[11] The Crimson Ascendance: Unleashing Stage 2 of the Blood Demon Technique…

Chapter 11:- The Crimson Ascendance: Unleashing Stage 2 of the Blood Demon Technique…

"Sir, I have achieved the peak of Stage 1 and now wish to obtain the Stage 2 scroll of the Blood Demon Technique. Here is my sect token," Arkan said as he passed his sect token to the disciple standing before him.

The disciple examined the sect token and then looked at Arkan. Upon seeing that Arkan's appearance had changed to the color of a monkey's butt, the disciple retrieved a white orb and said, "Place your hand on top of the orb and don't try anything funny."

Arkan nodded and placed his right hand on the white orb. Instantly, the orb began to change color, eventually shining with a blinding red light. Arkan instinctively pulled back his hand and shielded his eyes. After some time, when the light had dimmed enough, he cautiously uncovered his eyes.

The disciple in front of Arkan took out a storage ring that resembled the one Arkan already wore on his hand. The disciple wrote something in a register and said, "Take this storage ring with you. All the contents within, as well as the storage ring itself, now belong to you."

Arkan nodded in gratitude and slowly made his way back to his house. Upon entering, he settled down on his bed and began to examine the items within his newly acquired storage ring. Among them were 20 spirit stones, 60 liters of human blood, and a yellowish scroll. Arkan disregarded everything else and retrieved the scroll.

The yellow scroll contained the instructions for the Blood Demon Technique's Stage 2. Arkan carefully read through the introduction, gaining a clear understanding of what cultivating talent truly meant. He also took note of the potential side effects, which gave him some pause. The possibility of losing a rare and powerful elemental affinity worried him, but he also considered the benefits if his affinity turned out to be a more common element like Water or Air.

Sighing, Arkan eventually came to terms with the path he had chosen. There was no turning back now. He fully unfurled the scroll and committed the entire technique to memory.

"Verily, within the realm of cultivation, 'tis imperative to acknowledge that the transcending of mortal bounds doth not bestow upon cultivators an exalted state beyond mortality. To truly embark upon the path of cultivation, one must achieve the esteemed Qi Gathering Stage, a momentous milestone upon the journey. Qi, that enigmatic energy which doth saturate our surroundings, doth possess the power to both fortify and dismantle the corporeal form. It is an amalgamation of the four fundamental elements, artfully blended in harmonious union. Despite its innate potency, Qi is oft perceived as an inferior essence within the expansive domain of cultivation."

"The Blood Demon Technique... Stage 2," Arkan murmured, his voice filled with determination. He immersed himself in the instructions, absorbing the steps one by one:

"Step 1: You have already utilized Stage 1 of the Blood Demon Technique, resulting in 20% dormant Qi within your body. Activate it.

Step 2: To activate it, absorb spirit energy from your surroundings or a spirit stone until you feel as though you might explode. Contain it within yourself, and then release all the Qi in your body simultaneously.

Step 3: After releasing the excess Qi, 20% of your blood will evaporate in the process. Drink human blood and refine it using the Stage 1 method. Upon successful refinement, you will directly enter Rank 2, Stage 2 without encountering any bottlenecks.

Step 4: Now that you have successfully activated 20% of your Qi, absorb more Qi from the atmosphere and strive to gain greater control over the blood within your body.

Step 5: The method of absorbing Qi from spirit stones or the surrounding environment is as follows: Assume the lotus position, take a deep breath, hold it in, and release five short breaths at regular intervals.

Note 1: Each time you absorb Qi, a portion of your blood will burn.

Note 2: Therefore, you must replenish the blood in your body promptly. If the blood percentage drops below 20%, you will die.

Note 3: After reaching Rank 5, Stage 2, you will be able to absorb Qi from the blood.

Note 4: Always remain vigilant of your surroundings while cultivating, as you will be at your weakest and defenseless.

Note 5: You only have one opportunity to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2. Failure may result in a loss of cultivation rank or even death.

Note 6: The side effects may result in corruption or in worst cases destruction of natural elemental affinity.

Note 7: No talent is needed while cultivating this technique, meaning that your talent could be trash but you can still cultivate this technique on a regular rate."

With the contents of the scroll deeply etched in his mind, Arkan assumed the lotus position and prepared to put the teachings into practice. Though the desire to absorb Qi directly from blood lingered within him, he recognized his current limitations. Thus, he diligently followed the scroll's instructions, slowly cultivating and absorbing his first Qi after an arduous eight hours of unwavering dedication.

As Arkan sat in meditation, fully immersed in the cultivation process, time seemed to bend to its own will. He focused on absorbing Qi, allowing it to course through his meridians and invigorate his body. Each breath brought forth a surge of energy, strengthening his physique and sharpening his senses. The experience oscillated between exhilaration and exhaustion, yet Arkan's resolve remained steadfast.

Throughout his cultivation, Arkan maintained a careful balance between Qi and blood, mindful of the scroll's warning that a portion of his blood would burn with every Qi absorption. He understood the delicate equilibrium necessary for survival and progress.

Days turned into nights as Arkan persisted in his cultivation, steadily gaining control over the Qi and blood within him. He sensed the breakthrough into Stage 2 drawing closer with each passing moment. The anticipation of the power and potential that awaited him fueled his determination.

As he delved deeper into the cultivation process, Arkan remained acutely aware of his surroundings, knowing that he was most vulnerable during this critical stage. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Finally, after days of tireless cultivation, a profound transformation swept over Arkan. The Qi within his body surged, a testament to his successful activation of 20% Qi and the refinement of his blood. Seamlessly, he advanced to Rank 2, Stage 2 without encountering any bottlenecks.

With a sense of accomplishment and newfound strength, Arkan opened his eyes and rose from the lotus position. 

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