Ch. 23
Heavenly Demon Dismemberment
The characteristic of "Once Attained, Forever Attained, Never Regress" could not guarantee that every time Li Xian initiated a martial path, he would always improve.
But it did ensure that as long as he was headed in the right direction, he would definitely gain something.
Within just a few hours, Li Xian had already completed the preliminary fusion between the Blood Jade Art's burning of ki and blood, and the explosive power of core force.
He tried to operate this brand-new secret technique a little—and instantly felt his ki and blood ablaze, his viscera consumed by fire.
The detonated core force after the initial eruption surged violently, as if a volcano had erupted inside his body, unleashing an unprecedented power.
In just a single breath, his body—already in the process of Marrow Cleansing—suddenly felt like it was going to split apart and collapse entirely.
"What a secret art! Truly life for death—so fiercely domineering!"
Li Xian immediately ceased circulating the secret technique.
Yet with just that one breath, his body was already like a porcelain vessel riddled with cracks; as if the slightest external force would shatter it completely.
Though the consequences were severe and the hidden dangers obvious, Li Xian was highly satisfied with this secret technique.
"A desperate secret technique should not be used lightly! If it is ever used, it must be for a life-and-death duel! Its power, of course, should be as great as possible!"
Since it was already a fight to the death, he reasoned, either you live or die—who would still waste time worrying over hidden dangers at such moments?
Moreover, while the side effects were currently great, he believed that with every use and refinement of the technique, one day it would become complete and ultimately his signature technique for deadly combat.
His Myriad Manifestation Infinite Art took as its meaning the absorption of all rivers, imitating heaven and earth, boundless and infinite.
In his previous life, through repeated combats with powerful enemies, he constantly drew from the strengths of others and perfected his art until he succeeded.
This secret technique, essentially a breakthrough building on the explosive power of core force derived from the Condensing Ki into a Core stage, would be the same.
"A technique of such desperate struggle cannot cultivate the body, cannot grant longevity, and cannot lead to enlightenment—it's indeed worthy of being called a demonic art. But even as a demonic art, its name should still aspire to greatness."
Li Xian pondered silently.
He based its naming on his own core cultivation method, the Myriad Manifestation Infinite Art...
"Supreme among demon paths is the True Demon; and among demons, the highest is the Heavenly Demon."
Recalling as well the sensation of his viscera burning and body shattering as he used the secret art, he thought...
"This technique shall be called Heavenly Demon Dismemberment Art."
Li Xian thus named this secret technique.
At this, he felt quite satisfied and nodded.
"Tap tap."
At this moment, the sound of footsteps approached, accompanied by a voice.
"Is Young Hero Li here? The sword attendant Yinsha of the Swordsage of Guangyuan has come to visit."
Li Xian collected himself.
He moved forward and opened the door, seeing a woman in her thirties waiting in the courtyard.
"You must be Young Hero Li Xian?"
From the information she possessed, yinsha knew he was using the alias Li Xian.
Although she did not know why he abandoned the name 'Li Xian', now that she was visiting, he should show her respect.
"That's me."
Li Xian replied: "Miss Yinsha is here to see me?"
"Yes."
As Yinsha spoke, she took out a rather exquisite box and handed it to Li Xian: "This is a gift from my master to Young Hero Li."
"What is it?"
"You'll know once you open it."
Yinsha smiled faintly.
Li Xian opened the box...
He didn't recognize its contents.
He looked to her for explanation.
Yinsha's smile stiffened slightly, but she quickly composed herself and spoke honestly: "This is Blood Spirit Powder! Apart from the Yixue Pill granted by the Ascending Dragon Pavilion's selection, it is the best treasure for Marrow Cleansing and replenishing ki and blood."
"Blood Spirit Powder?"
Li Xian was somewhat surprised.
This was a whole tier more valuable than the Jade Decoction.
"What does the Swordsage of Guangyuan desire?"
