Under the ominous weight of the vermillion fluid, Zhong Peng was coerced into a supplicatory posture upon his knees.
Despite his valiant efforts to regain his footing, the oppressive force proved insurmountable, and he was compelled once more to prostrate himself before the overwhelming pressure.
Zhong Peng, with his recently attained sense of pride, resolved to not seek assistance from the man.
Despite the immense pressure bearing down upon him, he endeavored to rise to his feet, only to be forcibly thrust back down time and time again. His knees bled copiously, yet he persisted in his efforts.
The man watched as Zhong Peng tried again and again to rise to his feet, the man was taken aback by Zhong Peng's remarkable ability to withstand or recover from adversity, demonstrating a level of toughness, strength, and perseverance that exceeded the man's expectations or assumptions.
After trying for a while Zhong Peng managed to stand on his feet, the pressure was still there but he could now resist it a little bit.
"At least you possess great resilience, that at least is good," the man said nodding his head in a manner that bespoke his satisfaction.
With a grandiose gesture, the man swept his arm and the scarlet blood cascaded towards Zhong Peng's forehead. As the droplets of blood made contact, Zhong Peng absorbed them into his being and immediately entered into a deep state of meditation.
As the man was on the verge of assisting Zhong Peng with the absorption, he suddenly heard a voice emanating from behind him. "Do not offer your aid " the voice cautioned, "Let him do it on his own "
With a jolt, the man spun around in astonishment, for he realized that the source of the voice was coming from his spatial space, a place that none could penetrate without his express consent.
"Who is there," the man said as he spun around in shock and astonishment
As the man shifted his gaze toward the source of the sound, he was taken aback by the sight of the elderly gentleman who stood before him.
Without hesitation, he promptly dropped down onto his knees and humbly spoke, "I offer my sincerest apologies for my impertinent behavior earlier. This one has erred and seeks your forgiveness"
"You were able to recognize me, that means that you are from up there," the old man said.
" Yes," the man replied still lowering his head.
"Can you tell me the situation of things there?" the old man asked
" Yes," the man replied and then continued "After the war of the Gods, the celestial realm experienced a brief period of tranquility. However, turmoil erupted anew with the reappearance of the divine blade, as all the heavenly clans and sects vied for its possession. When I finally obtained the coveted weapon, I concealed it from prying eyes. Alas, rumors inevitably spread like wildfire, and my clan soon fell prey to a brutal invasion. Despite my steadfast refusal to relinquish the blade, my kin was branded as traitors and mercilessly slaughtered to the last. Though I managed to elude my pursuers and flee to a hidden sanctuary, they ultimately discovered my refuge and closed in on me, I managed to leave this inheritance to continue our bloodline " the man said.
"Their insatiable greed knows no bounds," lamented the old man with a somber countenance. "Even after the calamitous War of the Gods claimed the lives of countless divine beings, humanity persists in their incessant conflict, rendering themselves weaker in the process. Meanwhile, the ancient, primordial demons grow ever stronger, and I cannot help but ponder whether humanity shall weather the impending storm of war this time around." The old man said with a heavy tone.
After a while, the man inquired, "If you don't mind me asking why are you with him" He gestured towards Zhong Peng, who remained preoccupied with the task of refining dragon blood.
"he is now my inheritor, I hope to accompany him and guide him in his cultivation, maybe he would become strong enough to change the situation someday", the old man said
Amid a heated discussion between two men, Zhong Peng remained entirely oblivious.
His mind was consumed by a deep state of meditation as he meticulously refined the dragon's blood. His focus was unwavering, and he rose to new heights of spiritual clarity with each passing moment.
The world around him faded into insignificance as he delved deeper into his craft, drawing forth the very essence of the dragon's power.
As the sands of time continued to trickle by, mere hours transformed into a single day, and that solitary day stretched forth into an arduous span of four days. At long last, Zhong Peng emerged from his deep meditative state, having spent this interminable time in focused contemplation and rigorous spiritual training.
Through his unyielding dedication and unwavering discipline, he had achieved a magnificent feat, refining a staggering sixty percent of his vital lifeblood essence, he has risen from a low true martial cultivator to a pinnacle true martial cultivator.
As Zhong Peng roused from his profound meditative state, he felt a renewed sense of vitality and vigor coursing through his veins.
Despite having spent four long days in deep contemplation, he emerged from his trance feeling refreshed and invigorated. Surveying his surroundings, he realized that he was still ensconced within the ancient battlefield, the man was still there silently watching him.