Chapter 427 - 427 424 Blood Pool Opportunity Soul Devouring
Chapter 427: Chapter 424: Blood Pool Opportunity, Soul Devouring Advance Chapter 427: Chapter 424: Blood Pool Opportunity, Soul Devouring Advance “Is this treasure really so precious?”
Qin Feng was somewhat astonished.
“Of course.”
Li Miaozhen said, “The Blood Lotus is unlike ordinary treasures. It can only be cultivated using the secret methods of the Blood God Sect. If one can obtain blood of an extremely high grade and ensure a sufficient quantity, the Blood Lotus can continue to grow indefinitely.
According to legends, during the Ancient Great Tribulation, the first Sect Hierarch of the Blood God Sect slaughtered countless beings and collected the blood of many immortals to cultivate a Blood Lotus with heaven-defying effects. Moreover, he left a strand of his Divine Soul in the Blood Lotus at the early stage of its cultivation.
Later, as the Blood God Sect Hierarch committed too many killings, he attracted the attention of Great Powers of Daoism, who refined him to ashes, obliterating both body and soul so thoroughly that he could not have been deader. Yet astonishingly, the Sect Hierarch managed to reconstruct his body with the Blood Lotus, using that strand of Divine Soul as a foundation, and was resurrected once more.”
“Hiss…”
Qin Feng took in a sharp breath of cold air, “Even someone who had been focused upon by Great Powers and refined until body and soul were obliterated could be resurrected? In that case, the Blood Lotus is indeed exceedingly precious.”
He quickly covered the Jade Box with its lid and pushed it towards Li Miaozhen, “The Blood Lotus is so valuable, and it’s a treasure Sister risked great danger to acquire. How could I have the audacity to accept such a precious item from Sister? Please take it back.”
Li Miaozhen waved her hand dismissively, “If I give it to you, just take it. This Blood Lotus has only just sprouted and who knows how many years it will take to bloom fully. At this stage, it can’t be considered too precious. Moreover, I acquired this item by chance.
Originally, I just wanted to find a few Demon Cultivators to hone my war skills; I didn’t expect to enter the core of this Blood Cave by a twist of fate and see this Blood Lotus at the heart of the deepest blood pool.
At that time, those Demon Cultivators thought that since Old Demon Huaxue couldn’t return, and Xue Wuya was no match for the two Supreme Elders of our Beast Taming Sect, they wanted to take the Blood Lotus away. That’s what led them to unlock the Prohibition on the Blood Pool. However, they didn’t trust each other enough, each wanting to keep the Blood Lotus for themselves, and in the end, it worked to my advantage.”
She paused, looked earnestly at Qin Feng, and continued, “Previously, you went to great lengths to teach me how to refine Geng Metal Power, even at the cost of considerable Divine Soul Power. This Blood Lotus can be considered a gift in return for your favor.”
“Why would Sister be so formal with me?”
Qin Feng shook his head, “We are fellow Sect members and both True Disciples. It is only right and proper for us to support each other. Besides, I only taught you a Divine Skill, and the consumed Divine Soul Power has already been replenished. There is no need for such a precious treasure in return.”
“It’s different,”
Li Miaozhen insisted, “Our paths in cultivation are distinct. The Divine Skill for Refining Gold Qi is auxiliary to you, yet for me, it could be one of the fundamental techniques pivotal for Proving Dao, so that Divine Skill is extremely valuable to me.
Furthermore, I have already set my Dao, and I do not plan to cultivate any additional Laws. You wish to smooth your path to enlightenment by mastering more avenues, but I only need this single path.
As long as I cultivate the Geng Metal Dao to perfection, I will still be second to none! So why should I covet anything else?
Since your path differs from mine and you wish to walk multiple Daos, you truly need this item.
This Blood Lotus has grown by absorbing the essence of Essence Blood, and it contains huge amounts of Life Origin Energy. It has even begun to nurture a trace of the Power of Life Principle. If you refine it, not only can it enhance the vitality in your body to aid the advancement of your Azure Dragon Dao Body, but it can also lead to an understanding of the Life Principle. This Law can complement your Azure Dragon Dao Body as well.”
“This…”
Qin Feng couldn’t deny that he was tempted.
As Li Miaozhen said, this item was of extraordinary value to him. If he could refine it, it would surely bring him endless benefits and strengthen him with another avenue of power.