"Nothing in particular, my master simply wishes to foster a good relationship with Young Hero Li,"
Yinsha replied.
Hearing this, Li Xian mused: "If I have the strength in the future, I shall repay this favor."
"That's fine."
Yinsha nodded, "Then on behalf of my master, I wish you great success, may you soon ascend the Hidden Dragon Ranking, transform from a flood dragon into a true dragon, rise with the wind, and soar to the heavens."
"Thank you for your kind words."
Li Xian nodded in acceptance.
After a few more polite exchanges, yinsha took her leave—a decisiveness that suited Li Xian very well.
After Yinsha departed, Li Xian looked back at the box.
"Blood Spirit Powder."
When he had asked Zhou Juechen, he'd already learned how to take such near-miraculous medicine.
A single portion of Blood Spirit Powder, used sparingly, was enough for a Marrow Cleansing cultivator to use for a whole month.
Li Xian wanted to quickly replenish his depleted ki and blood, but did not want to be frugal to an extreme—all the same, he only divided out one-thirtieth of a dose to begin.
Both out of caution and to judge its effects.
However...
This Blood Spirit Powder was truly worthy of being a class above Jade Decoction; for many martial artists, it was a peerless treasure, enough to spark deadly skirmishes.
One could see this by the fact Zhou Juechen, already in Marrow Cleansing, did not even qualify to purchase it.
As soon as Li Xian took it, then cradled his ki into a core and circulated his ki and blood, he felt as if they soared, the strengthening effect obvious and unmistakable.
The medicine's effects were forceful, but his Viscera Refinement fully allowed him to digest it without harm.
"Excellent!"
He exclaimed sincerely.
"With this dose of Blood Spirit Powder, my Marrow Cleansing may not reach perfection yet, but it will not be far off."
Having determined the effect, and confident, he immediately took a tenth of a dose.
...
While Li Xian was taking the Blood Spirit Powder—
On the other side, Zhou Juechen had used his connections with Baiyun Resident Ren Qingshan, and through a Canglang Sword Sect elder, finally managed, after a night's effort, to obtain ingredients for three doses of Jade Decoction.
Compared to Blood Spirit Powder, a portion of Jade Decoction needed to be taken every three or five days; three portions lasted at most ten or fifteen days.
However, the human body developed resistance to medicine, and long-term use could be detrimental.
Often after taking three to five doses, one needed to rest for a period; otherwise, even the mildest medicine would build up residual toxicity, requiring time for one's metabolism to cleanse.
Carrying the Jade Decoction ingredients, Zhou Juechen hurried home.
However, as he approached the small courtyard, daoist Xuan Tie—awaiting him—greeted from afar: "Hall Master Zhou, how about joining me for a drink?"
Jiangzhou's circle of top experts was small; Zhou Juechen certainly knew of the Iron Sword Sect master defecting to the Duke of Yue's Residence.
Because of Li Xian's involvement with the Duke of Yue's Residence...
Zhou Juechen showed no enthusiasm: "Master Xuan Tie, just say what you want to say."
Daoist Xuan Tie paid it no mind and chuckled: "Hall Master Zhou, are you aware that disaster is about to befall your Zhou family?"
"Heh."
Zhou Juechen sneered, "I truly didn't know."
With that, he could not be bothered, "If that's all you have to say, I've heard it. Farewell."
"Hall Master Zhou, are you really going to become enemies with the Duke of Yue's Residence for the sake of protecting Li Xian, who cultivates the Blood Jade Art?"
Master Xuan Tie's tone turned solemn.
"The Duke of Yue's Residence is going to make a move on Li Xian?"
Zhou Juechen quickly grasped what was going on.
"Li Xian? Li Xian killed an official of the Residence in full view—how could the Residence let him off easily? The heir himself has ordered his death! Under thunderous force, he will die without a doubt; no one can save him!"
Daoist Xuan Tie folded his hands, "Hall Master Zhou, you are the qilin of the Zhou family, carrying the family's honor and decline on your back—you ought to consider every move carefully."
