Chapter 010: Breakthrough

  Clang!

  A long blade of purple copper appeared in the burly man's hands. His blood and energy surged wildly, infusing the weapon until its blade radiated a dazzling light. The surrounding air filled with sharp-edged energy, slicing through the void. Yang Tian's skin tingled with pain as the razor-sharp aura brushed past him.

  "That blood weapon... it's about to ascend to a higher grade!" A chill ran through Yang Tian’s heart. He dared not underestimate his opponent. Gathering all his remaining blood energy, he focused it into his clenched fists.

  "You little brat! I'm going to skin you alive and feed your flesh to the dogs!" the burly man roared, his voice filled with venomous rage. With a forceful swing, he unleashed his purple copper blade. The blade’s energy slashed through space, forming a deadly arc that streaked toward Yang Tian like a lightning-fast executioner's strike.

  "Blazing Sun!"

  Yang Tian’s cold voice rang out. A miniature sun ignited around his fist, even more intense than before. With a single punch, he sent the scorching energy forward. A radiant sun streaked through the void, colliding directly with the incoming blade.

  Boom!

  A blinding crimson light erupted, followed by a deafening explosion. The intense impact sent shockwaves rippling outward. The purple copper blade trembled violently, its glow dimming as tiny cracks spider-webbed across its surface.

  "Impossible…" The burly man’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at his damaged weapon. The power of this technique rivaled even higher-tier martial skills. Before he could fully process his shock, a wave of sheer terror gripped his heart.

  "I haven’t fully mastered the Blazing Sun yet. I must be careful not to use it recklessly unless absolutely necessary." Yang Tian clenched his teeth. His face was deathly pale—his energy reserves nearly depleted.

  "He must die! A boy with such advanced techniques must belong to a powerful clan. If I let him live, they'll hunt me down relentlessly!" The burly man’s eyes gleamed with ruthless determination.

  Just as he was lost in his murderous thoughts, Yang Tian made his move. His figure blurred, blood energy surging as his crimson fists shot forward like meteors, aiming for the burly man's jaw.

  Boom! Boom!

  Fists clashed with bone, the air filled with the deafening roar of battle. Their duel became a vortex of violence, with their blood staining the ground. The sheer intensity of their fight made the space around them tremble.

  Neither held back. Both bodies were riddled with wounds, blood seeping from countless gashes. The battlefield became a crimson wasteland.

  Crack!

  Yang Tian twisted his hands sharply. A sickening snap echoed through the air. The burly man’s eyes froze in horror. He had never imagined that his treasure hunt would end in his own demise.

  Yang Tian exhaled heavily, his body swaying from sheer exhaustion. His small face was devoid of color, and his vision blurred from blood loss. His body was riddled with wounds—gaping, gruesome holes that made him look more dead than alive.

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  Just then, a savage roar resounded.

  Several ferocious beasts, drawn by the scent of blood, appeared. Yang Tian’s weary eyes flickered with urgency. Without hesitation, he grabbed the burly man’s spatial ring and dashed toward a nearby water cavern.

  Drip... Drip...

  Blood trickled from his wounds as exhaustion pulled at his consciousness. His eyelids grew heavy, but his will remained unyielding. He could not die—not yet. Vengeance still burned in his heart.

  He staggered toward the cave’s entrance, leaving a trail of crimson droplets in his wake.

  Inside the cavern, Yang Tian collapsed onto the cold stone floor, his head spinning.

  "No! I can't sleep!" His eyes snapped open, forcing himself to stay awake. If he didn’t treat his injuries soon, the consequences would be dire.

  With a trembling hand, he emptied the contents of the spatial ring. His gaze swept over the items feverishly until it landed on a few jade bottles. Forcing his weak fingers to pry open one, he saw two Blood Essence Pills inside. A faint hint of relief softened his pale features.

  "Hmm?" He opened another bottle, and his lips curled into a weak smile. "A high-grade Bone Tempering Pill!"

  Despite the agony wracking his body, he struggled to sit up. Blood trickled from his lips as he swallowed the Bone Tempering Pill and crossed his legs in meditation.

  As the pill dissolved within him, its medicinal power surged through his broken bones, repeatedly tempering and strengthening them. A soothing sensation washed over him, easing his tightly furrowed brows.

  Fifteen minutes later, his shattered bones were fully restored—stronger than ever. His entire skeletal structure glowed with a crystalline luster, and a rhythmic hum echoed within his body.

  Sensing that the pill’s effects were nearly exhausted, he reached for the Blood Essence Pill. Swallowing it in one motion, he felt a warm liquid energy seep into his organs, filling his veins with newfound vitality.

  His entire being radiated an intense surge of blood energy. The blood core within his Qi Sea expanded once more, its energy far denser than before—nearly twice as strong.

  "Break!"

  Yang Tian let out a thunderous roar. His blood core suddenly split apart. The fragmented cores appeared weak at first, but in the next moment, the power of the Dragon Ancestor Ring stirred. The cavern filled with dense spiritual energy, which was absorbed at a terrifying rate. The fragmented cores rapidly solidified, reaching nearly half the strength of the original.

  "Finally, a breakthrough!" He exhaled slowly, feeling the immense power coursing through his body. A rare smile crept onto his lips.

  Just then, his stomach growled loudly.

  He glanced at a small fire nearby, where a plump wild hare was roasting on a spit. Its golden-brown skin crackled with crispiness, glistening with a coating of salt. A fragrant aroma filled the cave, making his mouth water. Within the rabbit’s split belly, a hint of purple grass stalk was visible.

  Mouth watering, Yang Tian didn't hesitate. As soon as the meat was cooked, he tore into it ravenously, finishing the meal in mere moments.

  Boom!

  Yang Tian rolled his shoulders, standing up with renewed vigor. His shirtless body glowed faintly red, muscles rippling with stored energy. His fists clenched tightly, each punch cutting through the air with explosive force.

  A burst of blood energy erupted around him, sending shockwaves through the cavern. Even the surrounding rocks cracked under the sheer pressure of his strikes.

  His gaze settled on a massive boulder nearby.

  With a sharp stomp, he launched forward. His spine coiled like a poised dragon, and his body moved like a drawn bow. With an earth-shattering punch, his fist slammed into the stone.

  Boom!

  The enormous boulder quivered, fractures webbing outward. Two more strikes followed, shattering a deep hole into its center.

  Breathing heavily, Yang Tian steadied himself. His body thrummed with newfound power.

  Just then, his eyes flickered toward a tree in the corner of the cave. A single crimson fruit hung from its branches, exuding an intoxicating fragrance.

  "A Vermillion Fruit! But it hasn't matured for a hundred years yet… its potency will be reduced." Yang Tian frowned slightly. No doubt, the burly man had also noticed its immaturity, which was why he hadn't consumed it.

  "I wonder… can the Dragon Ancestor Ring nurture it?"

  Muttering to himself, Yang Tian willed the fruit into the ring’s space. His gaze scanned the twenty-foot-wide dimension within.

  Something felt… off.