Truth be told, from the moment he felt the rich vitality and Law within the Blood Lotus, he had entertained the thought of refining it.
However, precisely because the item was so precious, he hesitated to accept it directly.
Though Li Miaozhen claimed that it was not very useful to her, in reality, it clearly was not the case.
This was a treasure containing the energy of Life Origin, after all!
Even if Li Miao Zhen was not willing to spend extra effort on the Laws outside of the Geng Metal Dao, following a purely Daoist path, refining the Blood Lotus wouldn’t really be greatly affected by the Life Principle. Moreover, since she did not comprehend it herself, she did not need to invest more spirit in it.
What’s more important was that the Power of Life within the Blood Lotus would not only be immensely beneficial for Qin Feng, but also precious for any regular Cultivator, and naturally, Li Miao Zhen was no exception.
If she were to refine the Power of Life within this Blood Lotus, it would significantly boost her own White Tiger Dao Body. The absorption of an excess of Geng Metal Energy could impose a heavy burden on her body.
After all, a human body isn’t a White Tiger Divine Beast and could not naturally harmonize with the Power of Geng Metal like the White Tiger. If Li Miao Zhen wanted to accelerate her cultivation, she would need to spend a considerable amount of energy regularly adjusting the Geng Metal Energy within her body. Thus, even if she did not regard the Law of Life highly, a treasure like the Blood Lotus that could enhance the Life Origin still counted as a cultivation treasure for her.
However, Li Miao Zhen was a straightforward and generous person. Since she believed that Qin Feng had made many sacrifices for her and significantly aided in her future growth, she was indebted to him. Having obtained the treasure herself, she intended to give it to Qin Feng.
“Alright, then.”
Seeing her insistence, Qin Feng no longer refused, “Since Senior Sister cherishes me so, this junior brother will accept it. However, the essence of Life Origin within it is extremely rich, and with my cultivation, I may not be able to absorb it completely; to avoid unnecessary waste, I would ask Senior Sister to assist me in refining the Blood Lotus when the time comes.”
“Fine!”
Li Miao Zhen acted decisively and did not overthink, simply nodding her head.
As they were speaking, a strong wave of combat fluctuations came from afar.
“Let’s go, we should lend a hand.”
Li Miao Zhen, filled with eagerness, pulled Qin Feng and hurried towards the source of the tumult of battle.
There, two Purple Mansion Demon Cultivators were leading several dozens of their types in a surprise attack on the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect. They hadn’t expected that Li Miao Zhen and Qin Feng would emerge from behind and join the fight. Together with their Spiritual Beasts, it was as if four or five more Purple Mansions and over a dozen Golden Core Spiritual Beasts had joined—their combined forces could form a team by themselves. With their help, the Beast Taming Sect’s side soon achieved victory.
After the battle, they casually chatted with their Sect mates, inquired about the progress in other areas, then once again left the group to venture deeper into the Blood Cave.
“Senior Sister.”
Qin Feng suddenly thought of something and urgently asked, “Where is the Blood Pool from where you took that Blood Lotus?”
“Why?”
Li Miao Zhen gave him a surprised look, “The essence of the Blood Lotus is all in the flower. The roots, stems, and leaves don’t have much effect. Why are you inquiring about that?”
“I have a Soul Devouring Vine Demon,” Qin Feng explained with a hint of excitement. “It’s a variant of the Bloodthirsty Vine. It was manageable during the battles in the Red Flame Demon Realm; I could let it feed on the blood of the Demon Clan without restraint. But since returning to the Sect, I have not been able to nurture it the way I did in the Red Flame Demon Realm, leading to its slow advancement these past few years.
If one of the Elders discovers that Blood Pool, they will surely destroy it. So rather than letting that happen, it’s better to give my Vine Demon an opportunity. I should cultivate it there before the Elders get to it.”
“I see!”
Li Miao Zhen nodded, “Since the Blood Lotus is gone, those Demon Cultivators probably won’t care much about that place anymore. If that’s the case, let me take you there.”
“Great, thank you, Senior Sister.”
Qin Feng, somewhat excited, followed closely behind Li Miao Zhen, rushing deeper into the Blood Cave.
Along the way, whenever they encountered Demon Cultivators, the two did not entangle themselves with them—fighting if they could, fleeing if they couldn’t. After winding their way through, Li Miao Zhen actually found the direction leading to the deepest part.
