Chapter Sixty-Five: The Undercurrent Surges

The final surge of blood-colored energy was exceedingly concentrated, and the vitality contained within this blood was undeniably far greater than in the prior waves. Within this energy, a suffocating pressure permeated the space, making one’s heart race in alarm. As this formidable energy entered Ye Cheng’s body, an overwhelming surge of blood force erupted, its oppressive power vastly exceeding that of Luo family’s martial captain, Mo San, from before. If Mo San had not been slain by Ye Zhan but stood here now, witnessing the blood energy enveloping Ye Cheng, he too would have felt dread.

With the addition of this blood energy, the original balance between the azure fire streams and the blood membrane within Ye Cheng was instantly shattered. A massive counterattack ensued as the blood energy surged, relentlessly driving those streams of azure fire from the most fragile meridians. After a few breaths, they were forced into a single corner, where the azure fire was compelled to once again condense into a ball of flame.

Yet now, the azure flame seemed already depleted from its earlier resistance, its radiance dimmed. Around it, unending torrents of blood energy gathered, encircling it defensively, confining the primordial spirit fire and preventing it from rampaging.

Sensing the weakened state of the azure flame, Ye Cheng steeled himself. He could no longer hold back. Gathering every ounce of his blood energy, he surged it forth like an overwhelming tide toward the primordial spirit fire, determined to assimilate it in one stroke and make it his own.

Strike while the iron is hot—Ye Cheng understood that if he succeeded, the primordial spirit fire would become part of himself. This would mark the first true step in mastering fire essence, for only by taming the spirit fire could he summon the world’s fire element and kindle a flame within his body.

A faint blood mist continuously drifted from Ye Cheng, growing denser around him. Soon, it formed a massive cocoon of blood, entirely obscuring his figure within.

Inside this crimson cocoon, Ye Cheng was locked in struggle with the primordial spirit fire. Now, all that remained was a contest of endurance. If he succeeded, he would break free from his cocoon, reborn as a butterfly.

Ye Cheng’s every action was witnessed by the cave’s master, the refined man floating in the air. Seeing Ye Cheng gain the upper hand, hope flickered in the man’s eyes, and a faint smile curled his lips. But beneath that smile was a hint of astonishment.

Even he was shocked by the terrifying devouring power unleashed from the myriad hidden spiritual veins within Ye Cheng. One must know, the blood energy here originated from his own body, which had nearly crossed into the Primordial Spirit realm. Though a century had passed and less than one percent of his original energy remained, it was still a formidable force, comparable to the blood energy of a peak Origin Realm expert.

For such an immense power to be wholly absorbed by a youth who had merely perfected the Blood Energy Realm—if it were anyone else, forced absorption would have only led to their body’s destruction.

The refined man gazed at the solidifying crimson cocoon, golden light flickering in his eyes, his expression contemplative, soon giving way to utter shock.

“Could this youngster possess that legendary constitution?” he muttered.

Yet almost at once, he shook his head with a wry smile, dismissing the thought. He knew well how rare such a constitution was, and from his fragmented memories, there were no cultivation methods for it. Besides, this youth had already reached mastery of the Blood Energy Realm, contradicting his understanding of such a physique.

Unable to unravel the mystery, the refined man simply ceased pondering it. He shifted his gaze from the cocoon to the silhouette of a young girl outside the dark space, his vision apparently unhindered by the shadows.

At that moment, Nangong Xue sat quietly among the flowers and grasses, eyes closed, her hands as white as jade resting upon her knees. Dressed in white, she appeared even more pure and captivating, like a white lotus blossoming amid the greenery, standing out in serene elegance, making the other blooms seem mere background.

On her cool, beautiful face, her brows were slightly furrowed; from her, an intense, razor-sharp sword intent radiated, causing the bronze longsword at her side to hum in resonance.

As time passed, the fluctuations of sword intent grew even more violent, making Nangong Xue seem like a sword about to be drawn from its sheath—its intent already shocking before the blade was even revealed. Clearly, she had begun to comprehend the true essence of the Nine Heavens Profound Sword Art.

Seeing this, the refined man’s lips curved in satisfaction. Such rapid progress in so short a time proved that this sword art was perfectly suited to Nangong Xue.

“Ah, what a pity…” he sighed.

Watching Ye Cheng and Nangong Xue’s performances, the refined man felt a fondness for these talents, but soon he could only smile bitterly, his helpless tone echoing in the darkness.

Outside the stone cave, at the edge of the Demon Ape Clan’s territory, a shadow stood atop an ancient tree. Soon, another figure emerged from the woods, dropping to one knee before the figure in black.

After their arrival, the black shadow atop the ancient tree lowered his eyelids and spoke in a cold, indifferent tone:

“Any discoveries?”

“From some mercenaries, I learned that the city lord’s daughter from Eternal Joy City entered the Demon Ape Clan’s ancient cave, said to be their forbidden ground. According to them, during the chaos, a youth also slipped inside,” one of the newcomers replied respectfully.

“Did you find out if the youth is our target?” At the mention of the youth, the black figure finally raised his eyelids.

“The mercenaries didn’t know his identity.”

“Third Elder, shall we enter the Demon Ape Clan’s forbidden ground to confirm the youth’s identity ourselves?”

“No need. If you believe you can sneak into their so-called forbidden ground past their guards, I’d be happy to let you try,” the black figure replied with a cold sneer.

At this, the others shrank back, silent. To enter the Demon Ape Clan’s territory was to risk one’s head, let alone their tightly guarded forbidden ground.

When no one spoke, the black figure continued, “Then we wait here for a few days, until they emerge from the stone cave.”