NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: First Stage
"So, what's with your ice powers? I thought you were going to use my Yin Energy to cultivate your realm."
Elaine curiously asked.
"Nah! I have another preparation for that. I need to utilize your Yin Energy to cultivate the Ice Energy. It is a Secret Technique."
Ken explained.
Then, he raised his eyebrows and asked.
"Do you need it?"
Elaine shook her head and said.
"Nope! My cultivation technique is opposite to ice. Besides, I have to finish absorbing the Yang Energy and raise my cultivation."
Ken nodded his head as he drank some water from a cup and said.
"You have already completed your Blood Tempering Stage. While cultivating Muscle Tempering, you need to do two extra things."
"First, if you can, buy medicines that can increase your strength like Lightning Heart Pill, Burning Heart Pill, and Golden Vitality Pill."
"Lightning Heart Pill and Burning Heart Pill can be pretty difficult to take, but if you take them, they will make your heart stronger."
"Most people think using these pills at this stage is a waste, but they don't know that improved blood can increase the strength of your muscles."
"Muscle Tempering Realm is all about improving your physical strength. And Golden Vitality Pill can keep your heart and blood healthy."
Hearing that, Elaine's eyes lit up.
"How did you know that? I never thought there was a secret to strength like this."
'Hehe! You don't know how many things I regret in my past life.'
Ken smirked, but underneath, he was bitterly laughing at himself.
Even if he did know this, he wouldn't be able to use this method since it was quite costly.
"And, once you reach Muscle Tempering Stage, practice Blood Burning Art."
Hearing that, Elaine's eyes shrank as her face turned pale, and she asked.
"Isn't that bad? Blood Burning Art is quite vicious."
Ken shook his head and said.
"It is only destructive when you overuse it. Anything can be destructive if they are overused. For cultivators like us, lifespan isn't much of a problem."
"And, with our blood constantly being replaced every second, it's not like burning blood truly matters."
"More importantly, the more you practice with this, the better you will get at using it. Until the point where you can regularly use it without causing yourself any harm."
Elaine paused for a moment, contemplating his words.
It was true. For cultivators, lifespan didn't matter much if they could keep improving.
Even so, the idea of burning blood had been vicious in the minds of many. So, even if she did get it, it wasn't like she could use it regularly.
But if Ken was right. Then, having a secret art like in her arsenal could make a huge difference.
After a year of experiencing being a cultivator, she knew just how dangerous her life had become.
"Alright then, I will accept your advice."
Elaine helplessly sighed and narrowed her eyes towards Ken.
"You know, for a disciple, you act a lot like an elder. Giving others advice!"
Ken chuckled and said.
"I guess I take the idea of 'Love your Sect and Never Betray it' too strongly."
Elaine shrugged her shoulders and stood up.
"Well, I certainly don't care much about this sect. You know, if I had better than Alice and Julia, I wouldn't have joined this sect."
She walked behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering.
"But I am glad I didn't. After all, I wouldn't have met you if I weren't here."
"You sneaky girl….. You are tempting me."
Ken snorted. But before he could catch her, she ran towards her bed and sat cross-legged, closing her eyes.
"Haa! I guess I won't be able to do it."
Ken helplessly sighed and went to her side. He also assumed a similar position and entered the state of cultivation.
At this moment, the ice all over his Qi was certainly affecting it. But he didn't waste any more time and started using ice energy to complete the ring.
Three Days Later;
He opened his eyes with a big smile on his face.
Not only had he completed the first stage of the Nine Continents Frozen Body Technique.
But he also managed to practice the first stage of the Golden Elephant Body Technique to perfection.
With these two techniques, he had a strong confidence that he could easily fight anyone within the Blood Tempering Stage.
But he didn't get too excited about his achievement.
After all, there were still many people in this sect, in the outer court, who had achieved better feats than he.
He didn't remember this year so clearly, but he knew a talented disciple appeared during this year.
