Heavenly Demon Disintegration

The never-regressing nature of One Proof, Eternal Proof could not guarantee that Li Xian would make progress every time he pioneered a martial art.

But it could ensure that as long as his direction was correct, he would reap rewards.

In just a few hours, Li Xian had completed the preliminary fusion of the Blood Jade Art's blood-and-qi combustion with the explosive release of Core Force.

He tried circulating this new Secret Art slightly and immediately felt his blood and qi scorch, his five internal organs ablaze.

The Core Force detonated in the ensuing eruption surged even more violently, like a volcano exploding inside his body, releasing unprecedented power.

In just a single breath, this body of his, which had already begun Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing, actually felt as though it would split apart, crumbling into pieces.

"What a Secret Art! Truly death without hope of survival, domineering beyond compare!"

Li Xian swiftly stopped circulating the Secret Art.

Yet in that single breath, his body had already become like a piece of porcelain covered in cracks, seemingly ready to shatter on the spot and completely disintegrate at the slightest external pressure.

Though the consequences were severe and the hidden dangers plainly visible, Li Xian was very satisfied with this Secret Art.

"A life-risking Secret Art must not be used lightly! Once used, either you die or I do! Naturally, the more powerful it is, the better!"

If he was already staking his life, that meant survival or death. Who had the leisure to worry about hidden dangers?

Moreover, although its side effects were currently immense, he believed that as he repeatedly used and refined this Secret Art, one day it would approach perfection and ultimately become his signature method of mortal combat.

His Myriad Forms Limitless Art had been conceived around the sea embracing a hundred rivers, Heaven-and-Earth Manifestation, and endless Limitlessness.

In his previous life, he had fought powerful opponents again and again, absorbed their strengths, and continually improved it until it was complete.

This Secret Art, which broke new ground on the foundation of the explosive Core Force derived from embracing qi and forming a core, would be no different.

"A life-risking technique like this cannot nourish the body, grant longevity, or pursue the Dao. It certainly deserves to be called a demonic art. But even a demonic art should be named with lofty aspirations."

Li Xian considered briefly.

Drawing on his core method, the Myriad Forms Limitless Art...

"The highest in the demonic path is a True Devil; a demon among demons is a heavenly demon."

Then he thought of how his five internal organs burned and his body seemed to split apart and disintegrate when he used the Secret Art...

"This technique shall be the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Technique."

Li Xian settled on the Secret Art's name.

He nodded, satisfied with it himself.

Tap, tap.

Just then, footsteps sounded, accompanied by a voice.

"Is Young Hero Li here? Yinsha, sword attendant to the Sword Saint Guangyuan, has come to visit."

Li Xian collected himself.

He stepped forward and opened the door, seeing a woman in her thirties waiting in the courtyard.

"Are you Young Hero Li Xian?"

Yinsha knew from the information she had received that he used the alias Li Xian. Although she did not know why he had abandoned his original name of Li Xian, she was visiting him now and naturally ought to respect his choice.

"I am."

Li Xian answered, "Miss Yinsha, are you here to see me?"

"Yes."

As Yinsha spoke, she took out a rather exquisite-looking box and handed it to Li Xian. "This is a gift for you from my master, Young Hero Li."

"What is it?"

"You'll know once you open it and take a look, Young Hero Li."

Yinsha smiled faintly.

Li Xian opened the box...

He did not recognize it.

So he looked at her again.

The smile on Yinsha's face stiffened slightly, but she quickly recovered and explained truthfully, "This is Blood Spirit Powder! Apart from the Blood-Nourishing Pills that only the Rising Dragon Pavilion bestows on outsiders, it is the best substance for Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing and replenishing blood and qi."

"Blood Spirit Powder?"

Li Xian was somewhat surprised.

This was a treasure a whole grade more valuable than Precious Jade Soup.

"What does the Sword Saint Guangyuan need?"

"He asks for nothing. My master hopes to form a friendly connection with you, Young Hero Li."

Yinsha said.

Hearing this, Li Xian pondered briefly. "When I am capable enough in the future, I will repay him."

"That works too."

