Two Paths

There are two paths: one follows the old path of Ancient Emperor Tuoshe, and the other follows the path of the Ancient Martial Artists from 100,000 years ago.

The first path, as long as no accidents occur, can cultivate to the level of Ancient Emperor Tuoshe.

The second path, however, has too many uncertainties and a very high probability of failure. If successful, one's strength will surpass Martial Emperors and break through the Extreme Emperor Realm.

Lu Ren thought of this, raised his head, and said to Ancient Emperor Tuoshe seriously, "Senior Tuoshe, I am willing to try the second path!"

He wanted to become strong as quickly as possible so he could protect his master, and even have the confidence to pursue her.

"Are you truly willing to try the second path? No one has ever walked it before. If it doesn't work out, you will have no way back, and you might even die!" Ancient Emperor Tuoshe asked seriously.

That was the ancient path from 100,000 years ago, and Lu Ren would have to explore it slowly on his own.

"I am willing!" Lu Ren nodded solemnly.

"Very good, Lu Ren. You have the Scrap Bloodline and are a rare Ancient Martial Artist. You have achieved such strength without cultivating Ancient Techniques, which proves your martial heart is firmer than anyone else's. If you can truly break through the Extreme Emperor Realm, you will be able to dominate the entire Xuanhuang Continent!" Ancient Emperor Tuoshe smiled slightly, his eyes filled with immense relief and anticipation.

Buzz!

Perhaps having resolved a lingering issue, Ancient Emperor Tuoshe's form began to grow increasingly ethereal.

"Lu Ren, I discovered the existence of Ancient Martial Artists in a secret realm back then and obtained an Ancient Technique manual. Only Ancient Martial Artists can cultivate this manual; simply drip your vital blood into it. If you have an opportunity in the future, you can cultivate new Ancient Techniques."

After speaking, Ancient Emperor Tuoshe waved his hand, and a book, as white as fine mutton-fat jade, flew before Lu Ren.

"This key can unlock my secret treasure trove. Inside are all my belongings from when I was alive, a secret method to enhance bloodlines, and a shocking secret concerning the entire Xuanhuang Continent that you will need to protect in the future!"

With that, another key flew into Lu Ren's hand.

This key was entirely made of jade, shaped like a phoenix, fiery red, like a blazing inferno.

"Lu Ren, the path of an Ancient Martial Artist is not easy. Do not give up. You need to break the rules of bloodlines. I hope that in this world, everyone can be like a dragon!"

Ancient Emperor Tuoshe gave Lu Ren a meaningful glance, his form becoming more ethereal until he completely disappeared before Lu Ren.

Lu Ren, holding the key, already guessed that it was extraordinary. He directly stored the key into the Pagoda Space.

However, Lu Ren didn't understand what the rules of bloodlines were. But he didn't dwell on it; his current priority was to become stronger and then find the Tuoshe secret treasure trove.

"In this world, everyone can be like a dragon!"

Lu Ren was slightly shaken, feeling indignant for those with low-grade bloodlines.

Why? Why should people's destinies be predetermined from birth, divided into different classes? Only those with high-grade bloodlines were qualified to cultivate, to practice higher martial skills and reach higher realms.

And those with low-grade bloodlines could only resign themselves to being ordinary people, becoming prey?

"I will break the rules of bloodlines and make it so that everyone in this world is like a dragon!"

Lu Ren clenched his fists. Since he had brought the Nameless Treasure Pagoda to this world, he had to accomplish something!

Afterward, he held the jade-like book before him and began to study it.

An Ancient Technique manual!

The cultivation method of Ancient Martial Artists from 100,000 years ago.

Why then, after 100,000 years, did Ancient Martial Artists cease to exist?

However, Lu Ren didn't overthink it and lowered his head to look at the book in his hands.

The book had no pages; it only looked like a book but emitted a strong golden light.

On the cover of the book were five gilded characters.

"Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill!"

Lu Ren was slightly surprised. It was also annotated as a Mysterious Tier High Grade Ancient Technique.

"A Mysterious Tier High Grade cultivation method? Although it's Mysterious Tier High Grade, once I become powerful and have opportunities, I can cultivate even stronger Ancient Techniques!" Lu Ren's face lit up with joy. He excitedly bit his finger and dripped a drop of blood into it.

Instantly!

The jade-like book shattered, transforming into streams of golden light that surged into Lu Ren's mind.

Lu Ren immediately felt as if he had received divine enlightenment, and a vast amount of information appeared.

"Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill: channel spiritual energy through the eighteen Spiritual Apertures within the body, gather them into a stream, and form the shape of a dragon and elephant. This allows one to cultivate Dragon Elephant True Qi, possessing strength comparable to a dragon and elephant, capable of moving mountains and filling seas..."

Lu Ren took a deep breath, finding this Ancient Technique quite formidable.

"Eighteen Spiritual Apertures? It actually requires opening eighteen Spiritual Apertures to cultivate this technique?"

Lu Ren frowned.

It was known that an ordinary Martial Artist opening ten Spiritual Apertures was already incredibly rare. Normal Martial Artists only had seven Spiritual Apertures. Each time the limit was broken and an additional Spiritual Aperture was opened, the difficulty would double.

This Ancient Technique required opening eighteen Spiritual Apertures?

"How am I supposed to train with this!"

Lu Ren felt like crying, but had no tears. He didn't even know how to break through his limits and open the eighth Spiritual Aperture.

"However, I have enough time. It's not impossible to open all eighteen Spiritual Apertures!"

As Lu Ren thought this, his eyes gleamed. If he could cultivate this technique, he would be able to step into the Spirit Stream Realm.

"So I'm an Ancient Martial Artist!"

Lu Ren smiled slightly. He took a casual step, and the ethereal light around him dissipated. He reappeared in Tuoshe Plaza.

At this moment, the interior of Tuoshe Plaza was in ruins. More than a dozen massive stone pillars had already snapped.

Lu Ren didn't pay it any mind and was about to leave.

Suddenly!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Silver needles, as thick as hairs, shot out from one direction like a stormy downpour, enveloping Lu Ren.

At the same time, above Lu Ren's head, a sword light, like a venomous snake, descended from the sky, aiming for his vital head.

The combination of hidden weapons and sword attacks was almost seamless.

Someone's ambushing me?

Lu Ren's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected there to be anyone else in the cave dwelling. Moreover, the attacker was clearly not simple; they were definitely a Martial Artist in the Spirit Stream Realm.

Boom!

The spiritual energy from his seven Spiritual Apertures instantly fused together, surging powerfully. It erupted outwards, and the terrifying force sent all the silver needles flying back.

At the same time, his body flashed, and he dodged the sword strike at an incredible angle.

Boom!

Lu Ren's movements were as fast as lightning. Spiritual energy surged into his palm, and he unleashed seven palm strikes in rapid succession, superimposed on each other. The gusting wind shot outwards, directly bombarding the figure above his head.

It was a Black-Clad Youth holding a black longsword. The youth's face also showed shock, not expecting Lu Ren to be able to dodge his ambush.

Lu Ren suddenly struck out with another palm towards the Black-Clad Youth.

"This guy is this strong?"

Facing Lu Ren's palm, the Black-Clad Youth didn't dodge or evade. The longsword in his hand drew a dark sword light, slashing towards Lu Ren's neck.

Decisive and ruthless!

He didn't care if he could win against Lu Ren or if he would get injured. Instead, he chose the most direct method: a life-for-life gamble to kill Lu Ren outright.

He had been hiding in Tuoshe Plaza, waiting for Lu Ren to emerge. Regardless of whether Lu Ren had obtained the inheritance of Ancient Emperor Tuoshe, he intended to kill him directly.