Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Aside from its rank as a Spiritual Treasure, the greatest utility of the Nine Dragon Lock is to bind and suppress.

At its peak, it carries the Imprisonment Law; otherwise, it wouldn’t be used specifically to bind True Dragon Essence Blood.

Once Li Ji’an fully employs it, its ability to bind and trap enemies will be astounding.

After drawing the Nine Dragon Lock into his Dantian and fully encasing it with magical power, Li Ji’an then looked at the drop of True Dragon Essence Blood that remained motionless at the center of the stone platform.

"Nascent Soul..." With a soft breath, Li Ji’an unleashed his Qi and Blood, the crimson transforming into a tangible form, enveloping the True Dragon Essence Blood.

At the same time, the Qiankun Ring manifested in his hand, ready at any moment to seal it away.

Originally concerned that the True Dragon Essence Blood would strongly resist, he spared no effort, yet after his crimson Qi and Blood enveloped the blood drop, it unexpectedly remained unresponsive.

It even conveyed a strong desire when touched by Li Ji’an’s Qi and Blood.

Hesitating slightly, he decided without further delay to wrap it up and draw it into the Qiankun Ring.

The process went smoothly, with the True Dragon Essence Blood offering no resistance as it was grasped by his Qi and Blood.

However, just as he was about to place it into the Qiankun Ring, the True Dragon Essence Blood suddenly showed resistance, displaying its first act of resistance with True Spirit Power.

"Hmm?" Li Ji’an reacted, trying to expel it by forcing out more Qi and Blood.

Yet that drop of True Dragon Essence Blood clung persistently to the crimson hand formed by his Qi and Blood, refusing to let go.

"Congratulations, Master, it seems this drop of True Dragon Essence Blood has already recognized your Qi and Blood." The Blood Spirit Saintess was equally surprised at the scene but found it understandable upon considering Li Ji’an’s Tier Three Body Cultivator Qi and Blood.

"Recognized my Qi and Blood?" Li Ji’an furrowed his brow slightly.

"Indeed, ancient records suggest that a Dao-achieving True Dragon is immortal. This drop of essence blood contains its Life Origin. When the Immortal Monarch slew it, the essence blood separated from the Dragon Soul, thus considered a new life entity. Over millions of years and the Nine Dragon Lock’s suppression, it has become extremely weak and desperately needs Qi and Blood to nourish it. Generally, ordinary cultivators’ Qi and Blood cannot meet its needs, so it’s usually necessary to forcibly refine it. But you, Master, are unparalleled in might, with such robust Qi and Blood that it willingly recognized you. This greatly reduces the difficulty and enhances the efficiency of extracting its origin in the future," the Blood Spirit Saintess excitedly explained.

A smile slightly curled Li Ji’an’s lips, his heart filled with joy at this unexpected delight.

With a swift gesture, he retracted his Qi and Blood.

Sure enough, that drop of True Dragon Essence Blood entered his body along with the flow of his Qi and Blood.

In an instant, he felt his physique and Qi and Blood Power grow significantly richer.

Moreover, it was evident that the drop of essence blood, while circulating within him, was slowly absorbing his essence blood. However, much like the Little Fire Spirit in his Dantian absorbing magical power, this process of absorption and reciprocal enhancement was also a refining process.

Over time, his essence blood would inevitably become more pure.

However, it requires a constant growth of Qi and Blood; otherwise, the total amount of Qi and Blood will inevitably decrease.

Sensing the changes within him, Li Ji’an immediately sat cross-legged on the ground, using the Thousand Mechanisms Blood Attraction to control that drop of True Dragon Essence Blood, imprinting it to prevent backlash when it becomes stronger in the future.

Two days passed before Li Ji’an reopened his eyes, having initially tamed that drop of True Dragon Essence Blood, nullifying future worries.

"They’re here!" At this moment, the voice transmission from Ning Sujin’s Primordial Spirit sounded.

Li Ji’an immediately stood up and looked at the Blood Spirit Saintess, "Act naturally; don’t expose anything."

"This... as you command." Momentarily stunned, the Blood Spirit Saintess quickly understood and agreed.

However, her Divine Sense was fully activated, yet she sensed nothing.

Only after half an incense stick of time did she finally perceive the auras of Lin Xiuzhu and the Yin Ghost Saint Child approaching from afar.

At this moment, Li Ji’an stood aside, reverting to his initial frail appearance and depleted Qi and Blood.

Her gaze subtly shifted, inevitably admiring Li Ji’an’s acting skills.

Yet before she could think further, a Yin Soul controlled by the Yin Ghost Saint Child had already rushed over.

"What happened? Did you find some hidden opportunity?" The voice of the Yin Ghost Saint Child emanated from the Yin Soul.

In the next moment, Lin Xiuzhu’s figure suddenly appeared outside the Blood Cave.

"Blood Kite, what’s going on here? Huh? Why is he here?" he initially surveyed the Blood Cave with suspicion before casting a more dubious glance at Li Ji’an.

The Blood Spirit Saintess resumed her usual posture, "I accidentally discovered a stone wall with a hidden door that absorbs Qi and Blood here, so I invited Fellow Daoist Chang’an over. He expended most of his Qi and Blood to finally open the stone wall’s hidden door, causing a great shock. However, upon entering, this is the scene I encountered; I haven’t found any opportunities."

"Hmph! Blood Woman, do you take us for children? The Qi and Blood here are so dense, and the marks on this stone platform are so obvious. Did you..." The Yin Ghost Saint Child had already inspected the stone platform, entirely unconvinced by the Blood Spirit Saintess’s words.

"Alas, we of the Four Sects share the same branch and should advance and retreat together, without mutual suspicion," Lin Xiuzhu immediately stopped the Yin Ghost Saint Child from speaking further, though a trace of a mocking smile appeared in his slightly squinted eyes.

The Yin Ghost Saint Child was surrounded by ghostly aura, seemingly ready to strike at any moment, but his gaze swept over Lin Xiuzhu and the Blood Spirit Saintess before he forcibly restrained himself.

Among the three of them, Lin Xiuzhu had the most abundant magical power and the deepest foundation, theoretically capable of taking on either of the other two individually. However, he had been injured by the Ghost King earlier and had exhausted his most powerful Thunder Talisman Treasure, severely diminishing his strength.