Several months later, atop Withered Bone Peak.
At the center of the churning Blood Pool, True Person Xue Ku slowly opened his eyes.
When his gaze fell on Xu Xuan, a trace of surprise flashed through them.
"Your aura-"
His voice was low. "The killing intent has lingered for a long time, yet most of the karmic fire born of slaughter within your heart has subsided."
The Blood Pool boiled, reflecting the True Person's gaze.
Xu Xuan bowed. "Your insight is unerring, Master."
"By a stroke of luck, I refined a wood-aspect spiritual treasure and seized its vitality. Only then did I stabilize my Dao foundation."
"Oh?"
An unusual gleam flashed through True Person Xue Ku's eyes.
"To think you had such fortune, finding a wood-aspect spiritual treasure so soon."
"Being able to refine its vitality was indeed a blessing for you."
Only a few months had passed. True Person Xue Ku had originally planned to give Xu Xuan further direction when he next sought an audience.
He had not expected Xu Xuan to have already resolved the problem by the time he returned.
Nodding slightly, True Person Xue Ku's tone grew solemn.
"Your foundation is now stable, and your magical power flows in perfect harmony. You are truly only one final step away from the Purple Mansion."
"But this step, the Spirit Platform Inquiry into the Dao, can also hold many people back."
"Please guide me, Master," Xu Xuan said, lowering his head.
"Next, you should ease off your hunting and quietly hone your true intents until you have thoroughly integrated them, bringing your magical power, spiritual sense,
"and physique to their peak-"
True Person Xue Ku pondered for a moment before adding, "Deep within the sect's treasury lies a drop of Blood Bodhi, condensed from the essence of