Yinsha nodded. "Then, on my master's behalf, I wish you a future as splendid as brocade, Young Hero Li. May you enter the Hidden Dragon Ranking soon, shed your flood-dragon form to become a true dragon, ride the wind, and soar into the heavens."

"May your auspicious words come true."

Li Xian nodded and accepted it.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yinsha said goodbye and left.

Her departure was quite brisk and decisive.

And this...

Was exactly what Li Xian wanted.

Only after Yinsha had left did Li Xian turn his gaze back to the box.

"Blood Spirit Powder."

When he had questioned Zhou Juechen, he had also learned how to take this near-miraculous medicine.

Used sparingly, one portion of Blood Spirit Powder would last someone beginning Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing a month.

Li Xian wanted to replenish his depleted blood and qi as quickly as possible and would not be stingy, but he still first separated out only one-thirtieth of it.

First, to be cautious; second, to assess its effects.

However...

This Blood Spirit Powder truly deserved its standing as a tonic superior to Precious Jade Soup. To many in the martial world, it was a supreme treasure, and it would be no surprise if it sparked small-scale fights to the death.

The fact that even Zhou Juechen, who was undergoing Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing, was not qualified to buy it offered some indication of this.

As soon as Li Xian took it, practiced Embracing Qi and Forming a Core, and circulated his blood and qi, he felt them surge like a rainbow, their growth clearly perceptible.

Although the medicinal power was somewhat overbearing, having reached Viscera Great Accomplishment, he could digest it effectively, with extremely little harm to himself.

"Excellent!"

The word came from his heart.

"After this portion of Blood Spirit Powder, even if I don't reach great accomplishment in Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing, I probably won't be far off."

Having assessed its effects and gained a clear idea of them, he directly took a tenth of the portion.

While Li Xian began taking Blood Spirit Powder...

Elsewhere, Zhou Juechen had used his connection with Recluse Baiyun, Ren Qingshan, to enlist an elder of the Canglang Sword Sect. After running around until nightfall, he finally exchanged for three portions of Precious Jade Soup ingredients.

Unlike Blood Spirit Powder, a portion of Precious Jade Soup generally had to be taken every three to five days. Three portions would only last ten days to half a month.

However, the human body developed resistance to medicine, and taking medicine over long periods was detrimental to the body.

After taking three to five portions, one generally had to rest for a while. Otherwise, even medicine with the mildest side effects would leave accumulated toxins, which could only be expelled over time through the body's own metabolism.

Carrying these Precious Jade Soup ingredients, Zhou Juechen hurried back to his lodging.

However, as he neared the small courtyard, Daoist Xuantie, who had been waiting there, cupped his hands from a distance. "Master Zhou, why not come over for a drink?"

The circle of Jiangzhou's top experts was only so large. Zhou Juechen naturally knew that this sect master of the Iron Sword Sect had pledged allegiance to Prince Yue's Residence.

Because of the relationship between Li Xian and Prince Yue's Residence...

Zhou Juechen showed little warmth. "Sect Master Xuantie, if you have something to say, say it."

Daoist Xuantie took no offense at this. Instead, he chuckled. "Master Zhou, do you know that disaster is about to descend upon your Zhou Family?"

"Heh."

Zhou Juechen sneered. "I really didn't know."

With that, he could not be bothered with him any further. "If that is all you wished to tell me, Sect Master Xuantie, then I have heard it. Farewell."

"Master Zhou, do you truly intend to become enemies with Prince Yue's Residence to protect Li Xian, who cultivates the Blood Jade Art?"

Daoist Xuantie stopped smiling as well, his expression solemn.

"Prince Yue's Residence is going to move against Li Xian?"

Zhou Juechen quickly guessed something as well.

"Li Xian? Li Xian killed a steward of the Prince's Mansion in full view of everyone. How could the Prince's Mansion let him off lightly? The heir has personally ordered his death! Beneath that thunderous might, his death is certain. No one can protect him!"

Daoist Xuantie cupped his hands. "Master Zhou, you are the qilin of the Zhou Family, bearing its honor, disgrace, rise, and fall on your shoulders. You should think thrice before every move."

"Sect Master Xuantie, may I take that as a threat?"

Zhou Juechen's gaze turned cold.

"It is merely a word of advice."