He forgot what this disciple's name was. Though he did remember him cultivating the true power of an Element.
Unlike normal affinity, there was a level of comprehension one could have with an element.
For example, his comprehension of the Earth Element made his Rock Shattering Fist stronger.
But even so, his comprehension of Earth Element wasn't even 1%.
That disciple managed to cultivate his element to 10%. So, the power boost was unimaginable for someone like him.
And, while he was the only one who managed to comprehend the 10% elemental power, many other disciples perfected their martial arts.
Martial Arts and Cultivation Techniques were divided into five levels based on one's comprehension.
Beginner, Entry, Small Achievement, Great Achievement, and Perfection!
These levels mattered because a Perfected One-Star Martial Art could beat a Beginner or Entry Two-Star Martial Art at the same realm.
Just like how Makim had reached Great Achievement in his Rock Shattering Fist, but Ken was better because he had reached Perfection.
A beginner required a person to simply read a martial art and generate the power.
An Entry required a person to utilize the martial art to produce some level of result.
This was exactly where Elaine was when she met Ken.
Small Achievement was a level where a person could correctly use a martial art without many problems.
Great Achievement was where Elaine's first successful attack landed. It was also where she managed to release fully-powered Fire Punch.
That meant, with a simple talk, Ken was able to help her cross two levels instantly.
But she didn't just stay at that level. By merging the power of her purple flame, she managed to reach Perfection.
Now, she was only lacking comprehension of the Fire Element.
And that's exactly what he planned to do. Helping her would also help him.
But for now, he needed to return to his house and check something.
"Are you leaving? Can't you stay here?" Elaine put on a reluctant face when she heard Ken saying goodbye to her.
"I have something to do. Don't worry, when I am free, I will come and visit you."
Ken replied in a soft voice.
"Really?"
Elaine excitedly asked.
"Of course!"
Ken smiled and left her house. As he walked out, he didn't see a lot of people.
He was quite good; that was the case since his reputation in the sect wasn't exactly good.
This would save a lot of drama. He didn't know why, but after getting those memories, he was truly afraid of being entangled with those arrogant people.
Before, he didn't use to think much about them, but now, they were quite a nuisance for him.
While he was returning home, he decided to check his system panel. It had been three days after all.
[Name: Ken Xin
Cultivation: Blood Tempering Stage (5%)
Cultivation Technique: Ancient Dragon Transformation Technique, Golden Elephant Body Technique
Secret Technique: Nine Continents Frozen Body Technique
Martial Art: Rock Shattering Fist, Snake Steps
Secret Art: Mist of White Turtle
Luck: Blue
Background: Son of Xin Yue, First Daughter of the Xin Family
Comprehension: 4-Star
Physique: Dragon Blood Body (Awakened)
Innate Ability: Dragon Scales (One-Star), Dragon Roar (One-Star), Dragon Flame (One-Star)
Bloodline: Samsara Flame Bloodline (Unawakened)
Bloodline Abilities: None
Professions: Teacher (One-Star), Dual Cultivator (One-Star), and Overlord (One-Star)
Gifts: Enlightening Words, Touch of Passion, and Strong Presence
Destiny Eggs: 5
Items: Yin Energy Pill, Scroll, Space Ring]
Looking at his panel, he nodded his head with satisfaction.
He had started his cultivation and reached 5% of the Blood Tempering Stage, but it was simply because he didn't want to cross the entire stage in her house.
He planned to do it in his house.
Just when he was moving towards his house, he noticed someone following him. His sharp senses gave him the exact location of his enemy.
His enemy wasn't even hiding, making him a little bit doubtful if this was even his enemy.
But when he got to a place pretty close to his house, he stopped and turned toward the right side.
"Come out!"
His voice triggered the enemy. In an instant, a cultivator covered in red Qi came running towards him.
His speed was fast, but his voice was filled with resentment and anger.
"How dare you take her away from me? That bitch! When I surpass her, I will put her under my belt."
"But now, I just want to kill you."