
His incarnation sat cross-legged on the ground, took out two high-grade