However, the path to the Blood Pool was crowded with numerous Demon Cultivators, who were clearly not there to block their path, but did indeed obstruct their way forward.
The group of Demon Cultivators was arguing—some wanted to join forces to break out and flee the Blood Cave, others wanted to stay and rely on an array to repel the powerful enemy, awaiting Old Demon Huaxue’s return.
In their minds, with Old Demon Huaxue’s profound strength, once he returned, he would surely annihilate all invading Beast Taming Sect Cultivators.
There were also Demon Cultivators with various intents. Not only did they consider seizing treasures amidst the chaos, but they also found that many items Old Demon Huaxue deemed insignificant were treasures in their eyes. If they could obtain these, they could dominate in the Cultivation World and be unrivaled among peers.
“They have too many people, and there are several from the Purple Mansion Realm among them. It won’t be easy for us to charge and kill our way through.”
Just as Li Miaozhen was about to launch a sneak attack, Qin Feng quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
“What’s there to fear!”
Li Miaozhen said excitedly, “With our combined strength, plus our Spiritual Beasts, although still somewhat weaker than those Demon Cultivators, we are not incapable of fighting.
Moreover, these Demon Cultivators each have their own schemes and different intents. Many of them are already scared by the attacks from our Beast Taming Sect. As long as we display our strong war power, it’s not difficult to break through them.
Rest assured, these Demon Cultivators don’t dare to fight us to the death. They even fear that if they get entangled for too long, it will attract more Sect Disciples to surround and attack them, so they dare not drag out the battle.
Let’s go, let’s fight our way out quickly. If we don’t repel these Demon Cultivators, how can we send your Soul Devouring Vine Demon into the Blood Pool?”
“Uh… Okay.”
Qin Feng had to admit that in terms of battle, Li Miaozhen indeed saw things more clearly than he did.
But he still held onto Li Miaozhen.
“Senior Sister, wait for me for a moment!”
Saying this, he waved his hand to lay down a barrier that concealed their aura, and then summoned the Soul Devouring Vine Demon.
After the battles and cultivation in the Red Flame Demon Realm, the Soul Devouring Vine Demon had already formed a Demon Core. Its main body had grown twice as large compared to when it was first subdued, and its vines could extend even further.
However, when Qin Feng summoned it, he had already instructed it to reduce its size as much as possible, so the Soul Devouring Vine Demon curled all its vines near its roots, looking like a big, dense mass.
“What are you going to do?”
Li Miaozhen curiously watched Qin Feng.
“Senior Sister may not know, but I am also proficient in a Spirit Transformation Divine Power that can transform ancient trees into tree people. Vine Demons come from plants as well, so I will first refine it a bit to give it the ability to transform; otherwise, this creature’s movement speed is really too slow.”
“Oh?”
Li Miaozhen heard this with considerable curiosity, “Spirit Transformation Divine Power? That’s quite rare. Perform it quickly, let me have a look.”
“Alright.”
Qin Feng smiled slightly, lifted his hand, and pointed at the Soul Devouring Vine Demon, immediately casting a green light onto it.
“Crackle crackle…”
A series of soft sounds ensued, and the vines of the Soul Devouring Vine Demon slowly began to transform. Its body continuously shrunk under this refining power, gradually taking on a somewhat humanoid form.
Its vines twisted around one another to form arms, and at the end of each arm, every finger was an individual vine that could extend out to harm enemies.
The roots at the bottom also gradually twisted together to form two long, curved legs. Its belly was large because the rootstock, a place for storing energy, was too big, and even after being compressed, it remained very noticeable.
Although the creature’s main body wasn’t small, and casting the Spirit Transformation Divine Power to assist its Transformation was exhausting, Qin Feng’s present Cultivation level was not what it used to be, and with the support of Pure Spirit Power from the Demon Refining Pot, he wouldn’t encounter the problem of being unable to maintain it. It took nearly a quarter of an hour, but eventually, the creature completed its Transformation.
“Master…”
The Soul Devouring Vine Demon opened and closed its large mouth, excitedly saying, “I can walk now, and I can talk too!”
Qin Feng looked at the shiny green leaves trembling with joy atop its head, well, never mind a little green for now, after this fellow absorbs blood, it will turn red.
