Chapter 198: Chapter 188: Blood Realm
Zhao Lin leaped to his feet and threw three consecutive Stone Roar Fists, venting his excitement.
After advancing his realm, his Vigorous Qi could be projected more than a fist’s length from his body. A faint cyan energy surged around his fists.
His fists flew like the wind, their whistling sound echoing inside the cave.
This was what could truly be called the Stone Roar Fist.
The Vigorous Qi in his body had skyrocketed, and he felt an inexhaustible power coursing through him. Although his physical stature hadn’t changed, Zhao Lin inexplicably felt much taller and more powerful.
He reflected, ’No wonder Qi Realm cultivators can hardly contend with those in the Blood Realm. I just broke through, and my Vigorous Qi has already doubled. That’s a huge advantage in a real fight.’
"Let me try my other techniques."
Zhao Lin then tried out the Three Yin Claw and the Ice Fist.
Their power was even greater than he had imagined, but the consumption of Cold Ice True Qi had also shot up.
Because he frequently took cold-natured medicinal herbs, the Cold Ice True Qi in his Qi Sea had increased considerably. He could probably execute about five moves of the Three Yin Claw or the Ice Fist.
It was fine for a sneak attack, but if he faced a real opponent, he would need to accumulate more. Otherwise, once those five moves were used up, he would have to "downgrade" to using the Stone Roar Fist.
Only his leg techniques hadn’t improved much.
This was mainly because his cultivation had progressed too quickly, and with limited time and energy, he had to make choices about which Cultivation Techniques to focus on.
He had only just begun to learn the Torrential Rain Pear Blossom Leg technique, so even breaking through to a new realm wouldn’t change it much.
However, after entering the Blood Realm, he had to strengthen his leg techniques.
Zhao Lin still remembered being chased by Xiang Shaofeng.
His speed had been unrivaled in the Qi Realm, but things were different in the Blood Realm. If he didn’t train his leg techniques, the speed advantage granted by his Golden Leopard Essence Soul would be nullified.
And then there was that wisp of Thunder Attribute True Qi; he also needed to find a suitable Cultivation Technique for it.
’There’s too much to practice. I’ll just take it one step at a time!’
Zhao Lin gradually calmed down. He glanced outside the cave and suddenly remembered something.
Yunjian Cave was rich with Primordial Qi, but he could no longer make use of it.
A Blood Realm cultivator’s body can only contain a limited amount of Primordial Qi. After their breakthrough, they can no longer absorb more of it.
Elder Water Mirror had once mentioned that he didn’t even get a turn in Yunjian Cave for more than a few days a year.
This was because, in addition to the eleven Primordial Realm cultivators—including the Sect Leader, elders, and Guardians—there were also several grand elders approaching one hundred years of age who were also in the Primordial Realm.
Although the grand elders no longer managed sect affairs, they had contributed greatly in the past. So even though they were old now, a majority of the time in Yunjian Cave was still allocated to them.
In this respect, the sect had a very human touch.
’It’s morning now, and I still have the rights to use it for nearly two more days. Why not transfer it to Elder Water Mirror?’
’Over the past year, Elder Water Mirror has given me a lot of guidance. This could be considered a small way to repay him.’
With this in mind, Zhao Lin walked out of Yunjian Cave and headed down the mountain along a small bamboo-lined path.
Halfway down, he saw several elders from the Wuxiang Institute walking up the mountain together, Elder Water Mirror among them.
’Right, the Primordial Qi at the summit is abundant. The elders have a habit of coming up the mountain to practice in the morning.’
Zhao Lin quickly stepped to the side of the path. When the elders drew near, he bowed and said, "Greetings, Elders."
Elder Water Mirror frowned when he saw Zhao Lin. "You should be cultivating in Yunjian Cave. What are you doing out here? This is a rare..."
He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly sensing the change in Zhao Lin’s Qi and Blood. He stared intently at him. "You... you actually broke through to the Blood Realm?"
"Yes, Elder. This disciple was fortunate enough to enter the Blood Realm!" Zhao Lin said with a bow.
"Fortunate?" Elder Huoyu’s lip twitched.
