Some paths extended for hundreds of miles before ending abruptly; others twisted and wound before finally rejoining other branches of the Blood Path.
Several paths were as vast as celestial rivers, with complete rule domains faintly emerging within them, clearly leading straight toward higher levels.
Every path was real.
Every one could be followed.
But cultivators had limited lifespans, limited energy, and limited comprehension.
If they wanted to study the Blood Curse today, refine an avatar tomorrow, and comprehend the immortal blood sea the day after, they would ultimately only tear their own path of rules to pieces.
Enlightenment did not directly bestow answers.
It merely illuminated the fog, allowing cultivators to see the road ahead.
But which path to follow was still their own choice.
Qing Chen's consciousness continually shuttled along countless tributaries of the Blood Path.
He saw a drop of Blood Fiend's true blood suspended high in the void, its internal rules cycling on their own, truly resembling a miniature world of the Five Hells;
He also saw Carefree Marquis's dark-red blood moon covering mountains and rivers, commanding the blood of all living beings wherever his blood domain reached.
Yet Qing Chen did not stop at either.
"Blood Fiend's path is passable."
"Yours is merely so-so."
His voice spread through the blood-colored world.
Countless distant phantoms of the Blood Path shattered in response.
Qing Chen raised both hands.
"I, the Commander-in-Chief, will follow only my own path." The Four Brahma Apertures within him transformed into four blood furnaces.
"Blood is the vessel of life, and also the furnace of power."
"In life, it carries qi; after death, it leaves traces."
"The blood of all living beings can serve me, but not a single drop has the right to influence me in return!"
"**All Blood Enters Me-first slay