"Master Xuan Tie, should I take this as a threat?"
Zhou Juechen's eyes grew cold.
"I am merely offering sincere advice."
Daoist Xuan Tie continued, "The heir enjoys making friends with heroes; tomorrow at noon, he plans to host Hall Master Zhou at Guan Tao Tower for a banquet. Please honor him with your presence. At that time, he will also present Hall Master Zhou with a handwritten scroll of insights into Primordial Unity by Master Luoxia—a gift for you."
Guan Tao Tower was the finest restaurant in the small town beneath Mount Canglang.
However, that was not the point.
What mattered was...
The restaurant was outside the Canglang Sword Sect.
"What if I don't go?"
Zhou Juechen asked.
"The heir is destined to step into a brand-new world; though perhaps unable to attain the Dao, which martial artist returning from that realm has not cultivated True Ki?"
Daoist Xuan Tie smiled faintly, "A wise man submits to circumstances; I trust Hall Master Zhou will make the right choice."
Zhou Juechen's expression shifted, as if he was struggling inwardly.
After a long while, he said: "Tomorrow, I will bring Li Xian with me to the meeting."
"Oh? Hall Master Zhou, you truly are a worthy man—very well, then."
Daoist Xuan Tie saluted with a smile, "Then we will await your honored presence at Guan Tao Tower tomorrow."
After this brief exchange, daoist Xuan Tie departed.
While Zhou Juechen hurried back to the courtyard.
Seeing Li Xian was still circulating his ki and blood, he did not interrupt.
Only after Li Xian finished his cultivation did he step forward, voice grave: "Pack your things, we're leaving the mountain for the Royal Capital tonight—to sign up for the Dragon Gate leap."
"Hmm?"
Li Xian looked at him, instantly sensing his heavy mood.
"Couldn't get the Jade Decoction?"
"No."
Zhou Juechen shook his head, "Something unexpected happened."
"Not the Jade Decoction..."
Li Xian quickly understood, "Duke of Yue's Residence."
He was quite calm, "No problem. I actually want to see what other experts the Duke of Yue's Residence has."
"You intend to face them head-on?"
Zhou Juechen was stunned.
"No."
Li Xian was completely at ease, "It's the Duke of Yue's Residence that intends to face me head-on!"
Zhou Juechen could only smile bitterly.
After a moment, he said: "The Duke of Yue's Residence is full of experts—especially now that they are related to the 'Immortal Seedling'. There are four Marrow Cleansing masters at their disposal! And their commander, Zhou Shuheng, the titled Marquis, has realized Primordial Unity and practices the Leakless body—he is a top master in the jianghu!"
"Oh?"
Li Xian's eyes shone, "Has anyone there mastered the control of ki and blood?"
"Such things are secret—how could outsiders know?"
Zhou Juechen replied.
"So it's possible."
Li Xian clapped.
Achieving Primordial Unity meant endless ki and blood; such a one was called Leakless, and if they could control ki and blood, they could use ki and blood offensively—a true Leakless master.
At that point, one could attempt to merge spirit and ki, use the false to cultivate the true, and break through to the True Ki realm.
Li Xian had been studying ki and blood for over a month; he could circulate it, but could not truly control it and make it tangible.
If he could fight with a Leakless master who had mastered control of ki and blood, and experience how his own ki and blood were shattered and trampled by the other's—
He'd have great confidence in imitating them, and condensing his own ki and blood.
"Overestimation is wise when predicting an enemy. But... is that something to be so happy about?"
"Shouldn't I?"
"Should you?"
"..."
Li Xian quickly changed the subject: "The Duke's people found you? What did they say?"
"They invited me to a meeting at Guan Tao Tower at noon tomorrow,"
Zhou Juechen replied. "I pretended to agree, just to stall them."
"Good!"
Li Xian nodded. "Then it's set for tomorrow at noon!"
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Fight! Fight! Fight!
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】