Daoist Xuantie said, "The heir enjoys making friends far and wide. Tomorrow at noon, he intends to host a banquet for you at the Wave-Viewing Tower, Master Zhou. Please do him the honor of attending. The heir will also prepare a manuscript of Master Luoxia's insights into primordial unity as a gift for you."

The Wave-Viewing Tower was the finest restaurant in the town at the foot of Canglang Mountain.

Of course, that was not the point.

The point was...

The restaurant lay outside the Canglang Sword Sect.

"And if I refuse to go?"

Zhou Juechen asked.

"The heir is someone who will surely enter that entirely new world in the future. And even if he cannot achieve Entering the Dao, what martial practitioner who has returned from that world has failed to cultivate true qi?"

Daoist Xuantie smiled faintly. "A wise man knows the tides of the times. I imagine you will make the correct choice, Master Zhou."

Hearing this, Zhou Juechen seemed to struggle inwardly, his expression shifting, now dark, now uncertain.

Only after a long while did he say, "Tomorrow, I will bring Li Xian with me to attend."

"Oh? Master Zhou truly is a wise man. Nothing could be better."

Daoist Xuantie smiled and cupped his hands. "Then we shall await your distinguished arrival at the Wave-Viewing Tower, Master Zhou."

After this brief exchange, Daoist Xuantie took his leave.

Zhou Juechen, however, hurried back into the courtyard.

When he saw that Li Xian seemed to be circulating his blood and qi, he did not disturb him.

Only when Li Xian finished cultivating did he step forward and say gravely, "Pack your things. We're leaving the mountain tonight for the royal capital and signing up for Leaping Over the Dragon Gate immediately."

"Hmm?"

Li Xian looked at him and quickly sensed the heaviness in his heart.

"You couldn't get the Precious Jade Soup?"

"No."

Zhou Juechen shook his head. "Something unexpected happened."

"Not the Precious Jade Soup..."

Li Xian quickly understood something. "Prince Yue's Residence."

He was quite calm. "No matter. I was just thinking of seeing what experts Prince Yue's Residence has."

"You want to confront Prince Yue's Residence head-on?"

Zhou Juechen was taken aback.

"No."

Li Xian remained unhurried. "Prince Yue's Residence wants to confront me head-on!"

Zhou Juechen felt helpless.

Only after a long while did he say, "Prince Yue's Residence has experts as numerous as clouds. Especially after becoming connected to an 'Immortal Seedling,' it has gained the allegiance of four experts in the Blood Exchange and Marrow Washing realm! And Zhang Shuheng, the residence's commander and Commandery Prince Consort, has comprehended primordial unity and attained an impervious body. He is a first-rate expert of the martial world!"

"Oh?"

Li Xian's eyes lit up. "Has he mastered Blood and Qi Mastery?"

"How would an outsider know such a secret?"

Zhou Juechen said.

"Then it's possible."

Li Xian clapped his hands.

Once one comprehended primordial unity and one's blood and qi regenerated ceaselessly, one could be said to have an impervious body. If one could achieve Blood and Qi Mastery and use blood and qi to injure others, that meant Leakless Realm Great Accomplishment.

At that point, one could begin uniting spirit and qi, using the false to cultivate the true, and attempt to break through to the true qi realm.

Li Xian had studied blood and qi for over a month. He could direct their circulation, but could not grasp Blood and Qi Force and turn the insubstantial into the substantial.

If he could fight an expert who had reached Leakless Great Accomplishment and achieved Blood and Qi Mastery, and use his own body to thoroughly experience his blood and qi being crushed and ravaged by his opponent's...

He would be highly confident of emulating it and condensing his blood and qi.

"It is good to estimate your enemy's strength generously, but this... shouldn't be something to be happy about, should it?"

"Shouldn't it?"

"Should it?"

"..."

Li Xian changed the subject first. "The people from Prince Yue's Residence approached you? What did they say?"

"They invited me to a banquet at the Wave-Viewing Tower tomorrow at noon to talk."

Zhou Juechen said, "I pretended to agree to keep them in check for now."

"Good!"

Li Xian nodded. "Then tomorrow at noon it is!"

(End of chapter)