“At the end of this passage, there is a Blood Pool created by the Demon Cultivators of the Blood God Sect to cultivate Blood Lotuses. Later, if we can repel those Demon Cultivators, we will take you to the pool to absorb Essence Blood and enhance your strength. If we can’t disperse those Demon Cultivators, we will also create an opportunity for you. Try to see if you can sneak into the Blood Pool by yourself.”
“Thank you, Master.”
The Vine Demon was immediately overjoyed upon hearing this, an endless wave of gratitude rising in its heart.
Following its master was indeed far better than staying in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave Heaven, where it could only absorb Spiritual Energy for cultivation. Ever since it had followed its master, though battle on all fronts was somewhat dangerous and often left its vines severed, it would always get the opportunity to feast on blood afterward.
This feeling of satiation was much more comfortable than the dry cultivation through absorbing Spiritual Energy back in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave Heaven.
“Let’s go, let’s break out!”
Li Miao Zhen merged with the White Tiger in an instant, summoned her Spiritual Beasts, drew her sword, and charged towards the group of Demon Cultivators.
“Ah…”
Qin Feng reached out, wanting to suggest that perhaps they should devise a strategy first, but seeing Li Miao Zhen already making her move, he could only shrug helplessly and merge with the Ruyi Golden Snake, releasing the Swallowing Sky Toad Fire Ape and other Spiritual Beasts, even the Ghost-Faced Spider included.
After all, the opposing side had several Purple Mansion Cultivators and a significant number of Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core Realm disciples from the Blood God Sect; they couldn’t afford to be careless.
As it turned out, Li Miao Zhen’s judgement was correct. As the two of them charged out with powerful momentum and an array of Spiritual Beasts, it immediately startled the Demon Cultivators. Some began fleeing before even engaging in battle—these were individuals who had previously fought in the passage with Beast Taming Sect disciples and had been frightened already.
For a time, the scene became chaotic. Some bloodthirsty and violent Demon Cultivators, with eyes red, wanted to rush in and fight to the death. Some wanted to send others in first while following behind. Others had shifty eyes, thinking of sneaking into Old Demon Huaxue’s Cave Mansion amidst the chaos of the fight, when no one would be watching, to steal a few treasures.
But Li Miao Zhen and Qin Feng were going all out. Their Spiritual Beasts were even more fierce, not daring to slack off at this moment. With such a situation, they didn’t fight for long. After only a dozen or so Demon Cultivators with shallow cultivation died, those who were originally unwilling to engage in prolonged combat began to flee, and those left without backup, despite their reluctance, had no choice but to retreat.
“That’s it, so easy?”
Qin Feng was somewhat surprised.
“What did you expect? Apart from a handful of those without brains, when have Demon Cultivators ever dared to confront us head-on?”
Li Miao Zhen curled her lip, her tone full of disdain: “Ever since the Ancient Great Tribulation, Demon Cultivators have only been hiding and sneaking around, even resorting to ambushes and deceitful tactics when they fight.
If it was just for a short time, fine, but after tens of thousands of years, generations of Demon Cultivators have all turned into crafty and sly beings, no longer capable of fostering the bravery to fight valiantly. Today’s Demon Cultivators no longer possess the ferocity of the Ancient Great Tribulation era; they’ve only retained a cunning and vicious nature, of course, they wouldn’t dare have a frontal deathmatch with us!”
“I see.”
Qin Feng nodded, praising her: “Senior Sister, you are truly admirable for being able to share such insights; I am impressed.”
“Hmph!”
Li Miao Zhen stood proudly with her chest puffed out: “There are many more things about me that would impress you; you just haven’t discovered them yet.”
“Yes, yes, there are quite many!”
Qin Feng gulped, not daring to let his gaze wander, and directly led the Soul Devouring Vine Demon toward the Blood Pool.
Feeling the rich scent of blood from afar, the Soul Devouring Vine Demon trembled with excitement in its branches and leaves.
It moved on its two oddly shaped long legs, running rapidly towards the front.
Upon approaching, Qin Feng carefully surveyed the area and found that there were no active Prohibition Arrays around, and the surface of the Blood Pool seemed normal as well.
Glancing over at Li Miao Zhen and seeing her nod, he then said to the Soul Devouring Vine Demon: “Go down, be careful, and if anything seems amiss, come back up quickly.”
“Yes, Master.”
The Soul Devouring Vine Demon, unable to contain its desire to devour, slipped its roots into the pool first, and then, with a slithery sound, its whole body followed suit, plunging into it.