"You’re only eighteen, aren’t you?" Elder Gold Stone said, moved.
"It’s only been a full year since you joined the Wuxiang Institute, right? If I recall correctly, your cultivation was at the First Layer of the Qi Realm back then," Elder Lütu added.
"The sect has produced other eighteen-year-old Blood Realm geniuses, but they all spent much more time in the Qi Realm than you!" Elder Cyan Wood sighed.
Zhao Lin’s expression remained unchanged. "This disciple consumed Dragon Bone Tree Blood and a Wuliu Pill, and also cultivated in Yunjian Cave. You elders overpraise me."
Elder Gold Stone shook his head. "Those things are good, but if it were anyone else, I doubt they would have broken through so quickly. For most, all those resources would have vanished without so much as a ripple."
Elder Water Mirror’s expression returned to normal, then a hint of smugness appeared. He stroked his beard with a smile and asked Zhao Lin for the details of his breakthrough.
Zhao Lin didn’t hide anything, recounting the entire process in detail.
"Very good. But you must not become arrogant or complacent. The First Layer of the Blood Realm trains the organs, the Second Layer trains the viscera, and the Third Layer trains the blood. The road to the Primordial Realm is still long."
At this point, Elder Water Mirror paused, his eyes glinting. "Which day of your cultivation in Yunjian Cave is it today?"
Zhao Lin took the hint and immediately replied, "It’s the sixth day. I can still use it today and tomorrow."
"However, this disciple can no longer absorb Primordial Qi, so it would be a complete waste for me to continue. I humbly request that you take my place, Elder."
Hearing this, the other elders all showed looks of envy.
Elder Water Mirror coughed and said with feigned modesty, "As it happens, I am free these next few days. Very well, then."
Elder Huoyu pursed his lips, not bothering to hide his displeasure.
Elder Water Mirror pretended not to notice and continued, "Now that you’ve broken through to the Blood Realm, I will first take you to report to the Sect Leader. In a couple of days, you can enter the inner court."
After saying this, he bid farewell to Elder Gold Stone and the others, then led Zhao Lin to the grand hall at the summit.
The disciple on duty learned of their purpose and said, "The Sect Leader is currently practicing at the very peak of the mountain. He should be back soon. Why don’t you two come in and wait for a moment?"
Elder Water Mirror nodded. "Very well."
The disciple on duty led the two through the main hall and into a side hall to wait.
The side hall was not particularly grand, furnished only with a desk, a tea table, an incense burner, and a screen. The decor was antique and elegant, with some calligraphy and paintings hanging on the surrounding walls.
Elder Water Mirror picked up the fragrant tea served by the disciple and took a sip. He then said to the respectfully standing Zhao Lin, "You can be considered an inner court disciple now. There are some internal matters I can tell you about."
’The Martial Assembly?’
Zhao Lin’s interest was piqued. "Please speak, Elder," he replied quickly.
Elder Water Mirror said slowly, "Have you ever heard of the Martial Assembly?"
Zhao Lin looked blank. "No."
"Then let me tell you about it."
Elder Water Mirror put down his teacup and began to speak eloquently. "This matter goes back more than nine hundred years, to a time before the founding of the Great Yue..."
He then recounted the origins of the Martial Assembly.
"I see. Thank you for your teachings, Elder."
What Elder Water Mirror said was not much different from what Xiang Bao had told him before, but Zhao Lin still wore a look of surprise, as if he were hearing it for the very first time.
"Once you enter the inner court, you are qualified to know of this matter. However, the spots for the Martial Assembly are limited; not everyone can participate."
"You are only eighteen. You still have a long time to practice your Cultivation Techniques and improve your combat abilities. Therefore, I have high hopes for you."
Elder Water Mirror said leisurely.
"It seems the inner court has gained another talent!"
As the voice spoke, a middle-aged man with a scholarly and refined appearance walked in. He had three long strands of beard.
"Sect Leader Lu."
Elder Water Mirror shot a look at Zhao Lin.
"Disciple Zhao Lin greets the Sect Leader," Zhao Lin said with a bow.
